Hey! Jacque here. I am very happy that you find my story to be light yet heartwarming. I also received some criticisms, but that doesn't stop me from writing. Thank you so much, my dear readers for making me feel happy to upload what I've written.

CHAPTER 8

Tonight, Dad was feeling so tired. I guess being Christian Grey's personal assistant takes a lot of work. He's snoring soundly on the couch, while I sat down our wooden chair drinking coffee.

As the fragrance of the caffeine beautifully intoxicated my sense of smell, I thought about Christian. The way his eyes gazed into my soul when I woke up to his bed that morning. I thought of nothing but kissing those luscious lips of his.

But I guess that's what made me more . . . addicted to him. He had the advantage of me. I was drunk. I didn't have control. I couldn't think clearly. Yet, he never touched me. In fact, I was the one being aggressive. His respect towards me made me thought of him more often than I should.

Then I looked at my Dad and realized that I shouldn't be a fool. Christian Grey is a playboy, and there's nothing I can do to change that.

My phone vibrated, and an unregistered number appeared on the screen. I quickly answered it, thinking that it might be important.

"Hello?"

"Hi Anastasia," the familiar velvety voice breathed.

"Christian?"

"Yes, it's me," I could hear his smile.

My heart thudded loudly, and it was as if it could come out of my chest at any instant. I tried to contain it though, and I asked, "Uhm . . . what can I do for you?"

"I can't stop thinking of you."

I was silent. My hands were cold, and my nerves were shaking. My heart was beating fast. It was the unfamiliar adrenaline of being wrapped around the thought of falling in love.

He continued, "I spent the entire day thinking about you—your face, your voice, and your cuteness when you're drunk." We both laughed at that. Then, he uttered, "That's it, Anastasia, I can't stop thinking about you."

I smiled at that, but then just one glance at my Dad then all the doubts came back. I shook my head and replied, "I know what you're doing, Mr. Grey. This is what you say to all the girls before you bed them and leave them. I can't be one of those girls."

He was taken aback, "Mr. Grey?"

"You are my father's boss, and that's all you are ever going to be for me."

There's a moment of silence that followed after.

He sighed, "Anastasia, I know you've heard the stories about me, but I know you will give the real me a chance. I swear to you, I am more than my reputation."

I didn't say anything.

"Just know that whatever you may be thinking about me—good or bad—I'll always think about you. Goodnight, Ana." With that, he ended the call, and I was left confused if I really did the right thing, by pushing him away.

000

Work was really hectic since our top client came over. I am employed in a printing company and one of our biggest client is Modelbound Magazine. It's a fashion magazine, and without them, I am not sure if the company will stay firm. They are here to check our office.

I am an Assistant Head of the Operations Department. The guys who facilitate the printing of the machine. They come to me when they have problems. If the machine isn't operating well, then I'd be the mediator to the mechanics for fixing.

My job's good, but it doesn't pay much. And, I couldn't consider my job a career. I want to be a stylist, but that opportunity doesn't just knock every day. You only get it once in a lifetime, and in my case, none.

I sat before my old computer and since there wasn't anything to do, and I'm not the one welcoming the Modelbound Staff around, I decided to do some research.

I typed Christian's name and I winced upon reading the headlines.

'HE BROKE MY HEART', - MODEL, MATILDA BLUE ABOUT CHRISTIAN GREY

POP SINGER BELLA CREEK CONFIRMS THAT THE SAD SONG IN HER ALBUM IS ABOUT CEO CHRISTIAN GREY

CHRISTIAN GREY CAUGHT KISSING CANADIAN DESIGNER

A HEARTBREAKER: CHRISTIAN GREY'S LONG LIST OF EX-LOVERS

28-YEAR OLD CEO CHRISTIAN GREY: "I HAVE NO TIME FOR LOVE"

CHRISTIAN GREY CONFIRMS DATING A CACTUS PLANT IS JUST A RUMOR

"I have something to tell you," a soft yet strong voice told me from behind. I was beyond startled. I immediately shut the computer off. The woman smiled and sat on my desk.

She's gorgeous. She's almost a replica of Blake Lively. Her fashion style was elegant. She wore a cream-colored suit with pastel pink beneath. She wore creamy heels as well. Her hair was perfectly wavy, and she's beyond gorgeous.

"Uhm . . . Hi Ma'am. H-how can I help?" This felt so embarrassing. She just caught me googling Christian Grey.

"I have to tell you this: when you like someone, you like them for them, and you don't care about their reputation. Yes, you heard stories, and you read from gossip articles but tell you what, gossip articles are not really that credible."

"Oh, Ma'am, it's—"

"Don't deny it. You obviously like him."

"Yeah, I do," I admitted.

"I know Christian Grey personally and yes, he's a huge player, but I believe that he can change."

"You know him?"

She seemed more relaxed now upon telling me, "I've known him for so long. In the darkest moments of my life, when the love of my life left—" her voice faltered and stumbled even "- he was there for me. That's when I realized that if he could be the greatest best friend a girl can ask for, then he could be the greatest boyfriend too. I've seen his heart and I know you've seen it too. He's told me about you, and that's more than enough for me to tell that his play days are over."

"He's told you about me?"

"Yes, since the moment he bought you the blue scarf."

My eyes went wide. Who's this woman?

"Who are you?" I asked directly.

"I am Katherine Kavanaugh, you can call me 'Kate' for short. I'm Christian's best friend and Modelbound's editor-in-chief. It's a small world, Anastasia. Who knew? Our companies have been partners for so long."

We shook hands, and I was speechless.

Before she left my desk, she said, "Remember this Ana: Christian Grey is more than just his reputation.