A/N: Jack and Leila are good people. I wanted to put them in a good light for a change.

"I mean, I don't know what to say."

Grace had tears in her eyes and Carrick looked equally shook. They were both gripping each other's hands, and staring into the phone screen as if it had the answers they were looking for. Christian's breathing was the only thing they could hear on the other side. Grace swallowed before speaking.

"I didn't know. Please believe me Christian, I would have never, I just, oh God," she said before she began to cry. She leaned on Carrick who rubbed her back tears in his own eyes as he cleared his throat.

"We are so glad that you told us, but son, you must know that this is wrong. I can hear from your tone that you seem to think that this was okay. That you needed this. What does your therapist say?"

Christian was sitting in the plush chair facing the giant floor to ceiling windows in the executive suite as he answered.

"He says the same thing. That this was very wrong. Because I told him only a couple of years ago he knew there was nothing he could do about it, but he has told me everyday that my family should know. He believed that you wouldn't want to have any ties with the Lincolns."

"He was correct," Carrick said. "Christian. You were lost. And the reason why I wasn't so hard on you, like I was Elliott, was because you needed to realize that we weren't going away. I didn't want to lay a hand on you because of what you'd been through as a child. You were so angry, and I myself was upset-"

"Because I was acting out, and fighting-"

"No!" Carrick said, eyes wide. "I was upset because I couldn't help my own son with what he was going through. I had no reference book to help me with you. And I wanted to so bad. But you were closed off. I could see that your mother could sometimes reach you so I deferred to her. But I never loved you any less."

Tears came to Christian's eyes listening to his father .Christian could still hear Ana's voice when she told him three years ago how much she loved him and cared about his well-being.

"Christian, your parents love you. And no matter what we always will. I don't know what you sometimes hide from me, but I want you to know that it's nothing we can't work through together."

It was starting to sink in that Christian had placed himself on this island all on his own because of himself. It was all in his head. And Elena was the person who fueled his thoughts. Constantly telling him how his parents would only appreciate what she was doing to him and for him. Now, it made him sick.

"I'm so very sorry," Christian said hoarsely. Grace gasped, raising her head to Carrick who was emotional himself.

"Son. There is nothing to be sorry about. This isn't your fault. We love you and we always will. I don't care what you've done with that evil woman. I only care about you, and that you are happy. You are my son. And that will never change."

The tears ran down Christian's cheeks as he began to shake.

"I just, I don't know-"

"I know," Carrick said gently. "But I'm here. Your mother and I are both here. And when you come back you and I will talk." Christian took a deep breath before answering.

"I'd like that very much, dad."

Carrick's own face was wet with tears and Grace smiled up at him as she wiped them away.

"You rarely call me that. And I want you to know that I like hearing it."

"I'll make sure to do it more," Christian said quietly. Grace then spoke.

"That's the reason why Ana left, isn't it?"

"Yes."

Grace sighed, as Christian explained.

"She informed me that Elena cornered Ana at the ball. And she couldn't believe how tied to everything Elena was. Ana was disgusted with her, and she didn't want to be there anymore."

"She was disgusted with you?"

"No, mom. She was upset that I didn't tell her the truth. Ana would never judge me, and now looking back, I can see how wrong I was. But she was mad that I wouldn't tell her the truth and she was blindsided by Elena."

Grace sagged a bit in relief.

"I can understand her being upset, but Ana never struck me as the type of woman who would blame someone because of their past trauma."

"She never has. And it's my fault for not telling her. But that's not the only reason she left." The hesitancy in his voice made Grace be a bit more alert. Carrick too leaned a bit forward.

"Why would she leave?"

"Because she's pregnant, and I never spoke of children in a positive light, or at all."

"Christian," Grace said softly. Christian ran a hand over his face.

"I'm such a screw-up. The truth is I am so scared. You know my family history. What if the same thing happens to our child? I tried so hard to change Ana's mind but she is determined to prove me wrong. I knew she wanted a family. She always talked about it. And I would always lay along, thinking I could somehow change her mind."

"Did it work?" Carrick asked.

