William chuckled softly. "That's simply how life works. We all arrive one day and one day, we leave." He lovingly cupped her cheek. "But when that day comes, I don't want you to remember me with tears. I want you to remember my laughter. The times we drank tea together. The way I annoyed Leo and the boys and the way we all sat together as one family."
He smiled with peaceful eyes. "If you ever miss me, then smile. Because that's exactly how I'd like to live in your memories."
Bella's eyes became watery. She carefully hugged him once more. "...I promise."
William gently kissed the top of her head. "That's my girl."
One by one, the rest of the family and friends gathered around them.
Lina proudly adjusted Bella's graduation cap before kissing her forehead. "My daughter graduated." There wasn't a trace of her usual coldness today. Only pride.
Alessandro smiled as he handed Bella a bouquet of beautiful white lilies. "Congratulations. You've worked incredibly hard."
