ooof, so many different points of view. some for team CG, some for team AS. Either way, we love them both and they will get their HEA in the end. It'll just take a while.

how are we all doing? Is the quarantine driving you up the wall? Stay safe my lovely fanfic familia.

to the guest reviewers, please leave intials, i'd like to write back to you in the beginning of every story if possible rather than just tagging you as 'guest'. I really did like the idea of some people suggesting the Christian go on a trip but i've already written out the story and i'm too lazy to change it haha.

To the guest who wrote about being asian - HIIII! yes, Ana while not traditionally asian was raised with south asian values. so the idea of not needing external help is deeply rooted in her and it's an idea she will have to let go of slowly. As far as the BDSM stuff goes, it's purely a matter of perspective. She cannot seem to seperate it from her own trauma. That will take time and research. Trauma can rewire our brain and personality is such profoundly chaotic ways. There's a lot of unlearning and relearning she has to do. And she will get there eventually.

Someone said they did not like my version of Ana. I got a few messages begging for more CG drama instead but this is purely Ana's story. There are enough fanfics where Ana is just the bystander in CG's drama and she just accepts everything and forgives and it's all hunky dory. Well guess what, I want some drama. hehe.

For those of you who will leave a review, please list our location, state or country. I would love to know where you all are from.

GET - SET - READ.


Chapter 23 – Everything's gonna be okay, baby girl.

Friday, January 17th, 2020

CPOV

I've barely slept since Tuesday. I've been haunted by her words. I fucked up. I've met with Flynn every single day and I'm just going in circles, frustrated to the point of breaking. I've noticed that there is something so strikingly different about her since the New Year. The way she walks, her voice, the clothes she's wearing now... They're all structured and authoritative. I miss the beautiful, innocent girl from the wedding. I miss her eyes, her giggle, her lips the taste of her skin, being inside...

"Sir, Ros is ready to head down with to the car for your meeting at 11am." Andrea buzzes through the intercom.

"I need 5 minutes." I bark at her. I've been hell on wheels and yelled at every one who's anyone in my way... and now I have a raging boner. I quickly rub one out and wash up. I head out the office and see Ros laughing with Olivia. It's the only reason why I haven't tossed her out on her ass yet... because she works well for Ros. It's only my shit she fucks up.

"Let's go, Ros."

"No, now I need 5 minutes. Hold on." She snaps back at me. Honestly, only she can get away with this shit. I got back to checking my emails and messages. She looks back to Olivia who has now calmed down about 50 degrees from her earlier display of enthusiasm. That's right, fear me. You moron.

"When was this planned?" Ros asks.

"Oh, she actually tried to schedule it for right before the holidays but there was a death in her family so it got postponed and now she's reserved the Secret Garden again for this evening. It's going to be packed. I can't wait." Olivia smiles.

"I haven't been there in AGES. Fuck, I have that early dinner meeting. It ends at 8:30. How long is this whole thing?"

"It's till 10pm officially but I guess we can all still hang out. Will you come?"

"If Ana's hosting, I'm definitely coming." Ros snorts. I look up at her. What the hell is going on? "Why didn't you add me on the email list for this?" Ros asks slightly affronted.

"Ana only keeps the email chain only for cookie announcements. For anything outside of GEH, she's using an app called Slack and she's created a hashtag for everyone to subscribe to where she posts ideas or announcements. I'll create you an account and add you to it and will give you your credentials to install the app on your phone." Olivia efficiently offers. If only she did this shit in her actual job.. that she was fucking hired to do.

"Do that and I'll see if Gwen want's to tag along? She's been wanting to see Ana again... okay Christian, I'm ready, let's go."

"It's about fucking time." I snap.

"Whatever, keep your foul mood to yourself, Grey."

We step on to the elevator. "What the fuck is this social bullshit?" I ask irritated. I want Ana back and now all these assholes get to hangout with her? Fuck that.

"Don't fucking snap at me Christian, either go and get laid or get a fucking lobotomy because you have been getting on my fucking nerves since the New Year." She's right. Fuck, I can't help it.

"Okay fine, what is this social situation about?" I ask in a slightly milder tone.

"That girl from legal who makes cookies? Ana? She's trying to get everyone together for Karaoke and social events outside of work. Everyone here is so tightly wound up thanks to you so we need shit like this to relax."

"Ros, I don't want this fucking up anything with GEH." I warn her.

"Listen to me, she's a smart girl. She's using a third party app to organize a social event for off hours. What people do in their personal time is their business but if it can help build community at GEH, then she can fucking host bar mitzvah's every day in the 5h floor atrium and I'd let her. She's made my life a fucking breeze with helping get shit through for legal with her charm and wit. So yeah, she's untouchable. You'd like her, she's got spunk." She grins like a Cheshire cat.

We exit the elevators and walk to the SUV's outside where Taylor is waiting.

"Last I checked this is still my company so I can shut this down if I want." I bite back. Fuck, why am I so irrational? I should be fucking proud of her. My second in command is singing her praises.

"You do that and I will walk. I see a lot of promise in her Grey. I have never seen a GEH employee do what she does. She's fucking gets shit done and she works at lightening speed. She's like Andrea but better and for the whole god damn building. Imagine what she could do for us if she was nurtured. I'm going to give her till summer and then I'm taking her under my wing full time. Travis will just have to deal." She laughs and I can't help but smirk. My girl shines through everything. Miss Steele, you never cease to amaze me. Ros has never stuck up for an employee like that. Shit. This is serious.

"How does she know Gwen?"

"They met before Columbus Day weekend. Gwen came by to have lunch with me but I was stuck in a meeting in Legal so she came up to 18th and Ana took care of her in the waiting area outside Travis's office. Her feet were like the size of watermelons so Ana created a makeshift foot stool with the cushions and got her some juice and talked to her about all sorts of shit till I got out. They became freaking besties after that and are always texting each other. I swear, I'm the third wheeler in the marriage right now." Ros laughs.

Fuck me. My girl is a walking miracle.


In other stalker news, I'm also having Anastasia's emails monitored and forwarded to me. Yes, that is what it has come to. Since she won't talk to me or look at me, I have to get my fill somehow.

From: Anastasia Steele

Subject: Azure Chemicals Report.

To: Bradley Ducos

Date: January, 17th , 2020 – 10:30AM

Bradley,

What's the ETA on the projection report?

