Chapter 616 The Most Important Thing For A Man Is Not His Face
Josiah adopted an appropriate demeanor as a junior and said, “Mr. Maverick, I have always remembered what you said to me at the Thorne manor. Regardless of whether Lysander accepts me or not, I will treat her well for the rest of my life. Her family is my family.”
Maverick lowered his head and nodded. As his health condition worsened, his attitude underwent a change. His tone was no longer as assertive as before. Rather, he began to speak more openly and honestly.
“I’m not afraid to tell you the truth. I’ve never been satisfied with you as my son–in–law, especially after learning about what you’ve done to Lysa. I’ve viewed you as an enemy. If it weren’t for the fear of causing trouble for Lysa and the others, I would have taken you down.”
Maverick was known for his fiery and impulsive nature, but when it came to protecting his family, he would spare no expense, even if it meant sacrificing his own life. Now that the day had come, he harbored no regrets. However, he couldn’t bear to leave his family.
Josiah had long reflected thoroughly on his past actions. He responded to Maverick’s remarks without any resentment, saying. “As a father, it’s only natural for you to protect your daughter. I understand that. completely.”
Maverick asked in a low voice, “Do you really hold no resentment toward me? The scar on your face is still there. I ruined your good–looking face.”
Josiah dismissively said, “The most important thing for a man is not his face. It’s his shoulders.”
Maverick gave a satisfied smile, understanding the metaphorical reference of the word “shoulder” in their
conversation.
The shoulders symbolized the ability to carry responsibility and be accountable.
“Okay, I’ll take your words as truth. I won’t bother with any pretense. I’ll tell you so that you have an idea of what is going on.”
Josiah held his breath, waiting for Maverick to continue.
Maverick, supporting himself by his knee, slowly stood up and said: “The doctor who diagnosed me told me that my days are numbered. That’s why I want to find a reliable person for Lysa before I die….
Josiah quickly stood up and reached out to steady Maverick in time. Even after Maverick waved his hand. and refused his help, Josiah only let go when he was sure that the former was steady on his feet.
Maverick took several deep breaths. With a hint of bitterness, he said, “I didn’t expect that I’d start seeing spots when I stood up. I only sat for a while.”
His diseased lungs were no longer capable of supporting him as they used to. Even if he pretended to be healthy, it was no longer convincing. If he continued this way, Lysander would notice sooner or later.
MEINDER
Upon considering the future of his wife and daughter, Maverick resolutely turned to face Josiah.
“Although you are not my first choice as my son–in–law, after much consideration, you seem to be the most reliable person Lysander can depend on at the moment. I’ve heard from Howard that you’ve truly changed, and your actions speak volumes. So…. Mr. Guerra, consider this a plea from me. Please take good care of my wife and daughters in the future.”
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Chapter 616 The Most Important Thing For A Man Is Not His Face
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As he spoke, he endured the stifling pain in his chest and the sharp twinges. With utmost seriousness, he bowed before Josiah.
Startled, Josiah quickly reached out to help him up. “Mr. Maverick, I’m your junior. I can’t accept a bow from you!”
However, Maverick insisted on finishing the bow before straightening up. With a sheen of cold sweat glistening on his forehead, he spoke with difficulty but clarity. “I don’t care if you think you can accept it or not, but since you’ve accepted my respect, you must not forget what I said today! Otherwise, I’ll kneel before you!”
Just the bow alone was already too much for Josiah to accept, let alone an even greater gesture. Upon hearing Maverick’s words, he hastily returned the bow.
“What do you mean by this?” Maverick asked, clearly displeased.
He was a serious and rigid man with a very traditional personality. Upon seeing Josiah returning the bow,
first instinct was to think that Josiah was going back on his word, which made him somewhat angry.
With a calm demeanor, Josiah explained promptly, “I just want you to understand my feelings for Lysander. Even without your request, I will take care of her and her family the same way. You are a good father, but I am not.”
Maverick scoffed and shook his head. “That kid… That kid…”
A pang of pain surged through Josiah’s heart.
Maverick brushed the cigarette ash off his sleeve and said softly, “All right, I don’t ask for anything else now. I just hope that you will keep your word. Even if one day you revert to your old ways, please, don’t hurt Lysa again for the sake of what we discussed today. If my reputation isn’t enough for you to do as I say, consider Howard’s. His reputation is greater than mine.”
Maverick had already come to terms with his approaching death. There should be nothing left for him to care about, but when he spoke, he couldn’t help but lower his stance. He had considered even the slightest possibility, however remote it might be.
Upon hearing that, Josiah fully understood the intentions behind Maverick’s agreement to Howard’s proposal. He knew that if the two families were to merge into one, Lysander would still have a home to return to even if Maverick was really gone.
“The day will never come. I swear,” he promised unwaveringly.
Maverick nodded, proceeding to talk about the matters he couldn’t let go of. Every time he mentioned his family, he couldn’t help but ramble on, repeating the same stories over and over again. He wished he could explain every little detail and leave nothing out
“If that day comes…” Maverick choked back a sob and continued, “Lysa is not only kind–hearted and strong, but also deeply cares for her family and friends. She might not say much, but she understands everything. She will inevitably feel sad when the time comes, but don’t let her cry too much. It might not be good for her health.”
“Okay.”
“Laura and Michelle are no different. When the time comes and they are overcome with grief, I won’t be there to comfort them. I entrust this task to you…”
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Chapter 616 The Most Important Thing For A Man Is Not His Face
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Maverick wasn’t typically a man of many words. However, at that moment, he spoke lengthily and non- stop until his mouth was dry.
Josiah listened seriously. As soon as Maverick paused, he immediately promised, “I’ve taken to heart everything you’ve said. I won’t forget them in this lifetime.”
“Okay.” Maverick hadn’t realized that he had spent so much time chatting with Josiah. Before leaving the stairwell, he made a point to emphasize, “What I just told you, don’t share it with anyone, especially Lysa.”
Josiah was torn inside. Hesitating, he remained silent for a long time.
Maverick was afraid that Josiah wouldn’t be able to keep his secret, so he added, “I probably have two to three months left to live. I don’t wish for anything else, I just want to spend my last days happily with my family. I don’t want to see them immersed in pain ahead of time. Josiah, I hope you can help me.”
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