The update is finally here. I'm sorry for the wait, but it is what it is. This is the first part of the live interview, enjoy.

As usual kudos to my beta and co-author for the way this chapter turned out.

The Interview

Anastasia POV

The cabbie I hailed down from Christian's parents drove me to the pier near the market, which happened to be walking distance to Escala. In hindsight I imagined it was my father who guided my steps in the direction I am taking now.

I had walked along the pier until I found a secluded spot and allowed my grief the release its' been longing for. My wracking sobs brought me to my knees on that rocky beach as I raised my voice to the heavens screaming at the injustice for taking the only parent I've ever known. A father's love.

In a way, I need to thank Mia for her callous words. I've been holding myself together for so long, keeping my grief deep inside that I didn't realize the pressure I was putting on my psyche. Those four words were the catalyst that pushed against the construct walls of my sanity. Emptying myself along the shores of the Pacific Ocean allowed the light of peace to permeate my soul. A peace that will sustain me and strengthen my purpose.

I make my way to Escala collecting the broken pieces of my mind and with my fathers' love still wrapped around me, I sit quietly in conversation with him. By the time Christian came home, I've already walked through the fires of my grief. Although I don't think I'll ever recover from the loss of my father, I'll live his memory as I rise to a fiercer me.

I'm not naïve to think that I won't have moments of longing whenever I remember my dad. I will forever miss him, but I will not be debilitated by my loss. Every day his life will be remembered, and by damn it will start with me taking control of my life and my company. I'm done catering to the undeserving.

I will fulfil the obligation I made to the Grey's. I can see now how well I was played from the first day I met up with Carrick. The initial plan seemed sound and simple, but to Carrick and Theo's defense, I don't think they know the depth of Christian's past. It's easy to sell something to the unsuspecting when you can't see the fault lines. Still, I don't think I can trust them. This thought saddens me because I truly liked them, but the Grey's, all of them, need to take a step back. Aside from Adele, when all this blows over, she is the one I will miss the most.

As for Christian, well, his actions speak for himself. Despite the crap over the last two weeks, I've learnt a lot and have a good feeling about my future and it doesn't depend on the presence of that man in my life.

My appointment with Franco was a good distraction from the turmoil of this morning. Mindless chatter, crude jokes, cool cucumber compresses for my puffy red eyes and a fantastic head massage was just what I needed to soothe my weary soul. Plus, the man's talent with makeup and brushes magically turns me into someone I don't recognize. He's my own faery god mother who can magically turn me into something surreal. I'm definitely keeping his number when I've come into my own. At least one good thing came out of all this.

The plan I have orchestrated for this afternoons interview is foremost on my mind. Christian assured me his full trust, yet I know how passionately he reacts to the unexpected when it targets his personal life. I need to consistently remind him to put what's happening with us, between us, as a business maneuver. I neither want, nor need Christian the man; I need Christian the CEO. Keeping Christian 'The Man' in his place among the rest of the Grey family helps me compartmentalize their necessary evil in my life. It's my psychological defense making clear distinctions separating their lot from me.

As we both unbuckle our seatbelts, yet before we exit the car, I quickly grab onto Christian with a final reminder, "Keep to the script Grey. Take my lead and try not to improvise too much. I've got this. Ok?"

"Assuredly Anastasia" he says with trepidation while assisting me out of the car.

We are escorted to the green room to meet the host of this evening show, Ms. Ashley Benson. She, like most typical show hosts, is a very polished and attractive young woman. Her poise shows she takes pride in her physique as her body stance stands out among the crew. She affects a friendly inviting smile, but the look in her eyes belies her welcome. Her smile is more a smirk and her sinister eyes are taunting me with a secret I already know. Kate describes her perfectly. "The woman screams 'Bitch', Ana. Don't let your guard down. Good luck!"

''Ms. Steele, Mr. Grey thank you for being here tonight. We're honoured to be the first station you've granted a live interview with. I'd like to extend my special thanks for this opportunity. The world's been all abuzz with your relationship and I look forward to leading the curious with some exciting insight into your lives'' she says with a dazzling smile and handshake. Her hold on Christian's hand with her greeting is a little too long while she barely gives me a sideward glance. It seems there wasn't enough time for her to shake my hand before she went into the details of what the interview is to entail.