Anastasia Steele

Assistant to Michael Travis, Legal: Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.

From: Bradley Ducos

Subject: Re: Azure Chemicals Report.

To: Anastasia Steele

Date: January, 17th, 2020 – 10:31AM

Ana,

I can get it to you by 3:30pm the latest.

Bradley Ducos

Financial Analyst, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.

From: Anastasia Steele

Subject: Re: Azure Chemicals Report.

To: Bradley Ducos

Date: January, 17th, 2020, 2020 – 10:31AM

No can do. Need it by 2pm. I have to proofread it and then make copies and prep for the 4:30pm meeting with the COO and other execs.

Get it to me by 2pm and I'll help you write your wedding vows.

Anastasia Steele

Assistant to Michael Travis, Legal: Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.

From: Bradley Ducos

Subject: Re: Azure Chemicals Report.

To: Anastasia Steele

Date: January, 17th, 2020 – 10:32AM

2:30pm?

Bradley Ducos

Head Financial Analyst, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc

From: Anastasia Steele

Subject: Re: Azure Chemicals Report.

To: Bradley Ducos

Date: January, 17th, 2020 – 10:33AM

No deal.

Anastasia Steele

Assistant to Michael Travis, Legal: Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.

From: Bradley Ducos

Subject: Re: Azure Chemicals Report.

To: Anastasia Steele

Date: January, 17th, 2020 – 10:33AM

You'll have it by 2pm.

Bradley Ducos

Head Financial Analyst, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.

From: Anastasia Steele

Subject: Re: Azure Chemicals Report.

To: Bradley Ducos

Date: January, 17th, 2020 – 10:34AM

Good. Meet me in Conference Room A on 18th 4pm. I'll be setting up. Bring a notepad as well. You'll need it.

Anastasia Steele

Assistant to Michael Travis, Legal: Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.

From: Bradley Ducos

Subject: Re: Azure Chemicals Report.

To: Anastasia Steele

Date: January, 17th, 2020 – 10:34AM

Got it.

Bradley Ducos

Head Financial Analyst, Grey Enterprises Holdings, Inc.


WHAT THE FUCK? WHY IS SHE HELPING RANDOM MEN? I bristle at the thought and call HR.

"Catherine. Grey. Who the fuck is Bradley Ducos?"

"Mr. Grey. One moment... let's see. Yes, he's in finance. UPenn grad. He's been here for about 2 years. Stellar job performance."

"I see. Thank you."

Ros turns to me. "Why are you after Bradley now?"

"You know him?"

"Yeah, he's lead analyst on the Azure Chemicals project. I'm meeting him this afternoon."

"What do you know about him?"

"What do you mean? He's a solid employee."

"I mean personally." I'm irritated as fuck now.

"UPenn grad. Top of his class. He's getting married next month. Destination wedding, Tulum or some shit I think. Why the sudden interest?"

"Nothing. Just something came to my attention." I check my calendar, I have a call with Marketing at 4pm. Fuck that. "I'll join you in that meeting."

Ros rolls her eyes and continues to scroll through her phone.

We'll see what sound advice Miss Steele has to offer.

...

It's just turned 4pm. I log in the CCTV feed on my laptop and check out the feed for conference room A on 18th. Ana is starting to set up for the meeting. She's looks divine; in a structured cobalt blue top that shows a very slight swell of her breasts with cigarette pants and the sexiest heels. Her hair looks longer. It bounces as she moves and sets up all the meeting materials for all the attendees. Fuck, she looks to die for.

I see Bradley saunter in. She beams up at him and gestures him to sit. He smiles back at her and says something and she laughs genuinely as she does. Fuck this shit. Just as I get up I see Ros walk in and stand around for idle chitchat aswell. They all laugh about something. Fuck this. I'm going downstairs.

I take the elevator and head down. I get to the threshold of the conference room and hang back out of view, checking my phone but listening intently to the wisdom Ana has to share.

"Listen to me, do you want your vows to be forgettable or epic to the point that they will bail you out of whatever future fuck ups you're about to make in this marriage?" Ana asks point blank.

"Shit, you don't hold back." Ros laughs and Bradley joins.

"Definitely the latter Ana." Bradley says still laughing.

"Okay so this is what I'm going to need from you. I want you to answer the following questions; now don't think that the answers have to be perfect. Just free write, whatever comes to mind. I suggest answering these questions 1-2 at a time starting early in the morning when you wake up, the mind is freshest then and actually write them down, like pen to paper. Just trust me on this. And then type it up later."

"Yes ma'am" Bradley seriously answers.

Ana begins in her authoritative 'I know my shit' tone. I've missed that. "First, make a playlist of 10 songs that describe her. Share that with me on spotify or send a list of them – also give me timestamps of any significant musical moments in these songs. Like when the music swells or a certain lyric and the way it's sung etc.

Describe the first time you met, what did you notice about her. Describe the moment you fell in love with her and knew she was the one. What is the kindest thing she's done for you or for someone else that really inspires you? What is your favorite feature of hers? When do you miss her most and what do you miss most about her when you're apart. Describe to me a scene of you both sitting around in your 60's. What do you see for yourselves? Also, keep it PG, I need to read this after all." She giggles.

"Shit Ana, where were you when I got married. I couldn't write my own vows for shit and convinced Gwen to go with traditional ones. It's a miracle I got her to marry me in the first place." Ros laughs

"Ros, she's nuts about you. It's just the pregnancy that's wreaking havoc on her." Ana giggles again.

"Thanks for the homework Ana, I've got my work cutout for me. I'm going to get this to you by Sunday morning." Bradley says.

"Good. No later than Sunday morning 10am. I should have it to you by Monday afternoon at the latest."

"I owe you big time. If I can wow Natalie with this... it'll restore her faith in me. I'm fucking hopeless at this shit. How did you get a knack for this stuff?"

Ana snorts. "Please, I'm was an English lit major, it's kind of my job to be in love with the idea of love and be able to whip up shit like this."

"I worry for the guy who's going to have to meet your expectations." Ros muses.

"I don't have high expectations. Just need a strong, meaningful connection. I only expect loyalty, communication and respect and as of recent I discovered even that sometimes is too much to ask for." She says with sadness.

"Bad breakup?" Ros asks a bit concerned.

"Nothing I can't get over, I've been through harder things in life." It's like a slap in the face.

Fuck this. I walk in. Bradley pales and immediately gets up. Ana's back is to me as she organizes some files.

