A/N: Thank you once again for the wonderful reviews. I know I've said it before, but they really do inspire me to continue writing.

This is a continuation of the Anniversary chapter. Thank you to everyone who has sent story requests and/or suggestions in the reviews or via PM. I honesty never know where the next story will come from, so your suggestions help a lot.

This particular story is a combination of three different story suggestions. I tied them all into one. I hope you enjoy.

I do not own the characters. They belong to E.L. James. This is jus for fun

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The Anniversary- Part 2- Both POVs

Ana POV:

Time to get back to reality after the Anniversary party. Even with the DJ and bright orange roses, it turned out to be a fun time. Maybe not the cozy intimate affair I was thinking of, but saying our vows on the dock the night before more than made up for it.

I had a meeting across town this morning and I'm right by Grey House. It's close to lunch time. I think I'll pop in and see if Christian is free for the afternoon. After our party, we made love and held each other all night. Heaven on earth. I bet my man could go for a little kink on this Monday. I have a pretty light schedule today, especially for a Monday, and Christian has never said no to a little fun time in the playroom. I think he'd close down Grey House to have an hour or two in the Red Room. I laugh to myself.

"Luke, I'd like to surprise Mr. Grey with a visit since we're so close to his office. Please don't give Taylor the heads up. I'd like this to be a surprise."

"Sure Ana. I'll apprise Taylor of our location once you see Mr. Grey"

"Thanks Luke"

We walk into Grey House and step into an elevator with two young ladies. They're chatting with each other with what I suppose is the usual office gossip. Then I hear something that perks my ears up.

"Did you see Mr. Grey today?"

"Hell yeah. That man is so freakin' hot."

"Too bad he's married"

Luke clears his throat, loudly. It's obvious, to me at least, that he's trying to interrupt this conversation. The girls ignore him.

"Any guy who is that good looking and that stinking rich must have apartments all over Seattle for his mistresses. I wouldn't mind him being my Sugar Daddy."

The elevator stops and they giggle as they get off to their floor.

There's an awkward silence between Luke and I. He looks down uncomfortably.

"It's ok, Luke." I assure him "All part of the package. I've gotten used to hearing the gossipers."

The truth is you can't really get used to that kind of talk. It hurts. But I trust my husband. If I didn't, I'd be second guessing us all the time. I admit I do get the occasional pangs of jealousy and insecurity. ..who wouldn't? But I know that's no way to live so I don't let it rule me or us. Christian most definitely struggles with his jealousy far more than me.

We arrive at our floor and walk out of the elevator over to Christian's office. I go over to Andrea to say hello.

"Hi Andrea. How are you? "

"Err...hello Mrs. Grey. I don't believe Mr. Grey was expecting you" She looks uneasy. Why?

"No, I was in the area and thought I'd drop in and see if he was free for lunch" Sheesh...What's up with Andrea?

"Ah...He's in a meeting at the moment. I'll let him know you're here." She hesitantly picks up the phone "Excuse the interruption, Mr. Grey, but I thought you should know that Mrs. Grey is here to see you... Yes, I see... Very well, Mr. Grey" She hangs up the phone and looks back up at me, clearly uncomfortable. "Mr. Grey asks that you take a seat in the waiting area and he will be with you shortly"

"Of course." I take a seat and after a few minutes a very pretty petite brunette woman comes out of Christian's office with him walking her to the door. She's wearing a tight pencil skirt, silk blouse and stilettos. Women notice these things on other women.

What's going on here? Christian never walks anyone to the door. He seems to be trying to rush her out, purposely guiding her away from the waiting area and away from me.

"Thank you for your time. Mr. Grey" She says, uncomfortably. Andrea is at the office door in a split second with the brunette's coat in hand, practically throwing it at her.

"No problem at all" He says. He's running his hand through his hair. What's he so nervous about?

I notice her eyes shift my way, our eyes lock for a split second and she quickly breaks the uncomfortable stare, looks back at Christian then rushes off with her head down with her coat in hand and a Gucci handbag. Hmmm…very odd.

Christian looks over to me and I see his attitude shift. "Hey baby. This is a pleasant surprise" Now he's cool as a cucumber.