Oh sweetie. Bring it on.

To say that Ms. Benson has an affection for Christian would be an understatement. My return smile is genuine because truly the jokes on her. Her flirting and attempts at subtle seduction are laughable, and I valiantly try to hold my mirth in. I can feel Christian tense beside me, clearly uncomfortable with her attention as he tries to extricate himself from her. My chortle of amusement, turned cough, was enough of a disguise and distraction for Christian to pull himself away. He pulls me closer to him rubbing gentle circles on my back in comfort.

"Ana. Are you ok?"

"Thank you Christian" I say while I pat his chest lightly in reassurance. "Perhaps Ms. Benson, could I trouble you for a glass of water?"

"Yes. Of course."

While Ashley is momentarily occupied, I lean into Christian's ear and whisper words of encouragement.

"Hold your temper Christian. We don't want to show our hand too soon" and I give him a kiss on the cheek for good measure. Instantly I feel him relax beside me. After a few minutes of mindless chit chat we are finally led to the stage where the interview will take place. We are geared up with microphones, the lights adjusted, and the countdown begins. I share a conspirator look with Christian before we simultaneously turn to our host.

Let the games begin.

''Good evening Seattle. Welcome Live to my show. I'm Ashley Benson and tonight we have some very special guests who's taken time from their very busy schedule to generously sit with us. Tonight, we have Seattle's own elusive billionaire Christian Grey and his lovely fiancé Anastasia Steele. This new and upcoming power couple has created quite a stir in our city, if not the nation, and to put our queries to rest they've agreed to answer some questions.'' The host starts with the fakest smile. Her partiality to Christian is prominent in her body language as is her contempt for me.

Oh fuck, this is going to be so much fun.

''Anastasia, Christian. Welcome and thank you for being here this evening.''

Christian's displeasure over Ashley's use of his first name is very evident, so to calm him I squeeze the hand that has mine in a death grip. In the short time that we've been together I pride myself having discovered some of Christian's idiosyncrasies and the infinitesimal roll of his eyes tells me our hosts fawning is exasperating him. A small giggle escapes me, I can't help it. This whole scenario is entertaining, so with a genuine smile of my own I return her greeting for the both of us.

''We are glad to be here, Ms. Benson. We're happy to offer your viewers, and the public in general, enough food for fodder to fill their curiosity. We, admittedly, lead very private lives, but we understand with our recent engagement folks seem more obsessively curious about us." I offer her my full on white bright smile. I have no idea where this playfulness is coming from. Perhaps it's my newfound confidence, or, more likely, nervous energy, but whatever it is it's is making me giddy and unsettling our host.

Did that sound too bitchy, Bitch?

''Yes. Well, we are all very curious." Sitting taller in her chair while she suggestively crosses her long legs to gain Christian's attention she continues. "For the last six years since Christian's successes vaulted him into the elite world, yet he's never shared any aspect of his private life. In the past the interviews that were allowed were about his company, Grey Enterprise Holdings, or his philanthropic work. I, as many others, find it fascinating that a man so private would grant us this privilege. Don't get me wrong, we are delighted to have you here, but why now? What made you, Christian, change your mind and give the public a glimpse into your previously guarded private life?''

''The answer is simple Ms. Benson. Ana." he raises the hand he is holding to his lips, looks at me lovingly then turns back to Ashley. "Over the last couple of years, I've garnered, unintentionally, my fair share of the media. I grant that my company's success would draw attention, but I never considered it tabloid worthy. I never understood the hype. I'm no different than any other successful businessman. In time I got used to the attention, but the last two weeks it's gotten out of control. I can handle myself, but I won't have Anastasia harassed and mobbed daily. We have our lives to live and as Anastasia said earlier, we hope to answer the questions people have for us so they will, hopefully, give us the opportunity to enjoy our happy time without interference.''