"Ros, where is everyone? Wasn't this meeting supposed to begin already?" I ask with irritation. I know I'm being a real prick right now.

Ros looks at me annoyed "Yeah it's starts at 4:30. We still have 10 minutes."

"Mr. Grey. Ros, I'll be right back." Bradley nods and quickly walks out.

"Ana, this is Christian Grey, not sure if you both have met before. Christian, this Ana Steele who I was telling you about... she helped out with the Gotha deal and saved us a great deal of money" Ros beams like a proud mother hen; a rare expression for Ros.

Ana turns in our direction, her face completely impassive but her eyes are a deep blue. Like glimmering sapphires in the light. She looks incredible and it takes me moment to recover my thoughts. "Miss Steele, I've heard only good things." I say with a smile, as I'm just about to raise my hand for a handshake she starts to speak.

"Afternoon Mr. Grey and thank you. I really appreciate that. I'm sorry but I'm afraid I need to go check on a few last minute items for this meeting. If you'll excuse me." with the smallest smile she walks out from the conference room door across from where we're standing. Fuck me.

Once Ana is out of the conference room Ros looks at me wide eyed and bursts out laughing. "Well that was refreshing."

"What?"

"She didn't melt at your feet. I'm definitely taking her under my wing. Need someone who can resist your face and your bad attitude." Ros chuckles.

"Fuck off." I snap back annoyed. Fuck, why is Ana making this so hard. A few minutes later another assistant comes in with the remainder of the items for the meeting and she's obviously making eyes at me. Fuck off you typical moron.

I'm already bored. "Ros, I'm out."

"What, the meeting is about to start?" Ros looks at me confused.

"Something came to my attention." I walk out towards Travis's office but Ana is not at her desk. Fuck. I pop my head in to Travis's office and make an excuse to talk to him. We talk about some of the outstanding Gotha issues and I hear Ana's voice buzz on his phone.

"Mr. Travis, Ros is in conference room A, she came by early for the meeting."

"Thanks for letting me know, I'll be right out."

Travis makes to get up and we walk out together. To my surprise, Ana walks right to us and hands Travis another copy of the report.

"Mr. Travis, this copy is for you, I know you forgot your glasses today so it's in a slightly bigger font." She smiles at him and doesn't acknowledge me at all.

Travis laughs a bit. "Way to rub in the old age Ana." She giggles "Just following Sandra's orders, sir!" and walks away. Fuck, I really am chopped liver.

"Guess you're still in the doghouse?" He chuckles. "You know, she's the best assistant I've ever had. Takes care of me like a daughter." Travis muses. I give him a slight nod and walk towards the elevators. Fuck. I have zero effect on her.


Monday, January 20th, 2020.

Catherine, Ros and I have out monthly HR meeting scheduled for 10am. I wait for them to show up while I watch Ana at her desk through the CCTV footage at my desk. I know, still a stalker, no change there. It's a joy to see her work. She really is all over the place but she gets shit done. I can see Travis relies on her a lot and she's up to the task no matter what.

Catherine and Ros walk in, I close the CCTV window just in time and they take their seats in front of my desk and we begin to talk about new hires, employee performances and other HR related issues.

"Mr. Grey, something came to my attention this morning and I wanted to run it by you and get your take on it." She hands me the iPad and it's a video. I click play and it's a video of Ana from the event she hosted on Friday night. I had Prescott give me a full debrief that night and she told me that the event went smoothly and that Ana got back home right before midnight. Ros immediately gets up walks over to watch over my shoulder with me. Thank god I logged out of the CCTV portal.

"Hi guys, thank you SO much for making it. I honestly thought maybe 10-15 people would show but seeing this room packed makes me so happy. I'm really glad you all came. There are a lot of you here that I don't know personally yet but I've seen you around so I look forward to getting to know you all." She says with a genuine smile.

"I've been wanting to do something like this for a while now, I noticed early on that it's virtually impossible for us to get to know people from other departments and also to be real, some of you guys have a stick up your ass so we're gonna change that." Everyone laughs and claps.

"I did this because I saw a lack of community amongst us so I figured, why don't we all get together and know each other a little better so we can work better together and actually be a team no matter what department we work in..."

"Yeah, all so we can make more money for someone who doesn't give a shit about us..." A male voice makes a sarcastic remark for the crowd and some people laugh and cheer. Who is this fucker?

"Then quit. If you're not happy then quit." Ana's voice goes from fun to authoritative within a second.

"Let me be clear about this event tonight, I am not going to entertain ANY shit talking about upper management. That is not the goal of this hangout. I will shut it down and ban you from future ones and take you off of the cookie email list. We are employed at GEH to do a job. It is up to us to prove our worth. If you wanted to be valued then show your worth and if you don't see something you want then make it happen. I'm sure many of you have grievances and no one will ever question their validity but you need to air them in a professional capacity with HR and not gossip about it...

I didn't see the kind of community I was looking for so I did what made sense to me... I'm going to be vulnerable for a second here. I started at GEH in July last year after graduation. I'm a small town girl who graduated with a degree in English literature and a month into getting her dream job at a small publishing company got laid off because they went bankrupt. Thankfully I got the job at GEH shortly after but I almost quit 2 weeks into the job because it was so intimidating and I was struggling. All of you looked like walking club Monaco and J. crew adverts and here I was just a scrubby college grad. I wanted to see community so I did what I knew best, I baked cookies to brainwash you all like the witch from Hansel & Gretel." She giggles and everyone claps.

"All jokes aside. If we all just get to know each other, what we do will be more meaningful because we'll be a team, friends helping each other out and we all win in the end... and yes, the owner will make a whole lot more money because of what we do but we are appropriately compensated and at the end of the day this experience is what we make of it. We spend a minimum of 9 hours at this job and some of us even more than that, and that's not factoring in the time to get ready, commute, unwind from the day and the constant answering of emails... so why not make our working environment a place we look forward to being in. Also, I'm in legal and I need you guys to get your shit together cause it makes my life so much easier and I'm also eyeing that end of the year bonus so do your girl a solid and become friends. Please?" She laughs out loud and everyone cheers again. "God, I just made this sound like a motivational speech didn't I? Think I could get GEH to pay me a fee for this pep talk? It's only fair." She laughs and everyone claps.

