From Her Perspective (BWWM)

XXI

William Devereaux

Four years ago

     "The pattern is hideous," Ella said, referring to the woman's wedding dress in 'Say Yes to the Dress'. She was right. It was a short white dress with a pale yellow floral pattern and lace bottom.
"I wonder what our wedding will look like,"
"Small wedding in the south of France. We'll get married in a beautiful cathedral. I'll wear a dress with the longest train I can find,"
"I don't care what we wear or where we are as long as I get to call you my wife by the end of the day, love," I said as I leaned down to kiss her.
"Your dad's probably going to object," she joked.
"There's nothing that man can do to get me not to say I do. You're everything to me, Ella," I said as I pulled her on my lap.

Present

     I inhaled deeply before knocking on the large door. After a few moments, the door swung open. I instantly swallowed as I felt the wrath of his heavy glare.
     "Good afternoon, Leo. I know I'm the last person you want to see, but—" He cut me off by slamming the door in my face. I heard frantic footsteps before the door opened again. Cleo glared at me; her fiance stood behind her with crossed arms.
     "You stood in our presence and made us believe that you cared about her, but you never did, did you?" she said as she pushed against my chest. "After everything she's been through, you waited until she was vulnerable. You waited for the perfect moment to pounce so you could manipulate her," she finished as Leo pulled her closer. The look in their eyes told me everything I needed to know. Ella told them everything.
     "It was never my intention to hurt her. I am in love with Ella. She's the best thing to ever happen to me. I've been by the house, and her stuff is gone. The staff hasn't seen her in three weeks, and I need to know if she's okay. Please," I practically begged as they glared at me.
     "She isn't here...but she's safe," Cleo said.
     "Where is she? I want to see her. I'm going crazy without her,"
     "If Auriella wanted you to know where she is, she would've let you know. You should go," Leo said. I nodded and began walking away until I heard Miles calling me.
     "Uncle Billy!" he yelled as he ran to me and hugged my leg. I looked at his parents before crouching down on one knee.
     "Hey, buddy. You're getting so big,"
     "Look what Auntie Auri got me," he said as he pulled his gold chain out of his shirt. "I miss her. She moved away with Uncle Jamie,"
     "Who's Jamie?"
     "Miles, William has to go. Come on," Leo called him. The little boy ran to his father, who picked him up and carried him inside. Cleo met my eye and took a step back.
    "Who is Jamie?"
     "Goodbye, William," she said before closing the door.