Christian is rubbing soft circles on the back of my hand with his thumb that's both soothing and distracting. It's hard not to feel comfortable with when Christian does this. It feels natural, almost instinctive.

''Well I'm sure you both can appreciate our interest'' she volley's accentuating 'interest' with a predatory smile. ''For every public event, we have never seen you with a date then, whoosh, Anastasia comes in and Boom, two weeks later you are engaged. That's quite a surprise, you must admit. Quite the enviable whirlwind romance." wink, "But, let's start from the beginning. Can you share with us how and where you both met?''

Dutifully we recite our well-rehearsed tale of our chance meeting at a London coffee shop in March. My free hand gently strokes the arm my hand is holding demonstrating our devotion for each other as Christian leans over to place a gentle kiss to my temple.

''You make it sound like it was love at first sight.''

''For me it was just that. Imagine every chick flick romance movie that you were compelled to watch, which was the case with me having a little sister, or recite any master poet on the subject, and as sticky sweet as it sounds, that's what happened to me. It may seem incredulous until it happens to you.'' Christian answers looking straight at me and I don't even need to pretend to swoon. Yah. I know. Compartmentalize and all that shit but give me a break. I task any woman to try to be detached when a man like Christian Grey says something like while looking at you adoringly. It's enough to make you come, or at the very least shiver in anticipation and Ashley is not immune to it, nor is she pleased.

''Indeed. Very romantic," Ashely continues with a hint of sarcasm. "So, if you met in March, what took you so long to move to Seattle, Anastasia?''

''Several reasons really. Outside of our discovering each other, we both had obligations to our work. Christian's company is home based in Seattle. I had work obligations of my own in the UK. Despite our desire to be together we both knew the timing was terrible, but we wanted to get to know each other better without outside interference. We may have fallen in love with each other quickly, but we didn't lose our minds."

"Speak for yourself Ana. It was hard for me to leave the day we said goodbye. I had to fight back the urge to kidnap you and fly you home with me." Cue blush as Christian moves a lock of my hair away from my face. I'm getting all starry eyed again and it's frustrating. If we weren't in front of an audience, no less live broadcasting, I'd slap him away. He's wiggling his way into my good graces with this tenderness, and I can't let him do that.

Fuck! This interview can't end soon enough. Just don't let him get to you Ana. It's all a show. Just a performance!

''Anastasia, were you expecting a proposal so quickly after your move back to the States? Ana…?'' Ashley probes

I feel Christian chuckle beside me as I realize I had missed something Ashley said. "Oh. Shit. What'd I miss?" I say in a frantic whisper to Christian. He's still chuckling beside me instead of answering me. Rolling my eyes heavenward I bring my attention back to Ashley. "I'm terribly sorry Ms. Benson. I was distracted. Could you repeat your question?"

"Yes" she hisses. "I was just asking if you were expecting Christian to propose to you so quickly." I smirk before I reply knowing the witch isn't appreciating Christian's close attention to me. Her pathetic attempts to divert him from me is falling flat. It's probably not something that's happened to her before and it's shaking her up. Tits and ass may have gotten her the chair she's sitting in, but her wares do little for Christian, much to my pleasure as this interview continues.

''When you're as busy as Christian and I, three months can seem like three days, too soon for a proposal. So, no. I was not expecting a proposal. I had no expectations of him, but goodness wasn't it the epitome of romantic? His proposal was unexpected as it was out of character. Have you seen it? Who am I kidding? It's your job to spot things like that so I'm sure you've seen it by now.

I'm sure for any girl who's ever been proposed to would rightly believe that her proposal was the most fantastical, but for me what makes Christian's proposal meaningful wasn't the ring, or him dropping to one knee under a canopy of stars in front of a crowd of elitist. The one thing that made that moment magical for me was how Christian laid bare his vulnerability, holding his heart in his hand as an offering to me. It wasn't so much a proposal as it was a promise.'' My eyes are glassy as I relive that euphoric moment, but I don't allow myself to get lost in it. I look up to Christian's face in time to see him mouth 'I love you.'