"Okay guys, one more thing. A few ground rules for tonight! Drink responsibly please, I don't want to deal with fighting, vomit or people blacking out. No gossiping about management or anything work related. Just get to know each other and have fun. Play some fantasy football or some shit. We also have some fancy wigs so dress up if anything for our Karaoke battle. The food here is great so definitely order some. We're all grown ups and I am not in the mood to play mom tonight so take care of yourselves and each other." The crowd laughs and some people say "YES MOM" in unison

I want to go downstairs and worship her with all the love I have for her.

I hand the iPad back to Catherine. "Well, that's interesting. I've never had my honor defended that way after essentially being called an asshole, especially when I'm clearly known to be one." I chuckle. Ros and Catherine laugh.

"Mr. Grey, I know you have a certain management style but I spoke to a few people and they did express how they really appreciated that event. Would it be okay if I spoke to Ms. Steele further on this subject to get a few thoughts on some initiatives to improve employee satisfaction?"

"I second that, I caught the end of the event and it was fun and a great way to unwind and get to know some of the employees from other departments who I otherwise wouldn't have gotten a chance to speak to. Ana did a great job of making introductions." Ros throws in.

"Call her up. Let's talk to her right now. I'm intrigued and would like to hear what Ms. Steele has to say." I want to go in for the kill. I desperately want her and will take her anyway I can get her. When it comes to her, I'm a glutton for punishment, even in my professional life she's topping from the bottom. As much as I pride myself in being a Dominant, Ana shatters that in me with a single look.

Catherine calls Ana's extension from my office phone and I check her reaction on the CCTV, her face immediately falls at Catherine 's directive to come up to my office. She hangs up and cradles her face in her hands and quickly stands up and takes a deep breath. I know, I'm a sick fuck but I need her. I need to see her in front of me. This is the first time she's officially being summoned to my office. I pull up another chair to the front of my desk and we wait.

After a few minutes Andrea buzzes to let me know Ana will be walking through.

Once the doors open, Ana walks in and I can sense her hesitation when she sees us all staring at her as she slowly walks to us. She's in a cream white slightly oversized knit top and wearing a dark green pencil skirt with the nude heels she loves so much. Her hair is blow dried to perfection and swept to the side like she usually does. My dick immediately stiffens at the sight of her. Just having her in the same space again drives me insane. Her porcelain skin glows and her eyes shine.

"Good morning." She says in a slightly small voice as she walks towards my desk where we're all sitting.

"Good morning, Ana. As you know this is Mr. Grey and Ros, you know already..." Catherine starts.

I stand up and put my hand out. "Ms. Steele, thank you for joining us." She takes it with a small nod, gives me a strong unaffected handshake and quickly pulls away and takes a seat.

"Is everything okay?" She asks a bit nervously.

"We wanted to talk to you about a few things." Ros smiles at her.

Ana gives another small smile and nods and I can see her concern.

Catherine hands her the iPad and she plays the video. She instantly becomes uncomfortable and her eyes dart to me and quickly falls back down to the video. She nervously chews her lip throughout and it takes everything in me to drag her out of the office in the conference room next door and fuck into next year.

She hands the iPad back to Catherine after the video ends. "I wasn't aware I was being recorded." Her voice is a barely a whisper as she swallows. "Am I being fired?"

"No Miss Steele, we're not that heartless. In fact, we're rather impressed." I say and I can sense Catherine's and most of all Ros's surprise. She's never seen me compliment a young female employee like this. She knows how I barely acknowledge them. How could I not acknowledge my beautiful girl?

"Ana, we appreciate what you're trying to do here at GEH in terms of trying to create a better working environment for your fellow employees all while respecting upper management. I can understand how quickly that could have turned into a gossip fest about grievances but you handled it with masterfully."

She relaxes a bit and gives a shy smile, "Thank you, I meant every word of it. I really just wanted everyone to have some fun and for once not being consumed by the intensity of this place, no offense..." she giggles.

I smirk while Ros and Catherine chuckle. Let's see how Ana does under pressure.

"Tell me Miss Steele, is that really what your fellow employees think of me?" I ask, almost challenging.

She looks at me and then looks to Catherine and Ros. She takes a deep breath and looks at me again.

"Mr. Grey, it would be hypocritical of me to air any grievances, confirmed or assumed that my fellow employees have when in that video I strictly forbid them to do the same about upper management."

"Fair enough, in that case, do you have any grievances or anything you would like to see changed around GEH?"

"I took care of the things that I personally felt were lacking but thank you for asking." Oh baby. The things I'm dying to do to you right now.

"Do you agree with the assessment of what that employee said about my not caring about my employees and only being concerned with money?"

"Do you agree with that assessment?" She fires back with an impassive look.

"No I don't, but I'm eager to hear what you have to say." Ball is in your court, Miss Steele. Let's see how you play.

She remains quiet.

"Please Miss Steele, speak freely." I urge her with a slightly softer tone. She looks to Caroline whose eyes have grown a little wide and then to Ros who gives her wink as a way to give her the green light.

"Mr. Grey, I'm just a legal assistant. I'm sure HR can provide you with a comprehensive study on what you're looking for via an online and anonymous survey."

"You've been here for how many months now?"

"I've been here since July 2019."

"Surely, it would be safe to say you've made a lot of strides, I've heard about your cookie initiative and the positive effect it's had. I want your honest assessment of my company and in turn my management style. "

She looks at me almost pleadingly. I'm not giving up. She looks to Ros again who winks and gives her a small nod.

"I never allow anyone this kind of liberty nor am I in the habit of waiting." I raise my voice and say a little more forcefully. She whips her head to me and I can see the annoyance in her eyes. There's the fire in my girls' eyes. I've missed it. She turns her body to face me and straightens her shoulders and raises an eyebrow. She means business now.

"Well Mr. Grey, since you're so graciously awarding me such liberty, there are a few things I have noticed... now let me preface this by saying that I appreciate what you have achieved for yourself in such a short span of time and how you've of retained jobs throughout the GEH portfolio in conjunction with the philanthropic ventures you've spearheaded both publicly and privately. It's no easy feat. So whatever I'm about to say is only in reference to the office culture here and what I have noticed.

You gave an interview to my school newspaper early last year. You mentioned that you knew what makes people tick and what incentivizes them. I found the idea of that intriguing but when I came to work here, I didn't see anything but money. The only incentive was a paycheck and nothing more.

