As promised here is Christian's POV.

I wanted to thank all of you for taking interest in this story, such feedback is a great motivator. I also saw that many of you wanted someone to overhear Ana and Elena confrontation, sorry but the She Devil is not going away just yet ) But I do have a great downfall planned for her )

Also huge thanks to my beta ) She is the one responsible for the humor and charm in this story. Ro, you are wonderful.

Christian POV

Instantly I feel an inner void as soon as Anastasia leaves my side only to find my sister taking her physical space gliding in beside me. I don't know if it is her overall attitude this evening or the permanent scowl she's recently adopted, but I have a feeling that Mia and I are going to have some serious words right about now. I was actually thankful for the radio silence of the last couple of days, but the quiet before the storm has run its' course.

Why the hell can't I catch break? Can I not just have some time to revel in my happiness for just a little while?

''I would congratulate you, big brother, but that would be a big fat lie.'' She sneers .

The moment those words hit my consciousness I felt triggered as if Wisdom from on high deigned its graces upon me. So, this is what enlightenment feels like. For the first time, when I looked at my baby sister, really looked at her, I could almost see double doors open to a lighted room in my mind forcing me to a new awareness. I'm stunned to my core.

Her disapproval doesn't surprise me. I was expecting it but certainly not this level of vehemence and especially not while I'm surrounded by a mass of very influential people. For her to essentially lay out our dirty laundry for the world to see brings me over the edge. Maintaining my smile and relaying my thanks to the finally dwindling crowd, I excuse myself and take hold of my sisters' arm firmly steering her away to a more private area. In my peripheral vision I see Taylor and the rest of my security team follow us. I turn to Taylor with a silent questioning look and wait until he gives me the nod before I engage Mia in conversation. I had not said a word until I was assured of our privacy but Mia interprets this silence as affirmation to speak before I had a chance to organize my thoughts.

''You could do so much better" she says, "better than that little… nobody. Honestly Christian, Victoria Secret's models proposition you all the time. A-lister actresses would kill for a chance to be with you. Practically every woman in our circle are falling over themselves for you to notice them and you chose… that? She must give the best head in the universe that you would make such a colossal error in judgment?!"

I didn't think it was possible to be more stunned than I was three minutes ago, but Mia absolutely floors me. I'm only aware of my clenched fist when my fingers start to feel numb from lack of circulation.

I hardly recognize the person who's in front of me. No let me rephrase that, I certainly don't know this person in front of me. Mia and I were always the closest in the family, or so I thought. I believed her reservations with Ana stemmed from her love for me and like my mother she was, in her own way, trying to protect me. But the shit that's coming out of her mouth is not what I expected and it's gravely disappointing.

Now I see what dad and Elliot have been saying all along. It's a rude awakening and by damn I'll make sure she feels it. My shocked expression slowly turns to one of anger, but she doesn't see my facial transformation being so caught up in her self-righteousness.

"Thank you, Mia. Your words of support are heartfelt.'' I say sarcastically. I take a step back from her creating the physical distance I know I will need to make and I feel my heart ache. "You know of anyone who I thought would support me, without explanation, trepidation or judgment, it would be you." She scoffs at me.

Who the fuck is this kid and where the fuck is my sister?

''Oh please, save it Christian. You were the one that turned your back on me in my time of need. You, Dad and El cut me off with zero financial freedom. And for what? To buy that skank the most outrageous pretentious rock?''

And there it is folks. It all comes down to the mother of all evil, the fucking dollar. Kind of sucks knowing that my true value, from my own sister, is measured by money. The irony here is that I wasn't planning on closing her cards, just putting a limit to them. Fuck it. Fuck that entitled attitude. Fuck Mia.

"Need. Your need is money? More specifically, MY money. That's your need Mia? I want to be sure you're clear and that I am understanding you correctly. What is this the NEED you are referring to?"

The warning is implied. The mere delivery of my message is clear, and yet she still maintains her indignant stance.

My disappointment in her drains me, and I have to take another step back from my baby sister before I do something, I know, I'll regret later. I would've never believed it until I heard it from her directly, so in a sense I'm grateful, but fuck this truly saddens me. I would move heaven and hell for this girl and what do I get in return, a spoiled monster of a sister.

