Hi! Thank you to everyone who takes the time to review/follow/favorite. I love hearing your thoughts. I accept constructive criticism, but I ask that you don't make fun of my writing style. You have done great with not doing that so far. I write this way for all of my stories. So far, your feedback has been great and I appreciate that. Please keep reviewing! To answer any questions you had...I am relieved to hear you guys have given me the green light to write my new 50 shades story that will be off the storyline I mentioned last chapter. I know you guys said the story idea has been written before, but I appreciate you saying every writer writes their own way. I have Chapter 1 done of the story, which will be called 'FSOG: Will Love Prevail?'. I have a beta for that story as well, but she has been busy at the moment, so I am having fun writing until she is available. I will say this...obviously Ana/Christian will be endgame, but it won't happen overnight. Again, thank you so much for the feedback. It is greatly appreciated. Enjoy this next chapter.

Title: FSOG: From Heartbreak to Happiness?

Summary: Ana and Christian both suffered heartbreak from their last relationship with other people. Christian from his first attempt at one and Ana after getting cheated on. Once they meet, it's obvious there is a spark. But the question is, can they conquer their fears of getting hurt again?

Chapter 8

(Kate was very pleased with how her interview went and hoped she got the job. Mr. Perry seemed impressed as well. Obviously, there were no guarantees in life, but she had never wanted anything as much as she wanted the Editor position at 'Boston Legal. Even though the interview just happened, she was starting to get a little anxious about the end result. She knew what Ana would say...'be patient and think positive. It will all work out in the end'. Kate sighs deeply as she wasn't sure she could be patient. Thinking positive, she could do. Being patient, well, she was going to have to as she had no choice)

(Kate debated whether or not to do a little light shopping or head home. She didn't need to buy anything, so she decided to head home. Once home, she wasn't sure what to do. Cleaning was done. Being Ana wouldn't be back for awhile and she wouldn't hear from Mr. Perry for a day or so, Kate decides to read a book. She has wanted to read 'If I Stay' by Gayle Forman for awhile, yet couldn't as she was getting ready for her possible internship. She walks to her bookshelf and finds her desired book. She makes herself comfortable on the couch before opening the book and starts reading)

(To say that Elena was pissed off was an understatement. She did love Linc. Truth was, though, she wasn't in love with him. Not anymore. She made the biggest mistake of her life in going back to Linc. At first, she was almost certain she could resume her relationship with Christian. Yes, he was hurt when she went back to her husband. What Elena didn't count on was Linc hinting that her ex may have moved on. She shook her head in confusion. How the hell is that possible? The last time she spoke to Christian or Taylor, neither man spoke of Christian possibly finding love again. Taylor couldn't resist rubbing Elena's face in the fact that Christian deserves better. Elena wasn't perfect. She knew that. She had always hoped in her head that she and Christian would find their way back to each other again. That may have been wishful thinking on her part. Right now, though, that's all she had)

(Elena was wondering who this possible woman is that grabbed Christian's attention. In her selfish mind, she didn't think he would have moved on that fast. She decided she wanted to know who the woman is. She faced her hopefully soon-to-be-ex)

Elena: "I don't have time for games, Linc."

Linc: (shrugs) "Are you sure? You didn't seem to mind when you were going between me and him."

Elena: (scoffs) "Fuck off. We're getting off topic. Who is this so called woman that Christian may be into?"

Linc: (smirks) "Oh, he may be more than into her, my dear. From what I hear, he was fascinated by her during their first encounter." (tilts his head) "What's the expression? 'First impressions are the ones that count'?"

Elena: (rolls her eyes) "I never believed that."

Linc: "Sure you didn't."

Elena: "How do you know so much about this possible woman Christian is curious about?"

Linc: "I may not be fond of the guy, but I do have ears. For his sake, I hope he finds that woman. From what I hear, she would treat him a hell of a lot better than you would."

(Elena can't help but be hurt by Linc's comment. She knew they didn't always get along or see eye to eye. For him to be this cruel...she didn't expect that. She looks away from him in an attempt to cover up her hurt expression. Linc notices all of this and sighs)

Linc: "You can't tell me you're surprised by what I just said, Elena. With the way you treated him...and me...you needed to face the fact that you are not good enough for him."

