Chapter 263 The rest of our lives.

Chapter 263 The rest of our lives.

CHAPTER 263 
The rest of our lives. 
ROMEO

“To our graduating students!” Mom raises her glass in the air, and we all lift ours. 

“We love you all, and we are so proud of you.” 

Milly beams, leaning into me, and I press a soft kiss to her forehead.

We’re having the celebratory dinner at one of the most expensive restaurants in New York. It opened only a few weeks ago. Dad’s company worked on it, and it is one of his best works. The owner of the restaurant offered to host us for this special evening, and she has been extra nice, even though the kids have been loud. 

Jordan’s parents, Darcy’s, Kai’s, Pandora’s dad, and Milly’s mom are present at the table, alongside our siblings, who are still awed. I cannot blame them – the interior is amazingly done.

“You are about to begin the rest of your lives, and I have never been prouder of every one here,” Dad says earnestly, looking straight at me, and my heart clenches. How our relationship was fixed still amazes me, because there was a point when I thought he hated me, but he didn’t. He never did. We didn’t understand each other, and now, we do. Milly’s speech got to me; it got to all of us. 

“Just know that you are not alone; you will never walk alone, and as Millicent said, it is alright to be scared; do it anyway. To Millicent.” He raises his glass, and everyone echoes, “To Millicent.” 

She basically melts into me, hiding her face in my arms. 

“Also, Milly,” he swallows thickly, and I look at him. 

“I know we never talk about your father, but know that he is very proud of you. I do not intend to replace him in your life because that would be impossible, but I want you to know that if you ever get lonely, if you ever miss your father and feel no one in the world understands you, know that I am always one call away, and one flight away.” He reminds her earnestly. 

“Oh.” She whispers, blinking back tears.

“Not only him.” Darcy’s Dad adds.

“All the Dads at this table.” Kai’s Dad nods. 

“We will never be able to replace your father, and we do not intend to, but know that you are never alone.” Pandora’s Dad assures her. 

“We are always standing behind you, even when you do not see us.” Jordan’s Dad agrees.

Milly’s face is flushed, as red as a tomato, and she looks at her hands.

“I think she got the message. She is going to cry again.” Pandora sighs, as if it hurts to see Milly cry, and it hurts me too.

“And I will cry too,” Emma tells her loudly.

“I’m fine.” Milly inhales long and hard. “I am fine. Thank you so much. Thank you.”

Thankfully, we shift from the heavy conversations once the food platter arrives. Alex gasps loudly, and we all chuckle. The aroma is thick in the air, and my mouth waters. We have had a very long day of pictures, goodbyes, and hugs. This is the way to wrap up the day, with good food and our family by our side. 

It is a serve-yourself platter, so I help Milly dish hers. 

Soon, we are eating and having light conversations. I’m not surprised when she pushes her plate to me, unable to eat more. I wasn’t raised to waste food, which is why she always gives me her food. I finish it in seconds, wrap my arms around her, and we listen to our family talk.

“When are you going to Michigan, Jordan?” Liliah asks.

And the heavy conversations are back.

Jordan looks up and answers. “In a few weeks.”

I wonder what will become of his relationship with Darcy. Are they going to try long distance? I do not want to pry, and I hope they can work it out.

The conversation shifts to a lighter topic. Jordan, Kai and I keep glancing at each other. There’s an afterparty we all need to attend. We’ve earned it after all. This is our last night with all our high school friends. The party is for seniors only, and everyone is invited. It isn’t like the previous parties where the exclusivity is kept for only the football team and cheerleaders. 

“Would it be alright if we left? We have to meet up with a few of our friends, and we are running late.” I ask Dad, but I glance around the table at the parents, because this is also directed at them. 

“When should we expect you back?” Mom glances at the huge wall clock across from us.

“Before midnight,” Milly answers with a smile.

“Alright, drive safely and call if you are even a bit intoxicated.” Pandora’s Dad tells us sternly, and I nod.

I link my hand with Milly, and we leave. 

We get to the party in ten minutes, and I have a huge grin on my face. It is filled to the brim with our friends. They cheer when they see us, and excitement explodes in my chest like confetti. I lead Milly to the bar for a bottle of water, and she holds on to my arm.

“Mind if I cut in?” 

I glance to my right and see Killian. Killian

“Oh my, Killian!” Milly gasps and throws her arm around him happily. 

“Hello, Stark.” He chuckles, hugging her softly before stepping away. 

“What are you doing here? I haven’t seen you in forever. I thought you moved home to Italy.” Milly gushes, and I look at her. She is happy to see him. That is all that matters. 

“I decided to check on my friends. Heard you are all graduating today. Sorry I missed your speech.” He murmurs, and I frown at him. There’s something different about him, rougher around the edges. Oddly enough, I wonder if he is alright. He seems to have lost the childhood fire we had.

“You look so rugged.” She beams at him and pinches his cheeks.

“And you look stunning as always.” He compliments, before finally looking at me with a nod. “Sinclair.” 

“Russo.” I nod back. 

“Happy Graduation.” 

“Thank you. Good to see you, Killian.” I say, and it is the truth. It is good to see him. He will always be an old friend, an ally, even.

“Are you leaving soon? Why don’t you hang around a little?” Milly suggests. 

Something flickers over his eyes, and he glances behind him. I’m not sure if he is looking at Poppy, or the men in black waiting for him. Maybe both. 

“I think I’ll hang around for a little bit.” He decides, and she smiles. “We’ll find you.” 

He nods and walks away. Something is different about him. It is clear even in the way he walks. I wonder if I’ll ever see him again.

“Come on, baby, let’s dance.” Milly pulls me fully to the dance floor, where our friends are. 

This, truly, is the beginning of the rest of our lives.