I understand the need to keep everyone on their toes but after a while your employees are going to want more. After a while the money doesn't matter anymore. Now that maybe my thinking only because I was raised in a different set of circumstances but in the end, money is just paper and it can burn into nothing. It's an illusionary medium. It may make the world go round but what I've seen in my short time on earth, the real stock is in the relationships you nurture and cultivate around you on a personal scale. Money may buy you things that can make you seemingly happy but where's the solace in that when you're truly unhappy and unseen. Money comes and goes but time and trust... that is the real currency in life. "

She's hitting me where it hurts with those beautiful blue eyes.

"I'll only speak for myself when I say that I was desperate for a job when I applied here and only wanted it so I could pay my bills but two to three weeks in, even when I had the steady income I was still unhappy because I had no community, I just felt like a cog in the machine. Maybe it's a personality thing but I needed connection so I did what I had to do and it helped me find my footing and look forward to coming to work here. I could very easily have chosen to fly out to San Francisco every other weekend to spend time with my niece and Grandmother but instead I spend my entire Sunday baking cookies from my co-workers to show them that I value them and that I enjoy working with them. I use my time, time that I'll never get back by I am investing it into my work relationships because I spend anywhere from 50-60 a week here and I don't want to dread it. I want it to be worth my while.

Now I know everyone is different, this is your business you have every right to run it the way you want but there's a saying my grandmother has in Urdu..."

She starts to speak in Urdu and the fire in her eyes grows exponentially as her eyes pierce through me. I almost lose my breath at the intensity of what she says.

"That roughly translates to; 'what's the point of ruling the world and being the master of the universe when the people meant to worship you only do so out of fear and not wholeheartedly. In the end you are just surrounded by lies. Because the real question is, who will really stand behind you once all of this disappears and you want to rebuild? Do you want people who just care about the paycheck or who believe in what you stand for, your vision and your destiny? What you create should be a reflection of your soul and not just your mind."

Whatever she just said... I've heard it before. I just can't place it. Fuck, where have I heard this?

"I see the way people freeze up when you walk into an elevator and how the conversation instantly dies. They are afraid of you. I have never seen an employee at my level say good morning to you because they know you will not acknowledge them and that they are just a means to an end. You're unapproachable and I understand the need for that and I'd never say that you should walk around the aisles of offices giving people high fives or adopt an open door policy or anything of the sort but it's in the little things that you can show your employees you value them should you choose to. Again, my observations are just that... observations. I just see the world differently and maybe that's my naiveté talking. GEH has been around and functioning perfectly fine before me and will definitely do so after I'm gone..."

Fuck she's leaving... NO! Don't leave GEH Ana. This place desperately needs you.

"The majority of the workforce in the building falls into two age brackets. Under 30... actually maybe push that to 33 and above 45. I'm sure Catheine can get you the actual statistics on that. Now from the outside it may look like you have a low turnover but that's also because people employed at GEH start off young and when they eventually decide to get married and start a family, they leave. So yes, they'll give you a solid 6-7 years but choose to leave. And then the above 45 bracket are all established for the most part so they're staying for the long haul. Majority of your holdings are international in places where the quality of life is lower is dependent on a paycheck to pay for groceries and to in general just survive. Here, the quality of life is higher and your employees' needs are slightly different. They want to be seen, Mr. Grey.

Did you know we have an employee whose wife just gave birth to pre-mature twins and they're in the NICU at Seattle-Mason? It was touch and go for them for a little while. We have an employee who's wife of 30 years passed away last week and he can't take off from work because he already used up his vacation to take care of her 2 months ago and he can't to take off anymore because he has a daughter who is a single mother that has a child with special needs. I would never have found out if I hadn't walked into his office to deliver him cookies for his family. He was wiping his eyes and I made him tell me. He's afraid to ask his superior for a few days off to mourn and take care of some outstanding affairs because he can't afford to lose this job. We have another employee whose father just got diagnosed with pancreatic cancer... I mean I could sit here till next week with stories like this."

FUCK. Is that why she went to Seattle-Mason over the weekend? Prescott lost visual on her in the hospital but Ana came out about 2 hours later.

"I'm not telling you these things to make you feel bad. I'm telling you this because people who work in this building have real, complicated and difficult lives. You're known out in the world for being incredibly generous with your money. But the real charity begins at home and it has nothing to do with money. It can honestly just be smile and acknowledging someone's existence. I speak from experience when I say how much being seen can change someone's life. You once said that business is about people. Well, Mr. Grey, maybe you should really get to know the people that work for you and not just think of how to incentivize them because it's not just about mortgage payments. They're not robots who just need a software upgrade in the form of a raise at the end of the year to continue performing better." Her voice wavers a bit but she controls herself.

"I don't think I have much to offer beyond this because the way I think and operate is very different form you. You're in a position where you have to protect yourself from the fascination and maintain a certain level of respect at all times. You can't really be seen having a beer with the guys or even engaging in innocent conversation with female employees. I understand all of that and the limitations it comes with. So I guess what I'm saying is that, it doesn't matter what assessments I agree with or not. There's not much you can change, this is the position you've put yourself in and I don't see it changing any time soon." She finishes and her eyes linger on me for a moment and she quickly turns away and looks at Catherine. She essentially summed up our entire relationship. She doesn't see anything changing any time soon. We're just too different in her mind.

I can see Ros's face is in complete awe and I'm completely speechless. She just handed my ass to me. There's an awkward pause before Catherine quickly interjects.

"Ana, I can see how much you care about your fellow co-workers. I wanted to see if you'd be interested in maybe becoming part of the HR department and helping us with this aspect of employee satisfaction. Everyone seems to find it easy to talk to you and I really think you'd be a great addition to our department." Catherine smiles at her with maternal affection.

"I really appreciate that and thank you for thinking of me but I really do like the work I'm doing at legal. I've only been there a little while but I love it, I like that it's dynamic and I get to interact with the different departments and put together all the pieces of the puzzle. It's grueling sometimes but I really do like it and I'm learning a lot. Instead, I wouldn't mind stopping by your office every now and then to help out with any ideas you may have but as a full-time position, I'm not sure I could offer much. The cookie list and now this karaoke night came about in a very organic way... " she gives a small smile.

"I understand perfectly. In that case, could schedule a meeting once or twice a month to discuss fresh ideas."

"Oh I'd love that." Ana beams at her. "Is there anything else I can help with?" Ana asks looking in Ros's direction; avoiding me completely.

