AN: All characters belong to E.L. James. I'm just playing with them. Reviews make me very happy. Please review and be kind about it. Xo

Christian grey's week was a boring one. It was filled with monotonous meetings with various department heads regarding new projects and the upcoming audit for the newly acquired companies.

Welch came to his office on Tuesday afternoon. He was told that he couldn't find any substantial information on Anastasia Steele. Only that her father was the same guy who did intelligence projects for the FBI and was the reason for her info being secretive. Even so, Christian was curious and kind of worried as he didn't know what threat posed Ana that she needed this secrecy.

Midway of his week, on Wednesday, Elena popped up unannounced, as if she owned the whole damn building. She barged into his office while he was sorting through the month's paperwork, all the while ranted and raved that he had not had a submissive in three months and that she was worried about his sanity and health.

'As if whom he fucked on weekends was any of her business. ' a snarky voice popped up in his head.

' but may be she was concerned about him as she said, ' a weak voice tried to reason.

' He had a good month, closing in on various deals profitably. He even visited his family, spent an entire day with them and hell , he felt lighter this week than in years. Now what was there to worry about? Worried that her control over him might be slipping? ' the snarky voice countered.

' Control? What control? She didn't have any control over him. She just helped him when he was all but a screwed up kid.' He tried telling himself that he's the master of his own universe now because of her help but in the corner of his mind, a seed of doubt had taken life and its growing rather quickly.

He had talked to her in the calmest voice he could muster without giving any outward sign of the battle that's currently going on inside him.

As soon as she left, satisfied with fake platitudes from him of being busy with work, he instructed his personal assistant and security not to allow her into the building without prior appointment. He didn't want to deal with her again in his office like this. He didn't know why but she left a bad taste in his mouth today. For that same reason, he sent her an email from his office mail account cancelling their business lunch scheduled next day. She tried to call him, left him voice mails demanding to know why he cancelled and when he would meet up with her. Christian didn't understand why she was so insistent on meeting him every Thursday. Sure, he considered her sort of a friend. And their business doesn't take more than an hour's time per month. He ignored all of her attempts to contact him and drowned himself in paperwork again.

Whenever he tried to relax or just not think actively, thoughts of Anastasia filled his mind. He longed to contact her but refrained because she didn't need all the baggage that came with him. She's a sweet creature who deserved all the good things in life. Yet, he couldn't get rid of her in his thoughts. She consumed him like wild fire.

Soon, it was Sunday and he couldn't wait to spend time with his family again. He missed them. These days, his family offered him solace and peace. It was refreshing, more relaxing than any submissiveor kinky sex he ever had.

As Christian grey drove on to his parent's garage, he could see that the venue of the brunch has changed from side patio by the pool on one side of the house to the large table by the rose garden on the other side. He certainly did not miss the extra seating on the table.

" Who's visiting? " he questioned grumpily while Gretchen was opening the front door.

" Good morning to you, Mr. Grey. Its just miss grace's friends" Gretchen simpered.

He simply didn't know how much longer he could take this incessant simpering. He quickly got away and headed for his father's study, to discuss the legalities of a business deal and possibility of a golf day the following week with some associates. Soon, they were lost in the discussion and didn't notice the time till they were called to join the brunch.

Christian sincerely hoped that the extra seating was not for one of his mother's society friends, which mostly included jealous mothers and their money grubbing daughters.

Kate knew that its bad manners to be tardy to a meal invitation, particularly when you're the plus. Thankfully, it was only half an hour and it didn't look like the brunch started. She and José were received at the gates of the mansion by Ana. Kate wondered how Ana always managed to look good with minimal effort. Even after a 48 hour shift at the hospital and her scrubs stained with blood and various other body fluids, ana still managed to look presentable. While she, on the other hand, needed a little make up and maintenance like any other girl, as the whole ' I'm so busy that I don't even have time for that kind of thing ' is more Ana's style than hers.

Katherine liked the beautiful three storied mansion but she fell in love with the rose garden, full in bloom with hundreds of roses of various colours. The boathouse on the back, although barely visible, is more Ana's style than hers.

As they neared the large ivory table, she noticed an older lady and who appear to be her son and her daughter talking in soft voices.

" He is HOT" Kate muttered to herself, not expecting " I would definitely do the Frick frack with him" from José. It felt like they were in first year of college all of a sudden and her giggles soon joined that of José and Ana.

As if they heard the sound of laughter, Grace and her children stood up and introductions were made quickly. If Elliot was interested in Ana, he was outright captivated by Ana's friend, Kate. Heck, Elliot kissed the girl's hand and hadn't let go yet, acting so chivalrous, even pulling her chair out. She looked at Mia, hoping for god knows what. Mia appeared to be busy with the boy José, both of them admiring his suit jacket and her shoes. That is a sight she expected the least.

Grace Grey realized that whatever wish she had about Ana becoming her family were drowned and now, it would take a miracle for her wish to survive.