(Elena sniffles and wipes a few tears that have fallen on her cheeks. She clears her throat and faces him)

Elena: "Whether I'm good enough or not for him, I would have thought you'd be on my side."

Linc: (scoffs) "Why, Elena? Because I didn't try divorcing you when you left me for Grey only to beg me to take you back?"

Elena: (glares at him) "I didn't beg you to take me back."

Linc: "The point is, I may not like the guy, but even I could see you hurt him when you broke his heart. Face it, Elena, you're damaged goods."

Elena: (angrily) "I can't believe I ever went back to you."

Linc: (shrugs) "You did, though, because you couldn't have him. It doesn't matter whether or not Christian ever finds that mysterious 'Ana' I think her name is, or if he continues to be alone...he is done with you."

(Elena can't take anymore of the insults from him, so she leaves their place in a huff. At Christian's condo, Gail continues to speak to Taylor)

Gail: (smiles) "Whoever this 'Ana' is, I hope she and Mr. Grey meet again and soon."

Taylor: (chuckles) "Me, too. With only her first name, I couldn't track her down." (sighs) "For all I know, 'Ana' doesn't even live in this city. For Mr. Grey's sake, I hope she does."

Gail: (tilts her head curiously) "How did he describe her?"

(Taylor sighs as he tries to remember everything his boss told him)

Taylor: "Soft spoken. Spoke sadly with tears in her eyes. He wasn't real polite with her at first as they both weren't watching where they were going." (chuckles slightly) "You know how Mr. Grey can be sometimes."

Gail: (smirks) "Oh, yes. All too well."

Taylor: "After seeing her saddened state, he softened towards her and was worried about her. According to him, she had the most beautiful eyes and the face of an angel. It was like she made him forget about all of his troubles in that moment."

Gail: (raises her eyebrows) "That's surprising because he usually doesn't act like that."

Taylor: (nods) "Very true." (smiles) "I have to admit, though. The way he talks about her, it makes me want to find her that much more so I can thank her for making him momentarily happy."

Gail: (nods & smiles) "You really enjoy working for him, don't you?"

Taylor: (nods & smiles) "I do." (chuckles) "He makes the job interesting, that's for sure."

Gail: (curiously) "Do you ever wish you could work someplace else?"

(Taylor narrows his eyes as he ponders her question. He smiles and shakes his head in response)

Taylor: "Nope. Mr. Grey has been very good to me. I will stay as long as he wants me."

Gail: (smiles) "He does speak highly of you. I know he appreciates you."

Taylor: (nods) "That goes both ways." (sighs) "Now, all he needs to do is find that woman and everything will be good."

(Meanwhile, at 'Christian Grey Enterprises', Christian is finding it increasingly hard to stay focused. He was supposed to be interviewing Ana for the Editor position. He just couldn't get over the fact that he finally found Ana, the mystery girl he saw on the sidewalk that one time. He was so afraid he would never see her again. He couldn't believe he was thinking such thoughts. He was Christian Grey. The Christian Grey. The most powerful man and richest man in the city. He could have anything or anyone he wanted. What he wanted was sitting right in front of him. He couldn't get over how beautiful she looked. She was dressed up like a woman usually is for interviews, but to him, she was simply breathtaking)

(His enemies would probably laugh at him as he feels like a schoolboy smiling happily that he found his true love for the first time. He didn't fucking care, though. He was well aware of the fact that he barely knew Anastasia Steele, or Ana as she preferred to be called. The only thing he knew about her was that she appeared sad over something. She was in tears. He had always wondered what it was that caused her so much grief. As much as he wanted to know, he wouldn't ask. At least, not yet. It was obvious he wanted to know more about her. He wanted to know her likes, her dislikes, her hopes, her dreams, her fears, and anything else she wanted to share with him)