I love my baby sister. She has always been so special to me. She was the first person who I was able to allow into my personal space, whose touch didn't burn or send me into a panic state. She was the first who made me feel lighter and somehow human. Now, I can't stand to be here. Her very presence is churning my stomach.

Mia sees the physical distance I've put between us, a foreshadowing of what's to come, so steps a little closer to me as I instinctively, again, step away. This is the first time I've ever done that with her and her shock expression confirms it.

''You know. I didn't really believe them when they told me. When Dad came to me telling how you've changed, how your attitude and mannerisms since you've been back from Paris was dismal and needed correction, I didn't buy it. I didn't want to believe it because my sister wouldn't be that callous or selfish. She would never be that kind of society person. Fuck Mia, I remember we used to make fun of those overbearing socialites, and here you are the embodiment of one.

The funny part is that until this moment I was the only one fighting in your corner. If you had taken the time to check, I didn't cancel your cards or closed your Neiman's account. I was going to limit the amount, not close them. You're my baby sister, and I love you. We all love you, and now I can see what Dad, Elliot and Gramps see. I see how our love and care has created what you've become.

This…you…This is not my loving baby sister. The Mia I know would never treat me like how you just did. The Mia I know would never spoke to me with such vile, judgmental and insensitive attitude. She would never take me for granted. The Mia I know LOVES me."

I stop to take a breath to try to reign in the anger that I know is slowly seeping out of me.

"The Mia I know would understand that what just happened out there, that proposal, meant more to me than anything I've ever done before, and despite my baby sisters' reservations, SHE WOULD FUCKING KNOW!''

The nasty scowl on her face from earlier is replaced with astonishment. Now she gets it, but I don't take any pleasure in her knowledge. I hang my head in exasperation. I knew Mia and I would have words, but fuck I never knew this is what would come of it.

''But what really hurts me the most Mia, is the understanding that you view me, not as a brother who loves you, but as your very own personal ATM machine." My eyes are glistening and I can't help but look at her in utter frustration. Taking control of myself, I move further away from her hoping the short distance at least will save me from the hurt I feel. "I thought that after the talk with dad you would come to me for help. I thought…ha, fuck…I thought you'd come to me for a job or a business plan for a start-up. I've seen your work, and you're very talented but the fool that I am, I thought together we could've come up with a plan to put you on track, to help you create something of your own. All this I was thinking because I love you and would've anything in my power to help you succeed, at the very least be happy.''

''Christian. I'm...I…'' Mia tries to interrupt me again, but I silence her.

''You've said your piece, now it's my turn.'' I say in a cool tone and round on her. My sister knows me well enough to understand that I'm seconds away from going nuclear.

''Dad's right. If my money created you into this bitter shell of a person, I'm cutting you off. You're fucking twenty-three and have no excuse to act out the way you are. Since the day mom and dad brought you home, from infancy you were raised in a loving supportive family environment. You've been given every opportunity to make something of yourself without the trauma or baggage Elliot or I had when we were brought home. The people you choose to surround yourself with, your friends, are a bunch of emptyheaded skanks. You spend your days doing sweet shit all. Lunches, shopping, partying all night. Your behavior is willful negligence and complete disrespect for this family.

For the first time in a very long time I'm happy and excited for my future. A fucking future I thought I never could have. And what do you do?" Tears start welling up in her eyes and I see the first few tracks trickle down, but I've shut myself down on her. That shit isn't going to work on me anymore. "I'm done defending you. I'm done with your antics, attitude and excuses. The next time you see me, it better be with your head screwed on tight, welded into place and with a plan in hand. Get your fucking act together Mia, then we'll talk.'' I turn and walk away from her briskly leaving my sister stunned behind me. I motion for Taylor to come closer with a jerk of my head.

I've never talked to her that way before. I never thought I'd see this day coming, even when both Dad and Elliot brought her disturbing behaviour up to my attention, I never believed that the person they were describing was our Mia. But to hell with pleasantries and treating her with kid gloves. She overstepped the line by a mile tonight. I'm determined to leave her in the capable hands of our father.

