A/N: Thank you all so much for reading.

"Hello. My name is Christian Grey and-"

"Ah, yes Mr. Grey. Your wife Anastasia Steele explained that you would be joining her. She is out now, but she said that she left a note in her room." Christian was stunned. He glanced over at Taylor and Sawyer who were equally baffled at the turn of events. Quickly regrouping, Christian cleared his throat before giving a slight nod.

"Yes, that is my wife. If you could give me her room number."

"Certainly. First, I'll need to see some identification."
Christian pulled out his passport and license. The man was satisfied with the proof and gave the room key and number.

"It's on the sixth floor."
Christian thanked him before heading to the elevator. His mind was in a complete whirlwind. Ever since he spoke with Ana last night he'd been completely unhinged. The truth was, he loved Ana, and he loved her dearly. But he didn't want to lose her. And it's a stupid and sad excuse but it was the real reason as to why he didn't tell her anything. He always thought she was better than him. Ana would tell him countless times that it wasn't true, but how can one break a mindset when they were told it growing up? Before Grace came and adopted him it was the only thing he heard when his mother wasn't conked out on drugs. Ana was his light. But he was starting to realize him not telling her the important things about his life would push the light out of his life.

When she told him over the phone that she was pregnant he didn't know how to act. He was so focused on bringing her back home he didn't know how to process what she told him. He'd been so inundated with work that he missed the signs of his wife possibly being pregnant. And Ana was right. Whenever she would bring up the topic of a family he would change the subject. But how could he say that he wanted children, especially with his wife, but he was afraid that he would be inadequate as a father? How would he measure up? Carrick was a great man, and father. But Christian's biological father left when he found out that his mother was pregnant. What if things got tough and it became too much that Christian left? Where would that leave his child?

He spoke this over with his therapist numerous times, his fear of having children. He wanted them, but he was afraid that Ana, and eventually his child, would be disappointed in him. Christian would die before he would disappoint another person in his life. His therapist understood his concerns, but he also mentioned that Christian was already demonstrating a sense of care and concern that went far beyond duty. He also explained that it was normal for one to worry about being a good parent.

"As long as love is in the home Christian, the child will be okay."

With those words in mind, Christian would gear himself up to talk to Ana. But then he'd come home, and Ana would be smiling at him from the kitchen, or singing off-key as she cleaned the living room, and he would make a mental note to shelf the conversation for a later day.

Apparently that day had come sooner rather than later.

"We're here sir."

Christian blinked, not realizing that they'd been standing in front of her door. Christian opened it with the key card and glanced around the simple, yet tasteful room. While Taylor went out on the balcony Sawyer took a call outside of the room. Christian saw the note folded neatly on the messy bed with Ana's handwriting. Opening it, he sat on the edge of the bed and began to read.

Christian,

If you're just getting this letter, it means that you have finally made it to my hotel room in Amsterdam and I am long gone. I knew you would come looking for me, so I allowed myself the luxury of swiping your card at this hotel. Don't worry, you won't find me too soon. I took enough money from the cards to last me a long while. I will use the cards when I plan to leave again, so you'll know where I am next. But by then, I will be in my new destination. Christian, I am hurt. I cannot believe you wouldn't tell me, your wife, about that horrible woman. I was your friend first. Remember? And friends tell each other important information. The fact that she, a sick woman took you in and manipulated an already abused boy with sex is something that keeps me awake at night. I almost vomited when she told me. Christian, I saw her eyes when she spoke about it. That is an evil woman. I am glad that you escaped her clutches alive, but you are still under her thumb. Even if it's in an unconscious way. I love you so much, Christian, and I love this child growing inside of us. The child that we made together. But if I can't trust you, I don't know how we can ever be together. Okay, you may think it's foolish that I left. Even a bit childish. But Christian, not everyone can be perfect all the time. I'm not perfect. I make mistakes. But I cannot and I will not allow myself to be a doormat, or for some woman to come and abuse you all under the guise of control. It's not okay. Maybe our time apart will allow you to remember why we're together in the first place.

I love you,

Ana.

Christian stared at the letter when he was finished reading it as if the words would jump out of the page and tell him where she was, and how to get to her. He was upset that she left, but above it all, he felt shame.

Because he lied to her.

Ana was right. Before they were married they were friends. And they would talk for hours. He's upset with himself for not talking to her, and telling her the truth. Ana would have never judged him. And even reading in the letter about Elena, he felt his skin crawl. To be honest, It always crawled whenever he spoke to her, but he just shrugged it off. But now he was starting to realize that maybe it was his body's way of saying that it didn't want to be around her.

"Sir?" Taylor said quietly. Keeping his head low and his eyes on the dark blue carpet Christian asked a question.

"Taylor, please tell me honestly. Do you think having Elena involved in my business affairs is wrong?"

"Yes," Taylor said without hesitation. Christian raised his head and waited for him to continue.

"Sir. May I speak plainly?"

Christian nodded.

"She is a terrible woman. I don't know how long you two have had history but it's easy to see that you both had a sexual background. Everyone knows that she wants you, but that you only have a business arrangement with her now. I've even seen how she eyes Ana when she thinks no one is looking."

