All of the members of the Grey family met at Escala later that evening. Although Kate and Elliot knew the engagement, Carrick, Grace and Mia were going to hear about the big news for the first time. Ana had to smile at the way Christian and Elliot were interacting. Elliot was trying really hard not to tease Christian until the announcement was made and Christian, fully aware of Elliot's dilemma, was egging him on by deliberately setting him up for punch lines. Ana loved this family and was honored to become a part of it.

Earlier that day, she had called her mom to let her know what was happening. Given the woman's track record with husbands, Ana had been expecting a debate over her marrying so young, but, surprisingly, her mom did not make one disparaging comment regarding matrimony. Ray, on the other hand, had been slightly more skeptical, but had warmed up when Ana had expressed how happy she was about the engagement.

After some light conversation and good-humored banter, Christian cleared his throat. "I want everyone here to know something." His gaze met each person and ended when he came looked down at Ana and smiled. "Ana and I are engaged and we will be getting married, as soon as possible, if I have anything to say about it."

The room was quiet for a split second before Mia and Grace were both on their feet, hugging Ana in tandem. Carrick shook Christian's hand, though he seemed a little less enthusiastic than the women.

"I'm so happy to have you for a sister-in-law, Ana," Mia gushed. "I honestly thought Christian was gay. Who knows, maybe you'll even give me some nieces and nephews!"

"Not so fast, Mia," Christian stepped in, scowling at her comments. "She is all mine for the time being." Ana gave him a quick look, but he smiled, silently letting her know once again that someday having kids would not be completely off of the table.

Christian kissed her hair and led her into the kitchen away from the crowd. "God, it felt so good to tell them," he said. "Did you see the look on my mother's face? She loves you, you know that, right?"

"I love her too, Christian. I love all of your family. I hope our announcement didn't upset your father, though. He looked a little less than pleased."

Christian's expressed darkened slightly. "My father sometimes has a hard time not acting like a lawyer. He has seen the fallout of a lot of speedy weddings and he just wants to save us the grief of a divorce, should things go sour. If he hurt your, feelings I am sorry. I really do not think it was intentional."

Suddenly, Ana felt a little lightheaded. She tried to shake it off, which only made her stomach flutter in the same uneasy way it had before. "Christian, I'm really sorry, but I'm not feeling well. I think that I may need to go home early."

Startled, Christian wrapped his arms around her. "Baby, why don't you stay here tonight? That way I can take care of you if you get sick again."

Ana gave him a brave smile. "Thank you for the offer, Mr. Grey, but I can make it just fine. I brought my own car here, so I think I will just wish everyone goodnight and go home to rest for work tomorrow."

Ana drove home in a daze, feeling lightheaded once more. Christian had been furious when she had put her foot down about not staying the night. Obviously, the Grey's were also concerned about her not staying at his apartment, but that was likely because they knew she had in the past and now that they were engaged it seemed like the logical thing to do again.

Not wanting to explain all of her personal convictions about living on her own right now, she had made a hasty retreat. Smirking, she checked her review mirror and could see Taylor in the car directly behind her. The poor man had better things to do than babysit her, but Christian had required his escort.

When she reached the apartment she waved him on, letting him know she would be okay on her own. She saw him give a small wave back and continue down the road past her. She really had missed Sawyer and Taylor's company. Although each of them had a distinct personality, they both had a good sense of humor about most things. When it came to work, though, they were all business.

Fumbling with her keys, Ana frowned when she realized that her front door was already cracked open. How could I do this twice in one day? She stepped into the darkness, only to see that her bedroom light was on. Her breath caught in her throat as she came to the startling realization that someone was, or had been, in her home.

Cautiously, she stepped back outside and walked briskly around the corner until her apartment was out of sight. As she walked, she dialed Christian's phone. As much as she hated to get him involved, someone had actually entered her home. She knew that it was the smartest thing to do. Once again, Mr. Control Freak answered on the first ring.

"Ana? Are you okay?" he asked, cutting straight to the chase. Ana could hear the murmurs of conversation in the background and silently wished that she and stayed until Kate had been ready to leave.

"Christian, I think there is someone in my house. In my room, actually." Her voice came out small, but she knew that Chrisitan could hear every word because he was suddenly yelling for Sawyer.

"Baby, where are you? Are you in the house now?" he asked, slightly panicked.

"No, the door was open and there was a light in my room, so I left and walked about a block away." She hoped that Christian would get to her soon because it was starting to get dark. Why the fuck didn't I just get back in the car? Stupid!

"You did the right thing by leaving and calling me, Ana. Thank you for making your safety a priority. We will be there in a few minutes. Do not go back in the house, for any reason, understand?"

Ana agreed and quickly hung up. She couldn't beat herself up for not driving away; she had been so startled that she hadn't been thinking clearly in that moment. Shivering against the cold breeze and the teardrops that had begun to fall, she forced herself to remain positive.

At least Elena had not been waiting for her with a weapon of some sort. While it seemed farfetched, Ana considered the woman very unstable and did not want to underestimate what she was capable of doing. If she can fuck and torture a fifteen year old boy then she could sure as hell attack me.

Ana stilled for a second as she thought about the possible outcomes of the night. Silently, she prayed that more pictures would not be strewn about her room. Should she had looked before calling Christian?

She glanced down at her phone; Christian would still be about another five minutes out. Maybe she could sneak in and see what the damage was or if there was any at all. Even if Elena was in the house, Christian would be there in a matter of minutes, so it was likely that Ana would be safe regardless if she waited for them or entered now on her own.

Ana sprinted around the corner and up her front steps. Once inside, she made note that the light in her room was no longer on. Silently, she crept down the hallway, cringing when one of the floorboard creaked under her weight.

There was no noise in response, so Ana breathed a sigh of relief. When she made it to her room, she sucked in a breath and switched on her light. She gasped; it was worse than she had expected.