"No," Christian said wryly. "The opposite happened. Suddenly, I was thinking about a family and how nice it would be to have that with Ana. but everytime I would try to broach the subject I'd chicken out at the last minute. I hate it. And I think with Elena it set her off the deep end. She told me that I needed to work some things out and come to a decision before we went any further."

"What is your decision?" Grace asked.

"I love her, mom. I love her so much. Ana is perfect. A breath of fresh air. We've been married for a couple of years now, and this constant need of her hasn't gone away. I miss her when I leave for the day, and I'm so happy to see her when I get home. I was an idiot, and I will grovel at her feet if that's what it takes. But we belong together. And the baby. Now that I've had time to think about it, I am happy she is pregnant. I would love for us to have a baby. But I don't know if I'll be a good father."

Carrick chuckled.

"Son, every man has these thoughts. I remember when Elliott came to visit me, explaining in detail why Kate being pregnant was a bad idea."

"He didn't want kids?" Christian asked, surprised. Carrick snorted.

"He wanted children. He just thought he would be a terrible father. I will tell you the same thing I told him. It's physically impossible for you to be a bad father. You have experienced the bad side of life. And you became a stronger, mature, and more aware human being. That doesn't make you a bad person. That makes you a protector, and strong. You know what is right and wrong, and you will make sure your child is safe, and loved. Those are traits that make good parents."

"But I just realized how wrong my entire situation with Elena was."

"Let me ask you this," Carrick said. "If you found out from your teenage son that a woman twice his age was doing sexual things to him in her basement, what would you do?"

Christian growled.

"I would make sure that she never had a free day in her life," he said without thinking."

"That is your answer. You will be a good father. And this is a team effort. Ana is there, and happy to help. But you've got to trust her. That's what marriage is," he stated.

"Your father is right. I applaud Ana for standing up and voicing what is wrong, and I find it humorous that she is making you do what is right. Not only for your marriage, but for you Christian," she said gently. "When you do catch her, the two of you need to really lay it all out, and move forward before your son or daughter gets here."

"I know."

"Good. And don't worry about Mrs. Lincoln. She and I have some things to discuss," Grace said before standing up and leaving the room with Carrick staring after her holding the phone.

"Mom? Mother?" Christian said over the phone. Carrick sighed.

"I'm sorry son. Your mother just stormed out of the room. And since I know my wife very well, I am going to call my buddies at the police station, along with my law office. We may need to lawyer up, as the young kids say these days," he said wryly.

"Just be careful."

"Hey! I'm the one that should be saying that," Carrick joked.

"Christian. Give Ana what she wants. Keep an eye on her, but give her what she wants."

"I don't know what that is yet. Other than for me to get rid of Elena."

"Then write to her and figure it out. Call anytime," Carrick said.

"I will. And dad? Thanks."

Carrick smiled.

"It's no problem. I love you Christian."

"Me too."

It was strange. Because the moment he hung up, Christian felt this lightness that he hadn't felt in-

Ever.

And that was scary. Because he was living with this huge secret that he didn't think was a big deal until it was brought into the light. Oh, how wrong he'd been. His phone began to vibrate and he stilled when he saw it was Elena's number. He thought to ignore it, but he figured since this was confession night, he would get it all out in the open. When it rang again he answered.

"This is Christian."

"Christian! It's Elena, dear. I have heard the most ludicrous news. I was given papers from your business partner Ros, and she informed me that as of today you were dissolving our business dealings, and partnering with the hair salons? Surely she must've-"

"She's not wrong. I am ending our business relationship. Ros should've presented you with a hefty check as well to buy me out. You have enough funds to continue to profit from your business Elena," he said coldly. Elena paused before standing and walking over to her office door. She was in the back and she locked it. She didn't want any employee hearing her conversation.

"Christian, I am confused. What's with this hostility?"

"I'll tell you why I am so upset with you, Elena. You spoke with Anastasia. My wife. And you informed her of our past. A past I wish I could forget. And now she's gone."

Elena grinned wickedly holding her red lacquered nail up to her lips.

"Oh, Christian, I am so sorry. But in this life-"

"Stop it. I am not a part of this life. I am the product of someone who was emotionally and sexually abused. We are in a relationship that we shouldn't be in, and it took me too long to figure this out," he stated. Elena's eyes narrowed.