"I was in the area and thought I'd see if you were free for lunch, maybe at the penthouse?" I bite my lip. He should read that message loud and clear.

"Sorry baby. I have another meeting five minutes. Rain check?" He looks down at his watch.

Christian is turning down a rendezvous at Escala? He'd cancel and appointment with the President himself in exchange for a good time in the playroom.

"Oh, of course. I should have called. I better let you go"

"Sure baby. See you at home." He's guiding me to the elevators and gives me a quick kiss. Jeez, I feel like I'm practically getting thrown out. Sawyer gives me an apologetic look as he holds the door opened for me and we go back down the elevator.

This day has turned into shit pretty quickly.

~~~xxxx~~~~

Christian POV:

Monday after a busy weekend. Meetings, meeting and more fucking meetings. At least my afternoon appointment should relieve some of my stress.

Its 12:00 sharp and Andrea informs me that my appointment has arrived. The only thing I've been looking forward to today.

"Andrea, I don't want to be disturbed while Ms. Dawson is here. Hold my calls. No interruptions."

"Very well Mr. Grey" Andrea responds.

A petite brunette enters my office.

"Mr. Grey. It's very good to see you again." She flushes.

I nod. "I've been looking forward our meeting. I trust you have what I want?"

"I can assure you, Mr. Grey. I have exactly what you want. When we're done, you'll feel much more relaxed about things" She confidently responds.

"Show me." I demand.

She unzips her handbag and pulls out a satchel.

"This is the setting for Mrs. Grey's anniversary band. We had Carlo, our best Cartier jeweler, working overtime to get this to you on time. Per your instructions, the stones will be the birthstones of you, Mrs. Grey, your son and daughter's, and then we'll repeat the pattern all the way around the ring. We'd like your approval of the setting before he sets the stones."

I look at the platinum setting. It's just what I wanted. I had been stressing that they would fuck this up and the ring wouldn't be ready in time for the rest of my anniversary surprise.

My phone rings. Why the fuck is my phone ringing? I gave very specific instructions that I was not to be disturbed. I can't get ten fucking minutes undisturbed.

"Andrea, I told you no interruptions while the jeweler was here."

"Excuse the interruption, Mr. Grey, but I thought you should know that Mrs. Grey is here to see you"

"Shit. Have her sit in the waiting area. Not by your desk. I will escort the Ms. Dawson out the door so they don't bump into each other. And Hughes from Travel is due here at 12:15. Try to ward him off until Mrs. Grey has left. I don't want him in the vicinity of the same air Mrs. Grey is breathing. Understand?"

"Yes, I see."

"Also, after Mrs. Grey leaves, contact her personal shopper at Neiman Marcus and confirm that her new wardrobe for our trip has been completed and have it delivered to Grey House. Then contact Mrs. Grey's assistant and make sure she had cleared Mrs. Grey's calendar next week. Remind her that this is top secret and I will fire her quicker than she can blink if my wife finds out."

"Very well, Mr. Grey."

Fuck. I can't have Ana get wind of this. She's so fucking smart, she'll have this surprised figured out in no time.

"Ms. Dawson, Mrs. Grey is unexpectedly in the waiting area. You have to pick up and leave now. The setting is fine. I want the finished ring in two days and delivered here. Contact my assistant when it's ready for delivery. Now, walk directly to the elevator. I do not want this surprise ruined." I run my hands through my hair. Shit.

"Of course, Mr. Grey" She places the setting back into the satchel, tosses it in her handbag. I escort her to the door, to ensure that she doesn't bump into Ana. Andrea is already at the door with her coat.

"Thank you for your time. Mr. Grey"

"No problem at all." I'm trying to keep it together.

She leaves toward the elevator. Thank fuck. I turn to Ana.

"Hey baby. This is a pleasant surprise" Keep it cool, Grey.

"I was in the area and thought I'd see if you were free for lunch, maybe at the penthouse?" She slowly bites her lip. Message received.

Escala? My cock twitches. I want to bite that lip. Fuck! I have too much shit to take care of today to ensure everything for next week is in order. I can't do it. Fuck!

"Sorry baby. I have another meeting five minutes. Rain check?" I look at my watch.

"Oh, of course. I should have called. I better let you go." She looks disappointed. I know I am. Fuck!

"Sure baby. See you at home." I escort her to the elevator before I change my mind. She looks confused and I'm going to have a fucking hard on all day. Fucking fantastic.

It's 12:20 and Hughes from our travel department is here. He handles my personal and business travel. The fucker probably has an erection just thinking about getting a face to face meeting with me. I usually have Andrea take care of my travel itinerary but I want to personally make sure he didn't fuck up any of the very specific things I want.

"Mr. Grey. You wanted to see me?"

"Yes, Hughes. I need you to book a trip for me and my wife. Next week, leaving on Saturday. Three days in London. Three days in Paris. I want the GEH jet to take us there and back. If it's scheduled for any other trips on those days I need it, reschedule the other flights. This trip is your priority. Are we clear?"

"Yes sir."

"Good. Next, both cities, I want the best suites available. This is an anniversary gift and I want my wife to have only the best."

"It is very last minute Mr. Grey"

"Make it happen. Perhaps the Lanesborough in London, or similar and Plaza Athénée or similar In Paris. "

"Very well Mr. Grey"

"Now listen very carefully, I have very specific instructions for our first night in London. It is imperative that we have this exactly correct. I want a private dining room. One table with a small bouquet of wild meadow flowers on the table. White table linens. A pianist and a cellist. I don't care how much it costs to make this happen, just make this happen. Are we clear?"

I know this is what Ana had wanted for out Anniversary party before Phoebe and Mia got their mitts on the planning and I want to give her that.

"Yes Sir"

"All the other details regarding the security details and anything else will be handled by Andrea and Taylor."

"Very good Sir. I'll get right on it" Fucker is so nervous, I can practically hear his knees knocking.

"Good. Oh and Hughes…don't fuck this up"

