Hi dear avid readers, thank you for being patient with me. I was having lots of RL things to handle which took all the time in my hand. Now, I am back to continue my stories. So readers, enjoy!

Packing boxes after boxes of my stuff is a real good workout but Christian has not left my mind. Since the last conversation with him a week ago, he has not attempted to call me. Any man with balls will do that you idiot. You pushed him away and shut him off, even when he literally begged. Oh shut up. Finally, I sit with my last box to pack. The silver platter that came with Christian's thoughtful gift comes to my mind. The taste of the rich ice-cream is still lingering in my taste buds. I enjoyed each and every spoon of it, the night I denied Christian. Eyes full of tears, hear full of ache, I sat in my room, while listening to Listen to your heart by DHT. I walk slowly to the kitchen and open the cabinet. The beautiful silver platter comes to view. 'Christian' I whisper softly…

'Ana!' Kate screeching voice makes me to jump. Damn this woman.

'What!' I answered feeling very annoyed.

'What are you doing?' she reaches me with her messy hair. My guess is, she just woke up after coming home wee hours in the morning, spending time with which guy I have not met. I know she has met someone on our Graduation night when she was out with her family and she seems to be smitten with him. They spent most of their waking hours together leaving me alone to pack the house, which I appreciate as I am not interested in meeting anyone or spending time outside partying.

'Nothing.' I reply and close the cabinet door but she was quick to stop it.

'You are thinking of Christian?' she asks folding her arms after seeing the silver platter. A single tear drops. I nod slowly.

'What is the point Ana? You were very stern with him Ana. I remember you yelling at him the last time you spoke to him, you said a very big 'NO' to him and now you are crying over it. A guy like him won't give second chance.' She stated her point, straight to my face. It felt like a slap. My tears are now free flowing.

'I didn't want to give him any idea or hope. I saw what he had to offer. I can't accept.' I reply defending my action.

'What did he offer?' she asks with a big question mark on her face. 'He is the richest man and he could offer you the world.'

'I wish. But it is not what he can offer.' With that, I open the cabinet door and collect the silver platter and walk to my room, leaving a confused Kate. I lock my door and stare at the platter. My reflection stares at me back.

'Open this damn door Ana!' Kate yells banging my door.

'Go away. I want to be alone.' I yell back and then it is silence. One thing that I like about Kate is, she respects my privacy when I need it but she is persistent. I know I have to face her sooner or later.

No one will never ever understand why I cut Christian off. I have studied human psychology in my third year. After returning from ESCALA, I did a thorough analysis of his behavior, sexual preference and his personality. Christian begged when I refused him, he said he will try for me but a person with Christian's personality will never be able to change. He needs the control to keep him sane. I am a person who can't be control. He is willing to try, but very soon, he will crave for the control that he has lost, he will try to exercise it on other things, even me and it will not be a beautiful situation. With a heavy heart, I pushed him away, putting a bold face and strong voice but secretly, crying because I have fallen for him. He is gentle in away, caring in another way and a wonderful person besides the red room and all those that accompanies it. Sighing heavily, I pack those last few things of mine. Only some clothes left for me to change before we leave to Seattle tomorrow afternoon. To take my mind off from Christian, I decided to visit BlueNoble, my escape from reality for the last four years.

'Hey Annie!' David greets me from the counter with a big smile.

'Hie! I thought of visiting you before leaving to Seattle.' I replied trying to smile as bright as him.

'Such a sweet darling. I will definitely miss you.'

'Have you got an assistant?' I asked and we continued talking as there were no customers. Thirty minutes later, I bid my final goodbye to David and head back home. Kate is busy packing when I reached home. Her room is filled with boxes.

'Done packing?' I asked but clearly, not even half of it is done.

'Not yet. I didn't realize the amount of clothes I have.' She pouts. After helping her to pack her clothes, we head out to the nearby Chinese restaurant for a quick noodles dinner. I am just too tired to cook.

'Annie, I still can't understand why you pushed Christian away and yet sitting and sulking over it.'

'Kate, he is a very nice person, caring but why I denied him is something that I can't discuss with you. Please.'

'You miss him?'

'Yes.'

'I don't understand Steele. You want him and at the same time you don't want him.'

'You don't need to understand. I will overcome it sooner or later.'

Kate shakes her head. I know she has given up and her head is almost about to explode because she can't figure out why I am reacting in such a way.

'You are just trying to be difficult Steele. Stubborn girl. One of these days, your stubbornness is going to put you in great trouble.' She says taking a bite of her noodles. She looks around the restaurant and suddenly her eyes stops and looks alarmed.

'Annie, don't turn back.' Kate is looking over my shoulder. She has the look that sends chill down my spine.

'I think we are being followed.' She whispers with wide scared eyes. I know she can be dramatic but this is insane. I turn around and saw a man sipping a cup of coffee and reading the paper. He looks extremely normal and I don't understand why Kate feels that we are being followed. Perhaps the man is following her.

'Maybe following you.' I reply bluntly.