(His last relationship was with Elena. He could kick himself for being involved with a married woman. It doesn't matter that she was separated from her husband. His gut was telling him that no good would come from being with her. He was right. In the end, she chose to go back to Linc. Christian would never admit it, but Elena hurt him deeply when she broke up with him. His first attempt at a relationship. Elena knew early on, hell, Christian knew all along, that he doesn't do relationships. His whole purpose in life was to be successful, to own his own company. He certainly succeeded at that. He told himself that he didn't need anyone in his life. He was happy and content to remain a bachelor who occasionally met beautiful women and maybe had a great night with them. He had no intentions of starting a relationship with any of them. He reminded himself that he doesn't do relationships. Never has)

(When he decided to give relationships a try with Elena, he should've known it wouldn't work out. You never get involved with a married woman. After the relationship ended, he vowed to never date again, as nothing good could come from it. A part of him was more than willing to try it with Ana. He was so enchanted by her. But really, what did he know about her? He was almost positive she was nothing like Elena. He also wasn't 100% sure. That's what killed him. He wanted to get to know her more. He just didn't know if he could take that chance. He didn't want to risk getting hurt again. He knew nothing in life was perfect. He also knew he had to protect his heart. Ugh! Fuck! He honestly didn't know what to do! It was obvious to Ana his mind wasn't completely on her and this interview)

Ana: (concerned) "Are you okay?"

(Christian shakes his head to break free from his thoughts and clears his throat. He offers a smile)

Christian: "I'm fine. Why?"

(Ana looks at him with a concerned face. He tried to show a more businesslike face, but he knew he was failing)

Ana: "Because your mind seems to be elsewhere."

Christian: (chuckles) "It's okay."

Ana: (slightly smiles) "If you'd rather we rescheduled this interview I will understand, Mr. Grey. I don't want to interfere with any business you may have had instead of this meeting we're having."

(As much as he didn't want to be, he was so appreciative of the fact that she was willing to reschedule. Ugh! He hated it, hated it that he was letting his emotions get to him. Ana was right here, right here in front of him at long last. And what does he do? Have mixed emotions of Elena and Ana. Damn it, he wanted so much to know Miss Steele. Ever since his breakup with Elena, he made the vow to never again get involved with another woman. He wasn't sure he could take the pain again. He knew it was sad that his ex did this to him. He was more pissed off than anything. Because of that fucking bitch, he was so hesitant on another relationship. As much as he wanted to know Ana, he didn't want to get hurt again. He could curse at himself. He felt like the most powerful man and the most ruthless man who could secure any business deal he wanted. He could handle anything, intimidate anyone at his place of business. However, when it came to relationships, he was no good at them. He failed at them miserably. Granted, he was only in one, but that one caused him enough hurt to last a lifetime. He honestly didn't know if his heart was in it for another one. Not even for a possible one with Ana, if things ever headed down that direction)

(Christian looks at Ana and smiles politely)

Christian: "My apologies, Miss Steele. I was prepared for this interview, however, my thoughts have appeared to have a mind of their own."

(Even with his polite smile and apologetic face, she knew there was more to it. She would never pretend to know the powerful Christian Grey. She did, however, know a little about the soft spoken Christian Grey as she met him that day on the busy sidewalk. Sure, he was an arrogant asshole, at first. It was like he let her see his tender side, his soft and gentle side. Even if it was only briefly, she met the man he was desperately trying to hide. Probably because he didn't want to show his weaknesses. To a lot of people, he was Christian Grey, a businessman who got what he wanted in business deals. To her, he was kind, at least towards her)

(She tilts her head and smiles tenderly)

Ana: "I apologize if it was anything I said to make you lose your train of thought, Mr. Grey."

Christian: (smirks) "You're being formal all of a sudden."

Ana: (chuckles) "I should have been formal all along."

Christian: (shakes his head) "I think after all that's happened, Christian sounds just fine." (smiles)

Ana: (chuckles lightly) "Aren't you a charmer."

Christian: "Again, my apologies for my behavior earlier. I'm not usually like that."

Ana: "Don't worry. I'm not, either."

(Before he had a chance to get lost in her eyes again, he knew it was time to be serious)

Christian: "So, tell me, Miss Steele, what was it that drew you to this company...my company?"