~~~~xxxx~~~~

Ana POV:

Kate dropped by my office with two salads from the deli down the street. She pulls up a chair to my desk and we both dig in.

"Hey Steele, what gives? You look a million miles away"

"Nothing Kate. Just some things on my mind."

"Like?"

Great… the Kavanaugh inquisition begins. I'll just get it over with. Maybe I'll feel better.

"Please don't repeat what I have to say. I feel foolish even thinking about this."

"Of course Ana. What's wrong?"

"I know it's just my imagination running wild. but yesterday I dropped by GEH to see if Christian wanted to …ahem…meet for lunch…if you get my drift."

"Loud and clear. Jeez, you still have it bad, don't you?"

I blush. I know I do.

"Well, he turned me down. Said he had meetings."

"Maybe he just had meetings."

"Yes …but"

"But what Steele? Come on Ana, there's more that you're not saying."

The like a bursting dam, it all spills out of me.

"I feel so stupid. On the way up to his office, I over heard some young girls taking abut Christian and how he probably has mistresses all over Seattle. I realize he's a handsome wealthy man and this kind of assumptions will always follow him. It's just hard to hear sometimes, you know? Then I get to Christian's office and a very pretty young brunette comes out of his office. Christian, the brunette, even Andrea all looked like they got their hand caught in the cookie jar. They were clearly trying to keep me from meeting this woman. It was all so strange."

"You think he's fooling around?

"No…I don't know…no. He wouldn't do that to me."

"Look Ana. Christian and I will never be best friends but I will say this. That man loves you. This is just that elevator conversation you overheard playing tricks with your mind. Your husband is a real control freak pain in the ass, but he would never cheat on you. That I know."

I tear up.