'I notice that he is around every place that we go for the last one week. I even saw him near our apartment. Maybe Christian has sent him to check on you?'

'Don't be ridicules Kate. Come on, let's go. The movers will arrive early and you are not good at rising early so let's get you to bed early.'

'Ana, I am very sure he is following us.' She continues. Christian is not that free to put a spy on me, as Kate claims. Perhaps one of the guy that broke up with her? OR wanting to get to her?

'Stalking you perhaps. Your latest admirer. Come on.' I say getting up abruptly dismissing her dumb theory. She can be a Journalist but her gut feeling doesn't work most of the time. We started walking and Kate kept on looking over her shoulder.

'Anyone following?' I asked her sarcastically.

'So far no.' she says. Damn I know no one will follow. I hit the bed ignoring Kate who wanted a glass of wine before bed.

'I have an interview!' I look up and Kate from my laptop. I am still trying to get used to the new room. We have moved in to Tower 801 two days ago. It is a small apartment but very cozy with two bedrooms and one bath, a small kitchen and dining with a comfy living.

'Where?'

'Seattle Times.' She smiles. Kate's father has pulled some strings to get Kate in. I am still writing to publishing houses for internship. Kate did offer her help to secure me a job but I want to climb the corporate ladder with my own effort.

'Congratulations Kate. When is it?' I ask trying to be enthusiastic. Since I set my foot on Seattle, Christian has never left my mind knowing he is just a stone throw away. On my way to Tower 801, I passed by ESCALA and remembered the kiss I shared with Christian. With Kate beside me, I hid my feelings and successfully hiding it till now.

'Today, at two.' She started jumping and clapping. I sigh heavily and she immediately stops jumping and looks at me.

'Ann, I know Christian is occupying your mind. You mentioned his name in your sleep few times. Try not to be ignorant of your own feelings and call him for Christ sakes.' She says with full of concern.

'Kate, just let it to rest. Come, lets…'

'Cut the crap Steele. If you are going to sulk in your room thinking of Christian, you are so not doing it. It is either you talk to him or get over it. This is not helping you at all.'

'Kate, just go. I know what I am doing.'

'What? You are trying to make him crawl to you? It is sooo not happening young lady.'

'Shut up Kate!'

Lovely Ms Steele has finally come to Seattle. My private detective has reported this morning that she has not got a job.

'Mr Grey, Ms Steele is writing to various publishing house but there is no offer coming up for her. At the moment, she is just locked up in the house she is sharing with Ms Kavanaugh.'

'Gary, keep a constant eye on her. I still want updates. Report to me immediately if she leaves her apartment and I want to know where she goes. I want to 'accidently' pay her a visit'

'Definitely sir.'

With that I dismiss Gary who has been following Ana since the day she denied me. Gary did report to me that Ana still speaks about me to Kate, and she is being very stubborn. Gary highlighted that Ana likes me but just denying it. So, there are still chances for me. It has been long two weeks since she said the big NO to me. I tried moving on but her big blue eyes and witty way is haunting my dreams. I am getting only about two to three hours of sleep because of her. With her near to me, I think it is time to 'bump' into the lovely Ms Steele.

'Mr Grey, your three o'clock is here.' Andrea interrupts my thought.

'Thanks'

The next half an hour passed like a snail. I hate the presentation, I hate the concept, I hate everything about it. The new telecommunication company that I am trying to buy in Japan is just not working. With this rate, I think I have to pay a visit to the company to get things in order.

'Mr Grey, Ms Steele is heading for an interview to Kidzie Publication for an interview. She is at 2pm slot.'

'Kidzie? Thanks Gary.' I end the call and look at the time. Thirty minutes to 2. I should 'bump' into her after her interview then.

'Andrea, cancel all my appointments this afternoon. I am going out and won't be in for the rest of the day.

At 1.55, I walk out to the elevator. Taylor is waiting for me when I exit the elevator.

'I am going out on some personal issues. I will see you later at ESCALA.'

'Mr Grey, I can't let you go out on your own.' He says without a pinch of fear. Due to the recent threat, he insist that I should be with security all the time. Damn it but I can't take him with me for what I want to do.

'I will be fine. Gary will be with me.' I say dismissing and walk to my R8 and drive away leaving the worried looking army man. I drive to Kidzie Publication and pulled up across the publication. Kidzie publication is a small publishing house which deals with children books. It is a building with very low security and poorly maintained. Not even properly painted.

What the hell is she doing here? There is no way for her to grow from here!

At 2.30, Anastasia walks out looking a little happy. My guess is she has got the job. Time to 'bump'. I drive around the building and park the car at the curb. After locking the car, I start walking and as I make my right turn, bang. I literally bumped into her and her file falls down. She was also holding few books which is now all on the pavement.

'I am sorry Miss,' and I bend down to help her with her things. She looks up and again the blue eyes never fail to amaze me.

'It's okay Mr… ' and she stops mid-sentence the moment she lays her eyes on me.

'Oh my…' she gasp! I have effect on her. A very positive effect.

'Anastasia… how nice to see you.' I smile.