From Her Perspective (BWWM)

XVI

William Deveraux

Five years ago

I looked at the canvas, and it looked like a child was testing out every color in the rainbow. I didn't understand the pieces we saw at this art gallery. Still, none of it mattered the second I saw Ella's broad smile and bright eyes as they scanned across the painting.

"It's a play on 'False Start' by Jasper Johns,"

"It's beautiful," I said as if I knew who Jasper Johns was.

"Can you imagine having your work in a real art gallery?" she said as she looked around. Her excitement could barely be contained as she looked at a portrait of what looked like an old country farm.

"I can see you having your work on display at your very own gallery," I said as I pulled her to me.

"You can?"

"Of course, belle,"

"Maybe I'll open one in France after school," she said. It had only been two weeks since we decided to go to France together. I couldn't be more excited. My dream girl is coming back home with me. I can't wait to show her around.

"I can't wait," I said, kissing her. We pulled away as we heard an exaggerated gagging noise. Standing there was a very tall, slim man who glared at me.

"Can I help you, sir?" I said as I pulled Ella closer to me. He kissed his teeth and rolled his eyes before looking down at her.

"Well, for one, you can show some decency instead of shoving your tongue down my little sister's throat," he said. Ella rolled her eyes before stepping forward to hug him.

"Leo, it's very nice to meet you. I've heard great things about you,"

"I wish I could say the same about you. The only thing Auriella has told me is your name and the fact that you have the audacity to take her out of the country when you two barely know each other," he said sternly. Ella glared at him before turning towards me.

"Can you not make a scene? I invited you here as a surprise for Billy, not for you to tear us apart,"

"I'm not making a scene. I'm just asking the important questions. You two are 18 and 19 years old. You have no life experience. How do you even plan on living on your own? How will you two support yourselves as you finish school and you will finish school?" he asked pointedly.

"Money is no issue. I can provide for us both. Your sister will be taken care of,"

"What do you mean by saying "money is no issue"? What exactly are you into, William?"

"Leo, it's not like that," Ella defended.

"My family invests in real estate and small businesses. Ella will want for nothing. We will both finish our degrees as planned. I care about her and know how much she means to you. I'm telling you right now that I will never hurt her. She's my heart outside my chest. I promised I would always care for her," I finished. Leo eyed me before nodding. He turned to Ella and sighed.

"Are you sure about this? You two haven't known each other long,"

"I love him, Leo. I'm happier than I've ever been. Isn't that enough for you?" I looked over at her and couldn't help but smile at my beautiful girlfriend.

"I love you too, Ella. Leo, I hope we have your blessing," I told him. He slowly nodded before smirking.

"Maybe after you treat us to dinner," he said. Ella let out a breath before smiling at me.

Present

I stared at the speaker in front of me, who was in the middle of his speech about how important his company is in the fight to save endangered animals. I couldn't tell you what he was actually saying. I couldn't focus with Ella sitting beside me in what had to be the tautest dress known to man.