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"The purpose of our life needs to be positive. We weren't born with the purpose of causing trouble, harming others. For our life to be of value, I think we must develop basic good human qualities – warmth, kindness, compassion. Then our life becomes meaningful and more peaceful – happier."

– Dalai Lama

Bella's pov

"Dad, I won't ever let anyone disrespect Bella like that. You have no idea what she has been through already in her life. So if you can't help atleast don't add more problems in her life. She is the most amazing human being I know. She is so strong that even after going through so much she didn't go towards the wrong path. She didn't choose drugs or alcohol to hide away her problems instead she decided to face them. She didn't run away from it dad, like you did. She wants to care about her child more than anything. You know what's it's like to raise a kid alone. You know how depressing it gets without having someone. You out of all the people know this dad. I know you loved my mother, you still do and haven't been able to move forward. I don't want this to happen with her or her child dad. I want to help her in any possible way. She is the reason why my grades got better, she is the reason behind my happiness from the past couple of months, she provided me the kind of positivity I wanted dad. Heck she is the only reason why I chose to ask your permission before marrying her. She is the reason why I am not getting angry like I usually do." By the end of it, I can see Xander getting emotional.

I am too, after hearing how much he values me in his life. How much I really mean to him. Earlier I felt like I am a burden on everyone, but after listening to this I don't feel that way anymore. I know he is not doing this out of sympathy. He knows what it feels like.

I know I can raise my child on my own. I am well capable of becoming successful. But I also want my baby to be happy, to give him/her the kind of love Jacob would've given.

I look over at his fathers face, he looks shocked to hear all of it. I don't really blame him to think badly about me though, I mean why would he want his only son to marry someone without love.

Mr clain looks at me and says, "Can I talk to my son alone for sometime." This time his voice wasn't rude at all. Xander look at me and nods as if telling me to give them some space. I smile a bit at him and then go out of the house to get some fresh air. I do really need it.

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Xander's pov

"You really do love her, don't you?" My father asks me once Ella is out of sight.

His question surprises me, how could he possibly tell.

"Yeah I do. She knows that I like her, but I told her that this marriage is not because of my feelings towards her." I answer honestly to his question.

Suddenly his whole look changes, as if he is sad for me. The only child of the Clain family is in love with his dead best friend's girlfriend. How fucked up all of this is.

"Okay. I don't have any problem with your decision as long as you don't hurt yourself in any way. I do have one condition though, that you'll have to study even more and finally come and join our company. With marriage and everything I think it's the right time for you to join in the family business." My father finally agrees with us, his condition doesn't really shock me because I know how crazy he is about his work, so I kind of knew that he'll being up something like this in this conversation.

"Also I am sorry that you felt alone all these years, I do still love your mother, and I don't think anything can ever change that. But after her death I didn't realize my responsibility towards you. I thought I was doing enough by providing you with money. I didn't realize that if your mom would've been alive, this is not how she would've raised you. I do hope you can do good towards that girl." My dad for the first time apologizes to me which makes me even more emotional.

"I am sorry too dad, for the way I have spoken to you. And Thank you for giving us your blessing. I will definitely work hard and make you proud someday." I reply to him.

I never thought that my dad would apologize or admit his mistakes to me. But just because of this single moment, I can finally let go of all my anger towards him.

I always knew that my mother's death is the reason why he stopped showing his emotions to anyone. It felt so good to hear him speak like he actually cares about me. It was so good to finally be able to see his love for me.

I went outside to look for Ella, and there she was, The most beautiful, innocent, positive girl, standing near my garden, appreciating the beauty of nature.

Honestly this garden has never looked so beautiful as it does right now. All because of her presence.

I can't help these feelings of mine for her, I tried controlling them but I just can't. Although I wish I would've married her in different circumstances though, like when she would've actually loved me back. But I am still satisfied with the way things are in reality. I will still be able to look after her, and her child. It feels weird to say 'her child' when I actually feel of it as my own.

It might sound weird to you, but I am actually very happy to become a father of this child. I will love him/her the same way Jacob would've loved them.

I walk towards her, and watch her smile at the newly blossomed flowers. "Hey. Sorry to keep you waiting so long. My dad agreed and gave us his blessings for the same. Though he does have a condition which only you, can help fulfill." I try to scare her a bit with the whole condition thing, and my plan works as she instantly becomes nervous.

I chuckle at her reaction, "don't worry it's nothing scary. It's just that you'll have to keep teaching this bad boy."

"What? I mean I don't understand." She says still confused.

"Well my father wants me to score well, then start working for our family business. And I did kinda promise him that I'll make him proud" I explain it to her.

"Well it's your promise, why do I have to stress myself with books for you. This time you are on your own Clain." She says while laughing.

"Hey!! Not fair. You know I suck at it." I complain and act as if I am hurt by her response.

"Not my problem Clain." She chuckles again. I laugh with her too.

I know she is joking about this, there is no way in hell that Bella Grey won't help a person. But the more special thing about this moment was the fact that she was laughing and smiling again.

It's been so long since I saw this heavenly smile of her's.

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