(She was tempted to correct him in calling her Ana, but decided not to. She sits up straight and places her hands on her thighs)

Ana: "I like the fact that you make people work for what they want in life. In my opinion, nothing should be handed to you for free or for your 'good' looks. You sounded like a powerful man who does treat others with respect even though you act like you don't."

(Christian couldn't help his impressed face at her answer. He was trying so hard not to soften towards her. Damn, what was she doing to him? She probably didn't even notice she was having this effect on him. He nods and clears his throat)

Christian: "I'm the same way. The way I see it, if you want something bad enough, you should work hard for it. In my company, there are no slip ups. I've lost many employees because they couldn't handle the pressures of the job." (chuckles) "Courtney has been here for a long time. Sometimes, I'm amazed at how much she can tolerate."

Ana: (smirks) "To be your boss, she would have to tolerate a lot."

Christian: (laughs) "True."

(Christian glances at his notes on what Ana has said so far during their interview. He was trying his best not to be biased. She was making it hard though with her endless knowledge. He needed to treat her like any other person he was interviewing. He had many other candidates besides Ana. Truthfully, though? He wanted Ana as his Intern/Editor. He almost lost her once when he was trying to find her after their chance encounter. He didn't want to lose her again. He was almost positive he wanted her as his editor. He just wanted to know more about her professionally. He decides to ask her more questions)

Christian: "What would you consider your strengths?"

Ana: "I get along with everyone. There are a few people who rub me the wrong way, but I don't let them affect me professionally. I love what I do and take great pride in it. I'm a hard worker and am willing to go the extra mile to meet deadlines."

Christian: (nods) "You sound like a hard worker, too. What would you consider to be your weaknesses?"

Ana: "I'm loyal to a fault. I'd like to think I'm always there for others. Being part of a team is enjoyable, too. If I feel I'm right about something, I'll fight for it. The people I work with or for or who work for me may disagree on that."

Christian: "I see your point, though. If I feel I'm right on something, I will fight for it." (raises his eyebrows) "Most people tend to disagree with my beliefs, but I honestly don't care. The way I see it, I'm the one that owns my own company and is rich, so I play those cards. In my opinion, no one got through anything in life being lazy." (smiles) "Something tells me you're not like that."

Ana: (smiles) "No. I've always fought for what I believed in. So does my best friend whom I share an apartment with."

(A pang of jealousy goes through Christian as he wondered whether the roommate/best friend is a male or female. Ana noticed his jealousy face and couldn't help the slight smile. She was hoping he was attracted to her as she was to him. Even though he didn't technically ask it, she decides to answer his question)

Ana: "My best friend is Kate Kavanagh. When she sets her sights on something, she is determined to see it through."

Christian: (chuckles) "Ah, one of those types of people. I'm determined that way, as well." (nods) "I like that you're determined. Maybe not as much as I am as I freely admit I can be pretty ruthless to get what I want." (smirks) "Not quite sure you're there yet."

(Ana couldn't help the giggle from coming out on Christian's attempt at a joke. She was liking him more and more. She had to tread lightly as she didn't know him well enough yet to form a proper opinion)

Ana: (rolls her eyes playfully) "Funny." (seriously) "I appreciate you taking the time to meet with me...even if you're not sure I'm what's best for your company."

Christian: (tilts his head & raises his eyebrows) "Did I say that?"

Ana: (nervously shakes her head) "No, but..."

Christian: "One rule in my company, Miss Steele...never make assumptions. You're never always correct. I will tell you this, though. I think you would be great at my company."

Ana: (pleasantly surprised) "Really?"

Christian: (shakes his head seriously) "Never doubt your business ability, Ana. You're more powerful and an asset than you know."

Ana: (nods appreciatively) "Thank you."

(Christian clears his throat and nods at Ana before offering a smile)

Christian: "Courtney or I will get to you within the next couple of days whether or not you're hired."

Ana: (nods) "No problem, Mr. Grey."

(They shake hands. Ana gathers her things and they say their goodbyes before she leaves. Christian sighs deeply as he faces forward)

Christian: "I know I should be careful. I can't help it, though. You keep reeling me in...And you don't even know it." (groans) "What are you doing to me, Anastasia Steele?"

Chapter 8 Done

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