"I don't know what Ana has gotten into your head-"

Christian's laugh stopped her.

"Ana didn't do anything but guide me to the light. I've been in the dark for too long. And I've allowed it. But no more. This was wrong. What you did to me was wrong. How you," Christian paused, gritting his teeth at the sudden memories of fear and helplessness before he continued, "whispered poison in my ear and fueling my own insecurities was wrong. And I want no parts of you, Elena."

"You can't mean that Christian!" she shouted suddenly desperate.

"I do. And for the first time in my life I feel free. I spoke with my parents. Told them the truth. I thought you should know," he said, causing Elena to fall back into her chair. Her mouth was open in shock.

"Christian-"

"No. Elena, this was wrong. I was lost, and until now I had no idea how wrong it was. I can claim ignorance. But what's your excuse? Because you know, without a shadow of a doubt that it was wrong. And I should've been like every teenage boy and worked it out with my father and mother. But I was too scared. Scared that I would be sent away. And like a predator you saw that and exploited it."

Elena sat back in her chair and closed her eyes.

"Are you filing charges?"

"No. I wrote you a check to pay off my deal in your salons. That is it. But that is where our association ends. Do not contact me in any way, shape or form. And that goes for Elena. This was your warning. If I hear from you again, I will pursue this legally."

"You wouldn't want to make this public," she sneered.

"I wouldn't," he agreed. "But, in order to stop you, and to prove a point I will."

"I will leave you alone. And I apologize for approaching Ana."

"I will let her know. Goodbye Elena."

And Christian hung up the phone. He stared into the night before grabbing his laptop and opening it up. He opened up his email account and began to write.

Ana,

You were right. About Elena, about me, and my family. I should've told you everything from the jump. Today, I told my parents the truth about Elena. And they were stunned. I could tell even over the phone how sad Grace and Carrick were. But they said the same things you did. That they loved me and this wasn't my fault. That she was at fault, and there is nothing bad in me. For the first time in god knows how long I cried. And I confessed to being scared and weak. And they didn't run. You know, for all my bravado, I used to be so scared. Afraid they'd send me back if I was bad, or complained too much. My teenage brain thought since they were going to send me away I might as well do stuff to make it worth my while. But when I was with Elena, and we started all of those things, I started doing better in school. And I saw the happiness in Grace and Carrick's eyes and I thought, okay, this is what I need to do in order to be better for them. But tonight, I realized how wrong I was. They were only happy because they thought I was turning a corner. Not because of what was happening to me with Elena. You're probably tired of hearing that you're right, but you are. And Ana, I feel so much relief. I didn't think this was over my head but now that I told the truth, I feel free. Elena even called me. And I dismantled our business dealings, along with telling her to never contact you or me again. I would pursue it legally if she did. Elena did want to apologize to you and I told her I would pass it along.

I know it's not enough, but Ana for me it is. Because I can close that horrendous chapter of my past and move forward. And it's all because of you. And in the spirit of full disclosure I can tell you about my dream.

At first, when I met you I thought you were perfect. So headstrong and kind. So beautiful and innocent. The more we got to know each other, I thought I could change your perspective on life. I had seen the rougher side growing up and before Grace, but I thought with you, I could find a good balance. Then you started talking about family, and how much you wanted children. I thought I could change that. Silly me, I should've known that with you, I have no control over anything, especially my heart.

I found myself wondering what a child of ours would look like. If they would have your eyes and my hair or look like replicas of you. But then I became afraid. Because what if I didn't turn out to be a good father? After speaking with my own dad, he helped me to see that it would be impossible. I'm still nervous, but I know I can do it with you. I know you had to leave to get some of your own sanity back. I'm told I can drive people to the brink. But please, just don't give up on us. I will do whatever, as long as you can promise me that it'll be us. Because I can't live in a world where you aren't mine to love and cherish. I'm not perfect Ana, but you told me you never cared much for perfection. Please take care of yourself, my love. I will find you, and when I do, you and I will work this out together.

I love you,

Your husband.

I figured Christian should go for the jugular. Next up we have Ana, and maybe some more talking with her husband! I love you all leave me a review!