Chapter 34

APOV

Last night was simply amazing. I don't think words can describe how I feel. I am going to marry Christian. It must be early, Christian is still sound asleep next to me. But, I can't help replaying last night in my mind. Unintentionally, I smile. I don't know what I did to deserve him. A few moments later, serene gray eyes look up at me. "Good morning, Anastasia." Christian greets me with a sleepy smile.

"Good morning, Christian. Did you sleep well?" I quietly ask.

"Who wouldn't sleep well when he's next to his fiancee?" Christian saying the word, fiancee, brings another smile to my face. "I have a surprise for you today. I hired a private guide to take us around the city."

"Christian, that sounds like so much fun! Are you sure you won't be too bored since you've done this before?"

"Ana, everything with you is like a brand-new experience; even if I've done it a million times over."

"How do you always manage to say the most romantic things and yet you have said you don't do romance?" Before he has a chance to answer my question, my stomach grumbles, loudly.

With a laugh, Christian hops out of bed. "I better order us some breakfast. Why don't you go ahead and get a shower?" Christian turns to head out of the bedroom and I head in the opposite direction to the bathroom.

The day was absolutely perfect. Christian hired a private driver who acted as a guide for us. We decided to take it easy since we have a week here so we headed towards Montmartre. The narrow streets epitomize the bohemian lifestyle for which it is famous. We take in the amazing view by the church of Le Sacré Coeur. I was very excited to see the Moulin Rouge, where my favorite painter Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec drank absinthe and colorfully and whimsically depicted the nightlife. After that, we go to the Eiffel Tower. And even though it is the typical tourist sight, it is magical. Throughout the day Christian takes a lot of pictures - some of the views, some of me, and some of the both of us.

For dinner, I chose the royal blue Talbot Runhof sleeveless ruched cocktail dress and the Jimmy Choo Lucy sequined half-d'Orsay heels. I feel like a princess and I like that Christian likes the way I look. While doing some last minute touch-ups in front of the mirror, I can't help but admire my engagement ring. I know he could probably afford any ring he wanted, including the Hope Diamond, but I feel so cherished that I am wearing his great-grandmother's ring. I will have to remember to thank Grace when I see her again. It's so weird, Grace is going to be my mother-in-law. I walk out of the room and Christian is waiting for me per usual. "Ana, I must remember to thank Caroline Acton, the personal shopper. You are simply stunning."

"Thank you. You are very handsome, my fiance." He smiles at me and I know he likes hearing me say that.

He walks up to me and with his hands resting on my hips he gives me a sweet kiss. "Those words are music to my ears."

"What about 'I do'?" He looks at me and gives me a big smile.

"Best words I've ever heard. And, I can't wait until the day you say them."

I give him a kiss on the cheek. "Let's have fun being engaged first." He grabs my hand and leads me down to the waiting car to take us to dinner.

We arrive at Flora Danica, a world-renowned Danish restaurant. Inside it's a large, modern room with clean lines and unornamented, but still beautiful. We start with the caviar osciètre and smoked salmon. While we are waiting for the main course, Christian takes a little box out of his pocket and gives it to me. "Christian, another gift? You didn't have to do that."

"Just open it, Anastasia." He acts frustrated but he is unable to hide his smile. I open the box and inside is a beautiful ring.

"Christian, this is beautiful. You already have me a beautiful ring. But I love it. Thank you." I think it may take a while for me to get used to all the lavish gifts.

"It's our monogram." The ring is platinum with 'CGA' engraved in the center and diamonds around it with a diamond band.

CPOV

This week in Paris with Ana has been extraordinary. We've seen the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, Versailles Palace, and much more. Now, we're on the plane headed home. Ana is sleeping peacefully next to me and I am looking at all the pictures on my phone that were taken of us this week. Usually, I dislike having pictures taken of me; but, with Ana, I can't have enough pictures. It's proof she is mine and I am hers. Forever.

Before the tabloids get a hint of the story, we will need to release a statement. Of course, we will want to tell family and friends first but I want to be prepared. I look through the pictures of Ana and me and choose one of the two of us in front of the Eiffel Tower. We look like a hopelessly in love couple. I draft an email to Andrea.

TO: Andrea Sheppard

FROM: Christian Grey

RE: Publicity Statement

Andrea, when I tell you to, please have PR release the below statement and attached picture. Until then, this is to remain confidential.

Christian Trevelyan Grey, CEO of Grey Enterprises is delighted to announce his engagement to Anastasia Rose Steele. Ana is the daughter of Raymond Steele and Carla Adams of Montesano, Washington and Savannah, Georgia respectively. Christian is the son of Dr. Grace Trevelyan Grey and Carrick Grey of Bellevue, Washington. Ana is a recent graduate of Washington University in Seattle and is a ballet teacher at a private dance school. The couple has not yet picked the date of the wedding but ask their privacy be respected in this manner.

Christian Grey

CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.

I quickly log off email knowing I probably gave Andrea a heart attack from the shock. Since she's been my PA, I have never discussed or had any friends, let alone girlfriends. I can't wait to show the world Anastasia is going to be my wife.

We will soon be landing, so I give Ana a soft kiss to wake her up. "Anastasia, baby. Time to wake up, we'll be landing soon." She lazily stretches and yawns before opening her bright blue eyes. She gives me a sleepy smile.

"Hello, handsome. Back to reality, huh?"

"Yes, but a reality where I can tell anyone and everyone you are going to be my wife. You're going to be Mrs. Anastasia Grey." I can't help but smile as I say that.

"Why can't you become Mr. Christian Steele?" She tries to keep a serious face but can't help letting a giggle escape.

"Oh really? Is that what you want?" I start tickling Ana without mercy.

She is laughing hysterically telling me to stop and trying to push me away. Without realizing it she puts her hands on my chest, in the no-go zone, and freezes. "Christian, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to…" She quickly removes it from my chest.

"No, Ana. It's OK. It's OK because it's you." She doesn't say another word but leans up and gives me a passionate kiss.