"Thank you Kate. I do know that. I think I just needed to hear it out loud."

~~~~xxxx~~~~

Christian POV:

I hate golf but since so much business is conducted on the fairway, I have no choice. It's a necessary evil, even though it's a bullshit "sport." At least my handicap has improved over the years. I'm in the clubhouse waiting for Taylor to come around with the car when that prick Joe Carmichael comes in with his newest edition twenty two year old whore on his arm. Most certainly not his wife. Christ, he's not even discreet.

"Grey" He nods over to me

"Carmichael" I nod toward him. I can't stand the guy. He's a classless imbecile, but I may need him one day for some business transaction, so I play the game, civilly.

"Tiffany, why don't you make yourself useful and get me a beer." He tells his newest bimbo. She leaves.

He turns to me "The newer models keep you young."

I politely nod but say nothing. Fucking scum of the earth asshole.

"You got yourself any sideline action there, Grey?" He has the audacity to ask me.

"No."

Is he fucking kidding me?

"Why not? You could have the pick of the litter. Surely you have some side action, maybe some twenty year old hottie stashed at an apartment?"

"No."

I would never cheat on Ana. I love her. I would never disrespect her that way. I made a vow and my word is gold. It's not in my DNA to cheat.

"Don't get me wrong, Grey. Your wife is a beautiful woman. But don't you want to add a few younger models into the mix? Spice it up?"

"No."

Yes, my wife is beautiful. And you better keep your fucking eyes in their sockets when she's in your general direction. Stupid prick of a human being.

"Why not? Believe me; the wives love the life we give them…the houses, the cars, the trips. They know they have a good thing. They're certainly not going to throw it away because you have a few minor distractions to play with. What do you think she'll do?"

"Go."

There is no way I would ever chance Ana leaving me for some cheap thrill with some gold digging whore just to stroke my ego. I know she'd leave. She has too much self respect to put up with that kind of behavior. Besides, I don't want anyone else in my bed. She will always be what I need. Always.

"To each his own, Grey".

I tip my head to him…smug dickhead bastard. Thank Christ, Taylor is here. I can get the fuck out of here.

~~~~xxxx~~~~

Ana POV:

I come home from a long work day and my lunch with Kate. I feel like I'm coming back down to earth. I've come to the conclusion that my imagination was just taking off and Christian is not having an illicit affair. I walk over to his study to let him know I'm back. His door is slightly open and I hear him talking on the phone.

"I thought I told you not to call me when I'm at home. I don't want anyone to overhear us."

Huh? Who is he talking to?

"Perfect. We'll be away for a week. And we'll finally get some uninterrupted alone time."

He's going to Taiwan next week. He told me that's why his suitcase was out. What the hell?

"Yes, I'll pack some chains and restraints."

My heart sinks.

"I can't wait to get my hands on you next time I see you"

I can't stomach anymore of this. I'm getting physically ill.

"Mom?" I hear Phoebe calling me. Crap. I don't want him to know I've been eavesdropping.

"Shit. She must be home. I have to go." I hear him rushing off the phone.

I need drag myself away from here. I have some real thinking to do.

~~~~xxxx~~~~

Christian's POV:

Ana's not home from work yet. I take the opportunity to catch up on some work in my study. My cell rings. Christ, it's Elliot.

"I thought I told you not to call me when I'm at home. I don't want anyone to overhear us." Fucking Elliot can't listen to any instructions.

"Don't sweat it bro. I wanted to cement our plans for next week. I'll pick up Pheebs once you an Ana leave for your trip and she'll stay here for the week. I have it all squared away with Kate."

"Perfect. We'll be away for a week. And we'll finally get some uninterrupted alone time." This ought to make up for my hands off approach to the
anniversary party.

"Going to tie Ana up in a room for a week, huh?" Elliot never stops with his innuendo.

I laugh at the irony of that statement. If he only knew how true that was. I smile.

"Yes, I'll pack some chains and restraints." I joke. Hmmm, that's actually a good idea. I'll have to remember to pack some restraints.

"You're not a twenty year old anymore, bro. Are you sure you can keep the lady satisfied for a whole week?" He laughs

"I can't wait to get my hands on you next time I see you" Because I'm going to wring your fucking neck .

"Mom?" I hear Phoebe calling Ana.

"Shit. She must be home. I have to go" I hang up.

I leave my study to find Ana. I find her sitting in the kitchen. She looks terrible.

"You ok baby? You look pale as a ghost."

"Something I ate didn't agree with me I guess. I think I'll lie down." She says softly.

"Anything I can bring you?"

"I don't need anything from you. I'll be just fine" She shoots me a nasty look. She's not feeling well, so I'll let that disrespectful scowl pass...this time.