"Ana, this was great." Ros says as they all get up and. They turn to walk towards the door and I follow them. "By the way, I know you called it a tie but we all know who won that battle." Ros sneers at Ana.

Ana giggles and then laughs, the sound echoing throughout the office. I wish it could last. It feels like forever since I've gotten to see her beautiful face full of joy this up close. It takes everything in me to stop myself from pulling her close to me and kissing her with abandon in front of Ros and Catherine.

Ana rolls her eyes "Sure, Ros... whatever helps you sleep at night."

"At this point it's honestly nothing, Gwen snores like a god damn truck." Ros snorts.

"Ooooh, I'm telling her that." Ana laughs and winks.

"Miss Steele, thank you for your time. It was... englitening." As always baby, you never cease to amaze me. I extend my hand and she reluctantly takes it giving me another strong unaffected handshake with her impassive expression.

I see them to the door. Ros and I walk back to my desk to join another conference call.

"See, I told you she had spunk. Wish I could have recorded how she ripped you a new one though because I've never seen you speechless. She's going places and we have to do whatever we can to keep her. " Ros muses.

I'm trying Ros. I'm trying.

"It almost felt like my mom was giving me a lecture." I tell her as I try to keep myself from grinning like a fool and Ros cackles.

"Ros, find who those employees are. I want to meet them and see how we can help them."

Ros, smiles and nods. "I'll get you the information before the end of the day, boss."

...

APOV

Jose, Val and I return with lunch from the nearby health bar and find ourselves a nice spot on one of the couches on the 5th floor atrium.

"Okay bish, tell me... EVERYTHING. If you leave anything out, I will go ape shit on you." Jose begs

"First of all, how did you even find out I was called up to his office?"

"My hags are everywhere. I run this ship tighter than the motherfucking CIA. NOW SPILL...before my hair falls out.

"Well to start, some motherfucker recorded my little speech and sent it to HR. So yeah, have your hags find out who the fuck did that." I bite back annoyed.

"They did what?" Val gasps.

"Yeah. Exactly, I fucking thought I was going to get fired. It was Grey, Ros and Caroline, just staring at me as a I walked in. I felt like I was walking to my own execution."

"At least you looked good." Jose compliments me as he takes a bite of his grilled chicken wrap.

"Wait! Do you really mean that?" I ask almost emotional. Jose rarely ever compliments me.

"Dios mio, tell us the story already."

I tell them what Christian asked me and I how I just laid it all out there. Jose and Val look at me wide-eyed. They've stopped eating and their jaws are open.

"What?" I ask.

"How are you not fired?" Val recovers.

I know the answer to this but I can't think like that right now.

"I don't know... " I trail off and take sip of my drink.

"He likes you. Only plausible explanation." Jose declares. "Think about it. First the ass check and then you get summoned to the office... next up... ACTIVATION."

"Fuck you, Rodriguez." Fuck, how does he figure this shit out. "You're reading too much into this."

"So wait, you wouldn't tap that?" Val asks raising an eyebrow. Oh Val dearest, it's already been tapped.

"No. I want to keep my job." I'm lying through my teeth and I hate it. I want to tell them so bad.

"Jose, call your Aunty Maria. We have a code red on our hands." Val sneers.

"No need, I got a crash course from her this Christmas. I can handle this hag all on my own." Jose laughs and I can't help but roll my eyes at him. If only you knew, Jose. I'm pretty sure he'd faint, clutching his pearls.

CPOV

"She handed my ass to me, John."

"What else did you expect from her?" John laughs and I can't help but smirk. True. What else could I have expected. "You goaded her didn't you?"

"Is it that obvious?"

"Well, I know how impatient you are."

I take a deep breath. "I know but John... fuck. My problem has always been to throw money at the problem and she just... fuck... she operates so well without it. People are telling her deeply personal things about themselves and at this rate she could take GEH from under me. EVEN ROS... fucking Ros is obsessed with her. She threatened to walk if I fired Ana. 9 years I've worked with Ros and she's never stuck up for any employee like that."

John looks at me and smiles.

"What John, why are you looking at me that? Are you enjoying my agony?"

"A little bit." He laughs. "It's nice to see you've met your match that's all." I chuckle.

"Even though, she ripped me a new one, it's the calmest I've felt since New Years. I just... miss her."

"Christian, she took this time away to try and better herself not to punish you. Don't you want her to come back to you when she's feeling better?"

"I'll take her anyway I can get her."

"I'm going to talk to you as a friend right now, let her be. Stop summoning her to your office for these sick games. Is she playing any games with you?"

"No."

"Then stop."

"If you're talking to me as a friend does this mean this session is free?"

"No. I'm still taking your money. Lord knows you have enough of it and I've been thinking of a vacation home in France."

APOV

"Can I just say how fucking happy I am that we're having girls night?" I look to Kate as we inhale our pizza and she drinks her wine.

"I know, it's been forever. I'm sorry for being attached to the hip with Elliot."

"No girl, please. I'm so happy for you guys, don't ever apologize... it's just that I need my best friend every now and then."

"You always got me. You know that, Steele." She smiles and gives me a wink. "So, what's on your mind?"

"He is on my mind. It's all consuming, Kate. Is this what being in love is like but I kind of don't like it right now. Like I really want sex. Can you imagine? Me, the virginal loser... well almost... now can't stop thinking about sex?"

Kate laughs out loud almost falling off the couch. "FINALLY, THE PUSSY IS ALIVE" she tries to calm her herself. "Listen, I'm so happy that you're getting some but you guys are just in a rough patch... "

I try to come down from our laughing high. "When did our roles reverse?" She snorts "When you went ahead and fell in love with a literal, tantrum throwing man-child with more money than god." We both fall into a fit of laughter again.

"You love your man-child?" I ask.

"Yeah, I do. I've never felt this way about anyone Ana. Underneath that entire fun, goofy exterior he's just a simple loving guy who wants a family. I mean I can't call him out for his man-whoring given how I used to be... but some of the conversations we've had, and it's been heavy shit... he's blown me away with his maturity and insight. It's inspiring." She gets a bit teary-eyed which is contagious. "You know, you were right, even though I thought you were fucking crazy to suggest it in the first place but Elliot and I not exchanging information and then meeting again at the wedding was a real blessing. Otherwise, I would've fucked it up and then the wedding would've been awkward AF... and then when we met... it was like we were meant to be..."