"Take Mia off the preferred list. She will not have free unlimited access to Grey House, Escala, or any of my apartments and properties globally. Cancel her credit cards and all the accounts to wherever the fuck I've given her access for. Kill it all and get it done now."

"Sir. Did you want the bank account you have put into her name closed as well?"

"No. Keep that open, but she is not to make any withdrawals or make loans against that account. Keep the money in that account there. IF by some fucking miracle she does grow the fuck up, I want her to able to have access to it. When the time comes and ONLY when I, or my father, give the authorization, we'll release the funds gradually, but until then I don't want her near it. Is that clear?"

"Understood Sir."

"Make sure her CPO stays close. God only knows what the fuck she'll do after tonight. If she does go out, her CPO drives. I want updates on all her activities as well as who she does it with. I may be cutting off her party lifestyle cashflow, but I want her monitored and kept safe. Is that clear?''

"Yes Sir."

I need Ana. My head is going to fucking explode and I need to touch her. Where, the fuck, did she disappear to?

My purpose is sure and my entire focus is to get my girl and get the fuck out of here. I was halfway to mom to ask her where Ana got to when Grandma and Gramps intercepted me.

''Christian honey, is everything ok?"

"Hi Grandma, Gramps. I'm fine. Just had a short conversation with Mia" I jerk the side of my head to indicate where I left my still stunned sister. Gramps quickly glances over, then looks to me in acknowledgement then pats my hand affectionately calming my rolling anger.

"Well, I can see by the look on your face that you're ready to grab your girl and bolt from here any second. Although I'm not sure what's happened over there," Grandma indicates toward Mia, "but I do know how much you dislike these functions. With the added attention I'm surprised you stayed this long'' Grandma giggles.

''You know me well." I give her a small smile so I don't make her feel uncomfortable. "I was just planning my escape. As soon as Ana is back from the ladies-room, I'm planning on making our escape. It's been a long night, and I just want to be alone with her.''

''Yes. Of course, dear… but we, your grandpa and I, were hoping you and Ana could…would… that is...'' and for some reason my grandmas tongue-tied and sheepish looks make me apprehensive.

"Out with it, Grandma. I never saw a situation when you of all people would beat around the bush. I know Mom and Mia have their reservations, but I thought you love Ana?"

''Oh yes, dear. I do. We do. Please don't misunderstand my hesitancy. I'm really ecstatic that you finally found love, and that you found such a wonderful woman to share your life with. The proposal was beautifully done, you must've gotten some tips from your grandpa. Just like when Theo proposed to me, it was perfectly unexpected and very romantic. We're so proud of you Christian. It's just…well…'' I raised a brow in question wondering where she was going with this?

''What your Grandma is trying to say, is that while this Ball was a great place for a proposal, it didn't give us any time to celebrate as a family. We spoke with your parents and they agree that it would be nice if we all stayed here tonight and have a celebratory brunch together tomorrow.'' Gramps finished.

I have to hold my eyes in place to prevent them from rolling heavenward.

Christ on a cracker. I just want to go home and I'm sure Ana would want the same knowing she's been on an emotional roller coaster all day.

But then I look at my grandmother and I know that I won't be able to say no to her. She never asks for anything and I simply don't have it in me to deny her this one request.

God, I'm going soft.

Taking a deep breath in and releasing it out ever so slowly being mindful and respectful of my elders I say gently, ''I'll have to talk to Anastasia first, and if she is fine with it then we'll stay'' I highly doubt that she will agree, but I can honestly say I tried.

''Oh, thank you darling. Please, leave the girl to me. She won't deny an old lady'' she says winking at me.

Damn. My own grandmother played me. She planned everything and there is no chance in hell that she won't get her way.

I wonder if I could hire Grandma Adele to negotiate my next acquisition. She's a gifted schemer that would put any General to the test.

I notice Ana striding our way and she doesn't look all happy. Sighting my grandparents, she quickly covers her scowl with a smile, but it is as fake as Mia's friends' tits.