"And how does she look at my Ana?"

Taylor glanced at Sawyer who came in and heard the last part of the conversation. The look the two men shared said enough to Christian.

"Taylor. Please have HR draw up something that will end all business dealings with Elena. I'm going to also need her to sign another NDA, and please make sure her pay is large enough where she won't question my decision. I will send her an email personally stating why I am ending all things with her."

"Yes sir."

"Sawyer? Please inform Ros that an emergency came up and I am taking a two month sabbatical. I need to fix things with my wife," he said, his lips quirking a bit at the corner. Sawyer covered his own smile with a cough.

"Of course."

"And if you gentlemen could refrain from telling me that you told me so at least until tomorrow that would be great," he said wryly. "I need a moment alone. Then we'll check into the hotel across town in about another hour."

When they both nodded and left Christian tried to think of a way to reach Ana. She didn't have the phone he gave her and-

His eyes suddenly widened with an idea.

I could email her.

Ana would check her emails no matter what. If she didn't want Christian to figure out where she was yet she would send an email to her father if she didn't call. But Christian knew he could send her multiple ones throughout the day while trying to find her. Because while he still understood her reasoning, he needed her by his side. And he'd do whatever to have her again. Opening his app, his eyes widened in triumph when he saw an email for him from his wife.

"Creative little thing," he said to himself. He opened it and saw the title.

From Russia With Love

Hello dear husband.

I've always wanted to try Pelmeni. I'm so excited to have it with sour cream. The baby is giving me weird cravings. But I like it. Because it lets me know that Baby Grey is alive and well. I'm just making a pit stop before I get to my final destination. I figured you would have one of your IT guys track the location of this email and I figured I'd tell you this place. But the next place you'll never guess…or will you.

Laters,

-Ana

Christian couldn't believe it, but he actually found himself laughing. This was a crazy situation he was in, but he was starting to realize that with Ana, one could not force her into a box. He immediately began to reply

Ana.

I am glad you're safe. I'm sorry that it took me this long to realize the mistakes I was and am making. I love you and you're right. We were friends first. I should've told you about Elena but the truth is, I was slightly embarrassed, and ashamed. I did feel strange when I was going through it, but I felt trapped. I was a lot for my parents as a teenager and when I saw how proud they were I changed my attitude I thought I deserved it. I'm fucked up Ana. But the one thing I did right was marry you. And the fact that you're pregnant is the icing on the cake. This isn't me giving lip service. Once I was over the shock, I was happy. And Ana, I'm sorry that I put these stressors on you.

With that being said, you are my wife and you belong with me. I will find you and when I do you are coming back home to me. That is a guarantee.

Yours,

-Christian

Capri, Italy.

Ana never thought she would make it here, but the beautiful island and the friendly people were making her glad she chose this place. She made a stop in Russia, a connecting flight and took the four hour break to write an email to Christian. She knew her husband was smart and he would've figured out to check his emails by the time she arrived in Italy.

She wasn't wrong. As soon as she checked into another luxurious hotel she used the computer lab to check her email. And seeing Christian's response filled her with happiness and amusement. Christian wanted her to come back to him and home? He would have to change some behaviors first.

And it started with that nasty Elena. She took a shower in her new room overlooking the beautiful sea, and when she was clean she put on the dress she brought in Amsterdam. It was a simple, pink floral dress that came to her knees, and looked good with her white keds. She let her hair fall in waves down her back and after grabbing her wallet, she decided to take a stroll about her new residence for a while.

Ana thought it was beautiful. The seaside town with its residents were all so perfect. She could smell the different types of food wafting towards her and making her mouth water. She even liked the weather. It was the perfect blend of sunny with a nice cool breeze, no doubt coming from the vast amount of water the island was surrounded by. Ana smiled at people she passed by, finding delight in spotting a gelato shop. She quickly went in and ordered the first thing on the menu-a Stracciatella- and thanked the woman before leaving the crowded shop, heading towards the sea. From her balcony she saw some tables and chairs that were practically on the sand and she knew she wanted to sit right in the middle of it all.

Once they arrived at the new hotel Christian would be staying for at least a week he called his family. He knew if he called his mother she would let everyone know the situation. She answered on the first ring.

"Christian?"

"Hi mom," he said before laying back on his bed with his eyes closed. She sighed.

"I'm so glad to hear your voice. Is everything okay? Did you find Ana?"

Christian sighed.

"Kind of."

Grace raised her brow and glanced over at her husband who looked curious at her over the kitchen counter.

"What do you mean kind of?"

"I mean that I thought I had her location but when I got here she was already gone. She knew I would come find her, so she left a note explaining why she left, and that she would contact me when she felt like it. She did send me an email from Russia, but she made sure to do it with a public computer at the Russian airport."

Grace was silent for a moment before she broke into raucous laughter.

"Really mom?" he said, irritated. Grace snorted.

"Oh, I'm sorry sweetie. But I didn't know Anastasia Steele was Jason Bourne as well. I shouldn't be surprised. Her father is a Marine."

"That's not helping me now, mom."