I nod and go in to hug her. "I'm so fucking happy for you both." I whisper. "I'm happy for you too, I know you both love each other and I know you guys will overcome this." She whispers back.

I pull back and take a deep breath. "Kate, I appreciate you saying but I've been dying to talk to you about this. I don't think I'm cut out for this. You grew up in this lifestyle, I don't know if I can take it being the spotlight again... I mean at the new year's party alone everyone was literally like, how'd you bag him etc... and Elena calling me a gold digger... it fucking hurt Kate. I'm not strong to take that scrutiny."

"Okay, listen to me. I'm not going to sugarcoat this. It's going to be fucking brutal whenever the media finds out. That's just how it is. Given how he looks and they will dig into you extensively... the initial fascination will seem like the end of the world but it will die down and listen to me Steele, you have us. I mean it. You have your support system in place. We will protect you."

I break out into a sob and she pulls me into a hug "I know you'll be here, I'm just scared."

"It's okay, you can be scared, anything worth having is scary. You taught me that. And listen, it's like you told Christian the other day... you came back from tougher conditions, you can do this. I have all the faith in the world in you Ana..." She kisses my forehead. "Listen, they all came at me too with the whole Elliot thing, they still are but you're right, I grew up with this so I can handle it but trust me when I say both Christian and I will hold your hand through this whenever you decide to take your relationship public... is this your only hesitation that's keeping you from going back to him?"

"Yeah, this and... the BDSM thing. I actually... I mean I've been doing some research and I need more time to look into it."

"What have you understood so far?'

"Well, I read some articles and talked to Dr. Flynn and they both say it's all about consent but I can't really wrap my head about the extreme punishment aspect of it."

"Would you want to talk to a female Domme who's in the lifestyle? One of the magazines at work did a whole piece on the BDSM lifestyle and she was interviewed on the condition of anonymity since all this shit has started to become mainstream. I can reach out to her and you can meet her in one of the conference rooms or in my office. Only thing is she'd make you sign an NDA since she has high profile clients. I think it might help hearing it from a females perspective."

"Can I meet her? And yeah, I'll sign her NDA, in fact, I'll have her sign one for me to protect myself too."

"Perfect. Let me email her."

After a few minutes Kate emails her contact and tells me she'll let me know as she hears back from her.

"I kind of became friends with her, she gave me some bedroom tips and let me tell you... shit got steamy when I tried them with Elliot." Kate laughs.

"Oh god... PLEASE KEEP THOSE DETAILS TO YOURSELF." I cover my face in embarrassment.

I cherish these kinds of nights with Kate. We can talk about anything and she'll give it to me straight. She's right, there's no denying what the media will do to me once this come out. There's no doubt that I love Christian but I still need time.


Thursday, January 23rd, 2020

KK: Hey babe, good luck with the meeting this evening. I've already asked my assistant Lara to take care of everything. You'll have your meeting in the conference room on my floor. It's soundproof and the glass is frosted so you guys will have privacy. There will be refreshments so don't worry. Your meeting is set for 6:30pm.

AS: Thanks babies. You're the best. I really appreciate you doing this.

KK: Anything for you. Now go learn some new tricks and share them with me too. Haha

AS: Oh god. You have a one track mind.

KK: As of recent, so do you ;)

AS: Shut up!

To say that I'm nervous about my meeting with a Domme this evening would be an understatement. I have a copy of the NDA that the family gave me. Not that I plan to mention Christian's name in this discussion but still, whenever we go public, the last thing I need is a Domme giving the Seattle rags an exclusive on how she met with his girlfriend to get more information on the lifestyle.

At 5:45pm I start to head out the Kavanagh Media headquarters. They're a 5 minute drive away but I wanted to walk which will take me about 10-15 minutes. I need to calm my nerves and get in to the right headspace. I play my 'girlpower' playlist and head out. It's freezing but after a while I no longer feel it.

Diving in ferociously, dancing intimately
I'm so connected to me
In the dark I'm letting go, so anonymously
I guess this is what it feels like to be free

I need to let my mind rest (my, my mind)
While my body reflects

Don't get me down, I won't let me get me (down)
Don't get me down, I won't let me get me (down)
I'm good right now, I won't let me get me
Take that tired heart and go and turn it inside out

I get to the lobby of Kavanagh Media and give in my name. A couple of minutes later Kate's assistant Lara greets me and escorts me to the top floor where Kate's office is where she tells me my 6:30pm is already waiting and that she came in early.

I walk in into the conference room and am met with a beautiful tall brunette. She looks almost like Rose McGowan when she was on Charmed except she has blue eyes like me. Her skin is flawless and she has a warm smile.

"Hi, I'm Ana, Kate's friend. Thank you for agreeing to meet with me."

"Hi Ana, I'm Cynthia. It's a pleasure to meet you." We shake and sit at the table. We both make some small talk and then get to the signing of the NDA's.

"Thank you for agreeing to sign this, in my line of work you can't be too careful."

"I completely understand. My family is also well known in the business circle so I had to cover my ass too." I laugh and she gives me a wink.

"So tell me, how can I help? Are you interested in getting into the BDSM scene?"

"Oh no, not formally. I just want to get an understanding of it. My boyfriend recently revealed to me that he's a dominant and well... as someone who has been a survivor of sexual assault it kind of sent me into a downward spiral and I'm just really confused. I've been doing some research on my own but when Kate told me that she had a female contact of someone in the lifestyle, well, I just wanted to meet you and get you take on everything as a woman."

"Hmm, I understand that. It can be very a lot to take in when coming from a background like that. Does your boyfriend want you to act as his submissive at times?"

"No he does not. He told me that he was no longer interested in the lifestyle but he's been doing it for about 15 years now. He was first a submissive and then became a dominant and has been one for the past 9 years except now to say that he no longer needs it... I'm a little weary."

"Understandable. Listen, I will be the first to tell you that there are varying degrees to the lifestyle. Some people love the extreme shit, some just like a little play here and there. As a woman who was a submissive and then became a Domme and now gives instruction in the lifestyle, it is ALWAYS and unequivocally about consent. A Dominant has to earn his/her Submissive's trust only then can they have complete control over them. The submissive always has the control. I won't lie and say every Dominant is the same, some people are assholes and don't deserve to be in the lifestyle but a good Dom's takes care of his Sub's needs and makes sure they are met."