~~~~xxxx~~~~

Ana POV:

It's Friday . He even cancelled our date night. He said he needed to work in his study for a while tonight. I'm so confused.

I go outside to my favorite thinking spot. The dock. I take off my shoes and dangle my feet. It's a beautiful night. Just like last weekend, when Christian and I poured our hearts out to each other and renewed our vows under the beautiful moonlit sky.

I have to work this out. I know what I heard. And I know what I saw on Monday at Christian's office. But somewhere deep in my heart, I know…I hope… is the truth. I have not been a fool all these years. Our marriage is strong. I don't understand what it was I heard, but there's has to be something I'm missing. Otherwise, I've just been a fool. I will not live my life as the long suffering wife who turns her head at her husband's indiscretions.

I just don't think he would ever do that to me…to us. I'm missing something. What am I missing?

Dammit, he loves me. Of that I have no doubt. I'm just going to have to bite the bullet and throw all my cards out there and see how they fall. I'm not going to live with this pit in my stomach wondering if the man who sleeps next to me is the man I have always thought he was, or if I've been blind.

"Hey, I've been looking for you. Why are you here?" Christian suddenly appears on the dock and asks.

My stomach is in knots. I look up at him.

"I heard your conversation… in your study...the day you got home from work before me. The one you obviously didn't want me to hear "

"You heard me talking to Elliot?" He looks uneasy. Elliot? He was talking to Elliot?

"You were talking about alone time and restraints" I look at him confused.

"Yes. I can't wait to get my hands on him, I specifically told him not to call me at the house. So you know?" He looks…disappointed?

Hmmm...now I'm not so sure I know anything anymore.

"I don't know what I know. I know you're keeping something from me. "

He lets out a long sigh. I don't like the sound of that sigh .

"I was going to wait until later tonight to tell you. Come". He holds out his hand to me.

~~~~xxxx~~~~

Christian's POV:

I come out of my study after confirming our plans are all in place. Where's Ana? I look out the window into the yard and see her sitting by the dock. I walk over to her.

"Hey, I've been looking for you. Why are you here?"

"I heard your conversation… in your study...the day you got home from work before me. The one you obviously didn't want me to hear "

"You heard me talking to Elliot?" Fucking Elliot! I knew he was going to blow this.

"You were talking about alone time and restraints" She looks at me confused.

"Yes. I can't wait to get my hands on him, I specifically told him not to call me at the house. So you know?" Damn it. I really thought I was going to pull this off.

Ana looks at me, like she's trying to figure out a puzzle.

"I don't know what I know. I know you're keeping something from me. "

I let out a long sigh. Looks like the jig is up.

"I was going to wait until later tonight to tell you. Come". I hold out my hand to her.

Ana puts her hand in mine and I guide her over to our boathouse.

"Why are we here?" She looks completely confused.

"Patience Mrs. Grey"

I lead her upstairs and flick on the light switch. The room is filled wild meadow flowers, tiny Christmas lights and miniature lanterns. Just like the day I gave her a proper hearts and flowers marriage proposal.

"Wow" she whispers. She looks shocked as she puts her hands over her mouth.

I get down on one knee, take out the box with the anniversary band that's been in my pant pocket and present it to her. My heart is racing.

"Anastasia Grey. You and I are truly meant to be. You came into my life and showed me what true love really is. I look forward to growing old with you; I love you. My wonderful Ana, The best is yet to come."

The tears are falling from her face. She tilts her head slightly to one side and smiles that breathtaking smile. She so beautiful, she takes my breath away.

I take the ring out and slide it on her finger.

"Our birthstones?" She gasps. She recognizes the stones from a necklace I had given her ten years earlier.

I nod. Ana is a sentimental girl; I know having her family close means more to her than all the diamonds in the world. The birthstones was a stroke of genius, if I do say so myself.

"Oh Christian, I love it. Thank you" She sinks down on her knees and joins me on the floor. She fists her fingers in my hair and kisses me. Passionately. Deeply.

I don't know why this perfect woman settled for me. And I get her all to myself for a week. How the fuck did I get so lucky?