''Anastasia! I was about to send a search party for you.'' Taking her hand, I pull her closer and kiss her temple. Immediately I feel myself calm down. I feel her tense up which is not a reaction I had anticipated considering her joyful response to my proposal earlier. What changed in the last fifteen minutes?

''Hello Adele; Theo are you enjoying yourselves this evening? Will you be staying much longer? I heard there will be fireworks soon."

"Hello Ana" Gramps greets her with a wide grin.

"Yes dear. This night has been magical and I'm so incredibly happy to know my grandson is in capable loving hands with you. Thank you."

My grandma's face is lit up like a kid on Christmas morning and her smile is infectious. Whatever mood Ana was in before, it dissipates as she genuinely returns my grandma's smile.

"You're such a blessing Adele and I know Christian adores you. Thank you for welcoming me to the family so warmly." Giving grandma one last hug she turns to me and asks, "Christian, I'm getting really tired, how long before we can go home?'' Although she still has her smile, I can see her eyes tell me her need to leave, but I allow grandma to reply in my stead.

''Ana, we hope we're not being too much of a bother, but Theo and I would like it very much if you and Christian stayed here tonight. We'd like to have brunch together as a family tomorrow. Nothing extravagant, just a simple little celebration without the crowd of strangers, and maybe talk about your wedding and brainstorm some plans together. This is such a happy occasion and I want to savor it a bit more.''

Yep. And that's how it's done folks. Grandma has mastered the art of emotional manipulation and guilt tripping. I believe it's a skill that only belongs to grandma's, and maybe mothers because the heavy sigh coming from Ana tells me Adele Trevelyan has got this in the bag.

''Yes. Of course, Adele. How can I say no you?''

"Not Adele darling girl. I'm your Grandma now too." She pulls Ana into another strong hug, catching us both off guard as I let go my hold on her.

Fuck I love my Grandma is the best of the best!

The night proved to be long with more well-wishers and congratulatory handshakes and so much ass kissing that I may have a permanent lip print on my rear. As the evening progressed, I could feel the tension from Anastasia grow by the minute. It's like a waiting time bomb, and I have no idea where this is coming from.

I look up to the night sky to check for a fucking full moon, because she's been taking me on an emotional roller coaster all night, and I'm getting a headache trying to figure what the fuck I could've possibly done to warrant such attitude. She's clearly pissed with me I just don't know why. The moment the fireworks and closing remarks were complete, Ana and I make our way toward the house.

Mom informed me earlier that my old bedroom was already prepared for us and the mere thought of Anastasia and I spending the night in my childhood room is both exciting and terrifying. I'm almost twenty-seven and I feel like I'm sixteen-year-old with no clue on how to behave in the company of his first crush.

I can fuck a woman into oblivion, but I get nervous bringing a girl to my bedroom and she is my fiancé now. It's quite pitiful, really.

I guess I should have paid more attention to Elliot's dating life when we were teens. But I was so caught up with Elena and our naughty kinky secret that I saw myself as the knowledgeable one. Now it is glaringly obvious how wrong I was. Until Anastasia I've never doubted my choices from youth, but the thrill I get around this girl involuntarily makes me look back and question if I indeed missed out on a lot of vital adolescent experiences.

I recall all those times when Elena and I would make fun of people not in the lifestyle. In my ignorance, I thought Elliot was the idiot putting so much effort and emotion wooing a girl just to get laid for the weekend. Thanks to Elena, and her contacts, getting laid at any given time was not an issue for me. I never had to apply myself as Elliot had. If Elliot only knew what I was thinking then, he'd be having the last laugh now. While we both achieved our end goal of sex, I think my older brother got the better end of the deal giving. He's gained the experience I only wish to have now.

I shake my head recognizing the irony of it all. But what's done is done and I don't want to go down the lane of what if's and regrets. I want to concentrate on a future full of promise. A future with Anastasia, who, for some unfathomable reason, is pissed with me.

As soon as we we're out of the public eye, she drops my hand like it was something vile. I wait until we are safely behind the closed doors of my old bedroom before I confront her.