I stare at her and I am sure my face is white as a sheet. She reaches out and offers her hand for me to hold. I place it in hers and she squeezes it.

"I know it sounds scary but I'm here to answer any questions you have. I will walk you through it all." I nod.

"So how does it work? Can you give me an example of how you are with your Subs?"

"Sure. When I used to have subs, we had scenes...basically where I explain to my Sub beforehand what I'm going to do to them. It's a general idea. Like, I'm going to tie them up, or cuff them or suspend them from the ceiling. Whatever it is, they know what to expect. In the event that the activity gets too much they can safe word and I will immediately stop doing what I'm doing and let them leave or take a break. Outside of the actual scene, I provide them with aftercare, what that entails is decided beforehand in the contract but for me, I would give my subs a massage, apply amica cream to prevent bruising... sometimes even give them a bath or watch a movie with them. It all varies, it can be whatever you want it to be."

"Safe word?"

"Yes, safe word. It can be a color, the name of an object anything. For example, the most commonly used at Yellow to signify that the sub is reaching their limit and Red to signify that they want to stop and have passed their limit and green that they are ready to continue. Just like a traffic light."

I quietly nod. "As mentioned before, these are all negotiated in the contract beforehand and all limits, the soft and hard limits are discussed. Soft limits are again activities you'd be willing to try and hard limits are activities that are absolutely forbidden. For example when I was a submissive, vaginal fisting was a serious no go for me."

I shudder and close my legs. She gives me a smile. "I know it's not the greatest but some people love that shit... are you okay though? You want me to continue or do you want to take a break?

I tell her I'm doing fine and proceed to ask her a few more questions about the different types of arrangement people can have in the lifestyle. I find that all submissives have the power to negotiate terms in the contract and that some require cuddling even after a session or just materialistic items in exchange for their submission. The only thing that matters is that both parties agree to each other's terms and respect them. Interestingly, none of these contracts are valid in the US court of law. That does not sit well with me.

"What's TPE?"

"Ah, now we're getting to the good part." She wiggles her eyebrows a bit in jest. "TPE is Total Power Exchange, meaning your Dominant has complete over you. He/she decides when you can eat, sleep or wear or... basically anything they say goes. I had one sub who craved that shit and I will not lie, that level of power can feel amazing but it got old for me really quickly." She laughs. "Again, a submissive can easily safe word and get out of the TPE arrangement. It's all about consent Ana. No one can make you do anything you don't want to."

"Thank you for giving me some perspective on this. I really appreciate it."

"Any time girl, listen, just take it slow. If your boyfriend says he no longer needs it, trust him but if you want to explore some of the lifestyle with him, know that he will take care of you. You can always tell him to stop and he will, it's all about communication. You have to clearly communicate what you want. If he doesn't then kick him in the balls and send him to the ER." I giggle and the thought of kicking Christian in the ER clutching his balls is hilarious.

"He did playfully spank me and I didn't hate it." I shyly tell her.

She claps "Then start with that, listen a little pain in sex can really enhance the experience. For example, to start with being tied up for me helped me focus and made my orgasm even more intense, then I moved up the ladder with toys and some slightly more painful elements, like the cane and paddle. I tried everything and then realized what I liked and not. There is so much you can explore with the BDSM lifestyle. Again, start slow. I know you said you the idea of whips and canes scared you and I'll be the first to tell you you're right that shit isn't all that pleasant but hey, some people love that kinda shit but a sub can never be forced into something and a good Dom will always respect their subs limits." She smiles.

"What I'm trying to say is... don't knock it till you try it. Just give it a chance. It's all role play. Using the scale 1 to 10 for example, I have some celebrity clients who only are at a level 2 or 3 are and engage in the lifestyle for the role playing only and some low key toys, just for a little excitement... some are at a level 10 and well... I won't go into the details of that but again, it's all about what you like and are willing to do. I will say though, that BDSM is a whole lot of fun and satisfying when you do it with someone you love." She gives me a smile and I nod, trying to make sense of everything.

I understand role playing and trying different things at a slower and gentle pace. I wouldn't mind that at all. It reminds me of the time he asked me to hold the headboard when I had my period and before he went to Tokyo. It was such an intense experience both those times.

"Have you been based in Seattle long?"

"I'm actually based in LA and San Francisco but had a session to teach up at a club here this week. I started out on the East Coast as a submissive. I've been doing it for about 12 years now, I was a sub for 5 years then took me a year to train as a Domme to start out at least and since then I've never looked back. I spent so much money going to Harvard business school and I don't use it at all." She laughs and I can't help but smile back.

"My boyfriend in college came across a BDSM club that his friend had talked about and asked if me if I wanted to try it out and we fell in love with it. My boyfriend and I eventually broke up but we remained friends and he introduced me to a few people who needed instruction a few years later and then my business really grew from that circle of his friends. Now I work all over the West Coast and sometimes internationally for the past 6 years giving instruction. I actually have a steady boyfriend now and he's not into the scene at all but every now and then he'll indulge me. He's actually at a level 4 at best but it's still a rewarding experience because we love each other so much." She gives me a smile.

"Thanks so much Cynthia, this makes me feel so much better. I feel like I have a solid understanding of things, it also helps hearing from women. Sick of hearing men's point of view."

We both hug and gives me her number and lets me know that she'd happily give me any pointers should I need any in the future. I tell her to leave before me since I have security following me and I don't want word to get back to my boyfriend that I met with her. She laughs it off and makes a joke about him being a control freak.

Girl, you have no idea.


Authors Note: So... how we feeling? We have some uninvited guests showing up in the next chapter. Let me know what you thought of this one. As always I appreciate everything you guys say. I'm so honored you're sticking by this story and are invested in it. *grabs tissues and ugly cries*

Pinterest: www dot pinterest dot com/paleseptember10/50-shades-of-love-and-light/ - check out the chapter 22-23 board :)

Music:

Ana's Girl Power Playlist

Let Me Get Me - Selena Gomez

Dangerous Woman - Ariana Grande

Don't Start Now - Dua Lipa

GiRL - Maren Morris

Sorry Not Sorry - Demi Lovato

OctaHate - Ryn Weaver

God Is Woman - Ariana Grande

Naughty GIrl - Holly Valance

Stronger - Kelly Clarkson

Work - Rihanna

Bodak Yellow - Cardi B

Bitch Better Have My Money - Rihanna

Diva - Beyonce

Rumour Has It - Adele