"I know. And I'm sorry. But at least she's okay right? I'm guessing you two had a disagreement."

"Yes, we did."

"And the way she left the event where you were receiving an award for I'm guessing it was bad."

"Yes."

"Christian-"

"I need to tell you some truths. And I don't know how you'll take it. I've already told my therapist, but it's part of the reason that Ana left me."

Grace took a seat, and worried, Carrick went to sit by his wife.

"What do you need to tell me?" she asked quietly. Christian squeezed his eyes tighter. And it was in that moment, he saw what his therapist, and what Ana was saying all along.

He was wrong, and that relationship with Elena was wrong.

"It's about Elena," Christian started. Grace frowned before putting the phone on speaker.

"My friend Elena?"

"Yes."

The two were silent on the phone before Christian began to speak.

"It started when I was fourteen."

It wasn't until The sun was setting and Ana saw two couples kissing and staring into each other's eyes that she felt lonely. She ran her hand over her stomach as the tears welled up in her eyes.

"Baby Grey. I love you so much. And no matter how much I love your daddy, if he cannot get his act together I don't think we can be together. I've always imagined your father and I having an everlasting love. But this, withholding such a big part of his life, I just don't know."

She looked down at her stomach.

"I believe in your daddy. He will make the right decision. But I can't just let him think he can say and do whatever he wants. Even if it guts me, I am determined to be a strong mother. I may fail at a lot of other things, but never that. Besides, I think your dad responds when you disrupt things a bit. When you get here, I'm sure he'll likely have gray hair before you turn fifteen. But don't be too harsh on him."

Ana settled back in her chair and took several more gulps of the fresh air when an accented voice spoke from beside her.

"I used to do that. Talk to my baby like that."

Ana turned to the left and at a table across from her was a beautiful italian woman. She had caramel brown hair that was cut into a bob. Her skin seemed golden, which spoke of her ethnicity. She had green eyes, full lips, and her body seemed to be one of a model. It was hard to ever believe this woman was pregnant. Ana saw the diamond ring sitting prettily on her finger and even though she was wearing a simple black maxi dress and flats, she looked elegant.

"You had a baby?" Ana blurted out. The woman's brow raised before she laughed lightly.

"I did. People think that I had a surrogate or adopted because of my appearance. If they only knew how much calorie counting and working out I did before and after. I've wanted to get my stretch marks removed, but my husband forbids it. He says that he likes to see proof of where our child used to sleep."

"That's romantic," Ana said, smiling at her.

"It is, isn't it?" she said, scrunching her nose. "I used to be such a cynic. Most models are. My husband, when I first met him, was a complete optimist. I guess one has to be when you are the owner of a toy store chain."

Ana's eyes widened. She only knew of one major chain.

"Hyde and Seek? Is your husband-"

"Jack Hyde? Yes," she said smiling at Ana. "Do you know of him?" Ana nodded before she grinned.

"Yes. My husband was looking to do business with him. He thought it was a profitable move. Last he heard it had been six months since the man responded."

The woman rolled her eyes.

"Yes. It was because of his mother. He has a terrible personal assistant, but Jack's mother went bungee jumping naked, but she sprained her ankle and broke her arm."

Ana just blinked at the woman.

"I'm sorry, what?"

She laughed.

"You heard right. Jack's mother is a bit of a daredevil. Ever since Jack's father died she had been going around the world knocking off her bucket list. Since Jack is the oldest he of course worries. He thinks she's trying to join their father sooner than planned.," she said wryly. Anyway, she lost most of her money on a bet in Brussels and hitchhiked her way to where the BASE jumping was taking place in Bremen. Not too far from Hanover. She called from a hospital out there and it was the same day Jack had all of his big meetings. He's been scrambling ever since."

"Wow. Well it sounds like your husband has a very unpredictable mother."

"He does," she mused. "But she's kind and funny and loves me and her grandson so that's all that matters. Oh! Silly me. I forgot my manners. My name is Leila."

"It's nice to meet you Leila," Ana said genuinely.

"Likewise. Now, why don't you explain to me over dinner why a beautiful woman such as yourself is all alone here in my town? And pregnant?"

Ana sighed.

"It's a long story. But the short end of it is my husband can be a bit pig-headed and dense."

Leila rolled her eyes.

"Aren't all men? I promise you, whenever Jack gets me upset I go and spend copious amounts of his money."

"Does it help?"

"A bit. More than anything I love seeing his eyes widen when the statement comes in the mail. It's not like he can't afford it," she said before winking at her.

"You know what? How about we go to your hotel and have dinner and talk. Jack is on a weekend trip with our son, and I am bored."

Ana laughed.

"Where did they go?"

She rolled her eyes.

"Something about being men and camping. He took his brothers with him. Honestly I don't care. Is camping an American thing?"

"For some. I'm not a fan though."

"Good. Because I cannot imagine not showering and sleeping on the ground. Willingly," she said as she shivered. Ana giggled. She couldn't imagine the model In front of her doing anything outside, unless it was market shopping.

"You remind me so much of my best friend back home, Kate?"

"That is good, yes?"

Ana nodded.

"Yes it is."