Blushingly I turn my attention back to Ashley who is clearing frustrated with the way this interview is going. I have no idea what she was expecting, but our display of intimacy was not it. If she only knew. Then, call me a mind reader or whatever, but I already know what her next question is going to be. Before she could take her next breath to ask, I beat her to the punchline. "No, Ms. Benson. I am not. Your face is giving you away and I believe you're the type of person who'd be bold enough to ask a very delicate, not to mention intrusive, question."

The woman doesn't even pretend to be embarrassed. She simply shifts in her seat and lifts an inquiring brow. I answer her with a look of my own, daring her.

This is live T.V. Bitch and everyone's watching you. You want to play chicken? I'm game.

Christian sits beside me with a confused look as his head moves from me to Ashley then back again.

Feeling the pressure, she's the first to break, "Very well Ana…" she sighs.

"Ms. Steele."

"Excuse me?"

"My name, Ms. Benson, is Ms. Steele."

"Y-yes. Of course," she says clearing her throat embarrassed and a bit annoyed. "There's been speculation surrounding Christian's startling proposal. Could it be because you are…or will be…expecting soon?"

"No." If there was any expectation that I'd expand further she's not getting one. I maintain my gaze on her, expressionless and impassive.

Live T.V. Go on. I double dare you.

She tries to laugh off my challenge, but her eyes tell me she's not pleased. ''You got me there, Anastasia.'' Another fake smile ''But let's be honest. You're as big of a mystery as Christian is. You're essentially a no-name who's been parachuted into the limelight. It all just seems so contrived."

It's like a wild west showdown. Christian and I on one side, Ashley Benson on the other, both sides waiting for the other to twitch. So, in the spirit of moving this thing along I decide to take a bite, "Is there a question there Ms. Benson?" Another pregnant pause.

Tread carefully Ashley Benson. Very carefully.

"We know so very little about you" she says "aside from what's already circling in public records. You graduated from Cambridge last year, impressive by the way. You're nineteen yet hold a degree from one of the most prestigious universities in the world. How did you manage that?''

Seriously?

Not showing my exasperation to such a stupid question, I cross my legs making my body lean more into Christian. I know I'm taunting her, but she makes it too easy for me seeing her reaction to these small intimate gestures. I know what she's trying to do. Her questions are baiting trying to paint me as some teenage youngster whose arts and allurements landed The Christian Grey. If she only knew.

"I'm no different from any other student with a strong sense of purpose Ms. Benson. It's a combination of hard work, laser focus, and lots and lots of coffee. By providence it was this coffee shop where I first met Christian." I give Christian a beatific smile.

''I won't lie. When you want something bad enough Ms. Benson, you make the sacrifices to reach your goal. It was no walk in the park, getting my degrees that's for sure. But with the right motivation and devoted dedication anyone can achieve success. Many have done it before me."

''Ana. Don't downplay your achievements." Christian interrupts. "Anastasia is by far, one of the cleverest people I've ever met in my life. Most people are fooled by her youth and looks, but in truth Ana surpasses most in her age range with her confidence and maturity. She has a good grasp on business, a remarkable work ethic, she's dedicated with a sharp eye for detail. These are the characteristics that made me fall in love with her.'' He looks at me with what exactly? Admiration? Respect? If I didn't know better, I would bet it was love. It's a good look. It's one that's believable. He's a good salesman, I'll give him that.

''Just the other day my grandfather told me privately not to underestimate my woman. In his opinion Ana will shine much brighter in her chosen field than I. What most people don't know about Ana is that she pushed herself hard to shorten the timeline attaining her degrees. By taking on an unprecedented workload, she was able to cut her four-year degree to two. She was able to achieve what I didn't.''

In amazement I look disbelieving at Christian. "Really? Theo said that about me?"

The compliment Christians grandfather made was surprising as well as empowering. Despite what I think about them, I must admit the Grey men know their shit, so to get an accolade like that, indirectly, makes me feel proud.

"Yes. Gramps said that about you. He adores you Ana" he says chucking my chin with a smirk. "A bit of a jab to my male ego, but truer words have never been spoken. His compliment makes me feel proud knowing I've secured her hand.'' And to my utter surprise he leans down and kisses me on the lips.

