Arriving at their destination, they headed toward the red carpet grinning like loons, not at the cameras but at each other. As soon as she saw the horde of reporters, though, Ana's smile faded and Christian felt her body tense. He knew she was self-conscious about her postpartum body — why he had no idea, but he did his best to reassure her at every turn. He loved her pregnant. He loved her not pregnant. As long as he got to see her naked, he was a happy man.

"You look amazing baby," he whispered in her ear, making her blush and giving her that boost of confidence she needed to pose in front of the flashing bulbs. As usual, Christian wrapped his arm tightly around Ana's waist, keeping her close to him. "Fuckers," he muttered under his breath as the paparazzi went into a feeding frenzy photographing the reclusive couple. Two minutes later he pulled Ana away, denying the questions and interview requests thrown at them. He knew media attention was an unavoidable fact of a billionaire's life but he tried to shield Ana and the kids from the limelight as much as possible and keep their private bubble intact.

The cancer research charity was one of Grace's favorites though, so a simple check wouldn't cut it to weasel out of tonight's gala. They strolled in, Christian keeping his eyes on Ana and his arm planted firmly around her waist.

As always, the sumptuous elegance — and wealth — overwhelmed Ana, though she hid it well by now. They mingled and engaged in the usual useless banter. He could never tolerate the idle chitchat at these events until Ana came along. She made the tedium of talking about the weather somehow exciting. As always, he marveled at the charm she exuded but didn't even realize she possessed. Everyone was mesmerized — at first because she was Christian Grey's wife, but then because she was fascinating in her own right. When she began talking about the latest author Grey Publishing had snagged, he just stood there silent, proud as fuck of his wife.

He was so engrossed in Ana that he didn't notice the striking brunette who had approached them. Oh fuck! He recognized those signature blue eyes right away and he knew Ana would recognize what they meant as well. A former sub. Fuck, fuck, fuck! He knew this was bound to happen one day, but he was still going to ream Taylor and Sawyer a new one for letting this slip-up get past them.

"Dr. Stephanie Ballast, nice to meet you," she said to Ana, who was doing a good job covering up her shock. "And good to see you Mr. Grey," she said turning to Christian, who wasn't doing as good a job masking his fury. At least she didn't say Sir, he thought grimly.

Christian snaked his arm around Ana so tightly that he was cutting off her circulation. He couldn't peel his eyes off Ana but composed himself enough to reply. "Hello Dr. Ballast. This is my beautiful wife Anastasia," he said, shooting the good doctor an icy stare. He vaguely remembered her as a sub — she was too ballsy for his liking. Christian didn't learn to appreciate defiance until Ana came along.

"Hi. It's a pleasure to meet you," Ana replied, graciously holding out her hand. There was no hint of malice in her voice but Christian instantly sensed her discomfort — and disappointment. She cast her eyes downward and Christian's heart began to physically seize. Occasionally Ana would react to unwanted female attention with a fiery jealousy that he secretly relished. It showed him how much she cared. And at least he knew he wasn't the only jealous fool in their relationship.

But this time Ana seemed to retreat inward, frightening him. She was tired of this crap, he thought — fed up with having to deal with his fucked-up past constantly staring her in the face.

"Sorry to interrupt. I just thought I'd say hello," the woman said, trying to break the awkward silence she had regretted creating. "I wasn't really supposed to be here but at the last minute my friend invited me and since I've been involved in pediatric causes, I thought it would be nice to lend my support," she said, rambling a bit and motioning to the man engaged in another conversation nearby. So that's why Taylor and Sawyer didn't flag her name on the guest list, Christian thought. It probably wasn't on there. He'd still ream them both a new one anyway.

"Well it's a very worthy charity — I'm sure they're glad to have your support. If you excuse us," Christian replied curtly, dragging Ana away without a second glance back.