''Ok. Out with it. I've told you before, whatever games you women play, I have no experience with it and I refuse to start educating myself now.'' I say a bit more sternly than I intend to, but my tone does get her attention. ''What the fuck happened? You went to the bathroom and since then I've been getting the cold shoulder from you all night. I'm sure it's something I've done, or haven't done, but until you actually tell me, I have no clue how to fix it.''

I see her eyes flare with heated anger. She looks at me for a long moment and I can almost hear her counting down in her head in an effort to calm herself. Having no idea where her animosity is stemming from, I'm feeling the last thread of my patience about to snap.

''Games indeed.'' She laughs sarcastically. '' Very well Christian, I'll map out the evening for you from my perspective. First, you know about my comfort level with crowds, and although I understand and to a certain extent prepared myself for this evening, I was not expecting the amount of attention I garnered. Not your fault, but I want you to understand the emotional struggle I've put myself through to help you. Second, your very dramatic proposal." She lifts her delicate hand, the one holding my ring "Seriously Christian. This thing is the size of a search light. A bit overboard, don't you think? Third, the continued animosity from your mother and sister is getting old and tiresome, although I believe your mother is warming up a bit.''

Ok. So, she's upset with the overwhelming attention. I can work with that, but I can see she's not finished talking so I wisely keep my mouth shut and let her get all of those issues out of her system.

''I was ready for all of it. The attention, the proposal and this…ring, even your family's attitude. I was prepared for it all, but what I was not expecting that your bestie will corner me in the bathroom of all places."

"Oh. Fuck. Elena."

"Oh, yes Christian. Elena. You promised to keep that Cruella as far away from me as possible and that ambush was the last straw.''

God damn that woman. FUCK! What the hell is wrong with her? Jesus Christ I personally warned her of the consequences if she interfered with myself and Ana. Now she's forced my hand. Tomorrow morning I'll call my lawyer and Ros to see how we can separate Esclava from GEH. I need to be prepared if she won't listen to reason, she will have to listen to power.

''You told me numerous times to trust you that you would ensure she wouldn't bother me. You told me you would deal with her. Clearly, your words mean jack shit to that sorry excuse of a human!'' Anastasia hisses and for the millionth time I regret ever letting Elena in on our arrangement.

Ana sags in on herself in exhaustion after her last tirade.

''I'm tired of this shit Christian, and I don't want to talk about it anymore tonight. If you want the play by play of our conversation, I'll tell you tomorrow but not tonight. I just want to sleep." She looks so defeated and I'm angry with myself for putting her there. "If you could please lend me a T-shirt and some sweatpants or shorts, I'm going to take a quick hot shower and call it a night.''

As much as I would like to finish the conversation so we can bury it and move on, I can tell she's had enough and the words I was going to say die in my mouth. So, like a good fiancé, I adhere to her wishes, find her some clothes, (thankfully, mom hasn't cleared out any of my old clothes), and show her the ensuite bathroom giving her some time alone.

I change quickly into pj pants. Now, I'm standing near the edge of my old double bed with trepidation. I've never slept with anyone before. What if I have a nightmare? I won't be able to forgive myself if I hurt her in my sleep. Fuck. Another sleepless night. Well, nothing new there.

After my turn in using the bathroom, I see Ana has set up a makeshift wall of pillows and rolled blankets down the middle of the bed. Not sure if a barrier is enough to block my nightmares, but it's worth a shot. Ana's already settled on the right side of the barrier. ''Stay on your side, Grey and don't snore or I'll smother you with my pillow. Be a dear and shut the light please." She turns on her side and with a final 'good night'' she closes her eyes. It doesn't take long as I watch her fall into a deep sleep.

Whatever I expected this night to be, this was not it. Crawling to my appointed side of the bed beside Hadrian's wall of pillows I whisper into the night, ''pleasant dreams, Anastasia.''

I also wanted to note that while very unpleasant Mia is not a bad guy in this storyline, for those who like her character I promise that she will redeem herself…it will just take time to see the light.

A hope you all are staying safe. Also due to quarantine and homeschooling it's a bit challenging to find time wo write so I'm sorry for long periods between updates, but it is what it is.

Laters.

Ilenka.