Instinctively I jerk myself away from him only to remind myself that this type of PDA would work in our favour whilst on live broadcast, so I cover up my faux pas and give his lips a quick playful peck. I keep the act rolling and raise my hand to gently caress his cheek before Christian continues speaking to Ashley whilst keeping his eyes on me.

''The stigma of a Harvard dropout still follows me even after all these years, despite my successes." Turning his attention back to Ashley he continues, "I don't condone dropping out of school, but I did it because I knew my idea was ground-breaking and time was of the essence. I knew I had to act quickly to get my idea in motion either before someone else thought of it or self-doubt settled in. The idea, the timing, the contacts; it was a perfect storm. I'm one of the lucky ones being able to achieve my dream, but I also know I didn't do it alone. I had a strong support system and hardworking employees.''

The interview continues at what feels like a sloth's pace. We've been sitting here for a while, and still no sign of Leila's release. I'm wondering if maybe Kate got the dates confused or something. It's neither here nor there, but if it's going to happen, I'd just like to get it over with. This song-and-dance is seriously grating on my nerves.

After a few more mundane questions about our hobbies, etcetera Ashley gets this devilish glint in her eyes. After Christian dispels the gay rumors, talk about a dumb ass question, she squares her shoulders in prelude to her 'piece de resistance'.

''I do apologize if the subject of your sexuality makes you feel uncomfortable Christian. It was necessary to establish an interesting claim we received early this morning. Are you familiar with a Leila Williams?" Ah…finally. There it is. "She claims she was in a secret relationship with you a little while ago. Of course, we didn't believe her at first, but she surprisingly provided us proof. She forwarded a very intriguing video statement, and since you're both conveniently here, we thought to share that with you.''

The bloody woman is salivating like a bitch in heat. This is a reporter's wet dream. It's THE scandal, not to mention opportunity, of a lifetime which would presumably skyrocket her career. Shit for brains obviously didn't run the tape past legal what with all the imagined lights and dollar signs. Little does she know that just outside the studio are bailiff's waiting to serve her and the network the moment this interview is finished. Oh, the irony.

Our attention is drawn to the screen that comes alive, and although I get a rush of nervousness, beside me I can feel Christian seriously freaking out. To the camera he's got a perfect poker face, but the numbness in my hand from his hardened grip tells me differently. I turn to my fiancé trying to ease his fears giving him a little squeeze of reassurance. He needs to snap out of his stupor because Ashley Benson just handed me her ass on a silver platter.

''Christian. This is Ms. Williams. Do you know her?" from the corner of my eye I see Ashley sporting a smug expression. Enjoy it while you can sweetheart.

''I do." Christian faces me and places another kiss on my lips before we turn back to face Ashley.

If Ashley had half a brain, she would stop the video, but I guess half a brain is in short supply. Neither Christian or I are giving her the reaction she was looking for and turning her smug expression into doubt. The video continues and the image of Ms. Leila Williams comes to life in all her pathetic 'glory'.

Leila tries to sell her story of a discarded ex-lover, laying it on thick with dramatical tears as she highlights Christian and her sordid affair. She drones on how she was so in love with him, that she conceded to all of Christian's demands, signing a contract of silence through an NDA and engaging with him in BDSM play. She continues her words of woe portraying herself as a victim, of being used and tossed aside for his latest exploit. Her final parting words were directed to me offering her advice and a warning.

''Anastasia, I know that this interview may not be the best way to reach out to you, but it was my only opportunity. I have tried numerous times to contact you, but the messages I sent must've been monitored because I never received your reply. Sir puts on a façade that is easy to fall in love with. I'm a good example of that. I'm a strong adult woman who will heal from this experience, but you're still so young. Don't let him ruin your life. Run as fast as you can before it's too late.''

The video ends. The screen goes black as silence permeates the room. Ashley turns her gaze from the darkened screen to Christian and I waiting. Who am I kidding? This is live T.V. The whole country is waiting for our response.

Second part will be posted soon, I promise

Stay safe.

Laters, Ilenka