CPOV

I woke, hearing my phone ringing on the dresser beside me, wanting nothing more than to ignore it or throw it across the room so that it could not disrupt our quiet time any more.

Ana was tired when we got back to the Heathman and I thought she would be asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow, but she wasn't. As she lay in my arms, her head on my chest we spoke about the press and what lay ahead.

We're a couple, a team, and we will be a united front against anyone who would try to make out what we have into anything other than the love and children that we share.

"No deadlines" Ana mumbled when my phone started up again.

"No deadlines baby, sleep" I whispered, kissing her forehead before climbing out of bed and taking my phone into the lounge area where I finally answered the call.

"Grey."

"Shit bro, answer the phone," Elliot said, worry in his voice.

"Elliot what's going on," I asked.

"The press knows Ana's with you. Turn your TV on," he said as I grabbed the remote and turned to the news channel.

The press were surrounding the hotel and, Christian Grey and Ana Steele's secret life together revealed was moving across the bottom of the screen in a continuous loop.

"The only way someone would've known it was Ana last night was if they recognised her as the writer she is."

"I hope that's it because, on all the photo's that have been released, none of them really show Ana's face."

"What photos," I asked.

"There are photos of you both leaving the gallery last night and a few from inside too. The one that everyone is going with though, has your arms around Ana and your hands resting on her bump. These photos, they were obviously taken on someone's phone and although the quality isn't very good, you can tell it's definitely you. Ana though, they have either taken the photo from behind her, or she's looking away, so only the side of her face is seen."

"We knew we were going to be spotted out eventually. I would've preferred for Ana to be able to spend some time with her best friend without someone trying to ruin it for her though" I sighed.

"Christian, you're you. No matter what you do, the press is interested in it. Add into the mix Ana, a world-famous author and they're going to go nuts for information on you two."

"It's not just us two though is it," I told him.

"No, it isn't" he sighed, his voice trailing off at the end.

"What is it Elliot," I asked.

"I don't know, just a feeling. I hope Kate doesn't have anything to do with Ana being identified so quickly."

"She would be my first choice to open her mouth," I told him. "I hope we're both wrong though, for her sake."

I ended my call with Elliot, opening the door to Taylor who must have been tapping on it for the past few minutes. He had a stack of papers in his hand but I ignored him for a few moments once he was inside, calling Sam my head of PR, to make sure the statement was ready to go once Ana was awake. Only hearing that everything was ready, did I give Taylor my full attention.

"Sir, I have called in extra security to make sure our exit is as safe as possible."

"As possible is not good enough. I have a heavily pregnant girlfriend who I need to make sure leaves here without any stress or discomfort."

"I know Sir, I have spoken to the manager and he has informed me that our car can be driven straight into the loading bay at the rear of the hotel, and the shutters can be closed while we get Miss Steele inside. Getting out of there without knocking someone down will be the problem if the press figures out our plan."

"If they get in the way, it will be their own fault," I told him, opening the newspapers before me.

Every single paper was running the same grainy image. Elliot was right, you can tell it was me and despite how crap the photo is, if you looked close enough, you could probably tell how much I loved the woman I held.

"Does Sam have the finished press release ready?" he asked me.

"Yes, Ana is sleeping at the moment, once she's awake and I've spoken to her, we will set everything in motion."

"What needs to wait until I'm awake," my sleepy girlfriend asked, coming from the bedroom, mumbling her good morning to Taylor before she cuddled into my side.

"The press release baby, come and sit."

I led her over to the couches, placing the papers on the coffee table before us.

"Have you read these?" Ana asked, picking the newspapers up.

"No, Taylor just gave them to me."

"We don't need that one," Ana said, throwing the Nooz over her shoulder where it landed behind on the carpeted floor. "Crap paper," she mumbled, making me laugh.

She was right, the Nooz is just gossip and speculation, never reporting any actual truth but I know as Taylor picked it up, he would look through it anyway.

"They're all asking questions of who I am and why I'm with you with a large stomach."

"Ana, these were obviously printed hours ago, they know who you are," I said, nodding to the TV we had all ignored until now.

"My photo is on the inside cover of every hardback book that was printed, Christian. If someone read my book, came to a book signing, they could've realised it was me from there. The photo actually looks like how José took my picture, never looking into the camera but never fully looking away."

"I know Ana" I quietly said, kissing her forehead. "I think it's time for Sam to send the press release out. I've already spoken to Elliot, it was him who woke me up to let me know what was going on."

"Ok, will we do it before or after we leave."

"I say, the same time," Taylor added. "If we send the press release out moments before we drive out that door, hopefully, it will keep them all occupied."

"We can but wish," Ana said.

...

Ana didn't want to stay for breakfast, stating her stomach was in knots at the moment and would rather eat when she was calm. She had spoken to her parents, letting them know what was going on, as I had spoken to mine also. It was Sky who made Ana laugh on this stressful morning, telling her that she would sue the arse off any news company who tried to slander her name in any way.

The press statement has just been released Sir – Sam I received when we were in the car, ready to leave.

There were only the shutters between us and the press but any second now, they would be gone too.

Ok. Keep an eye out on all press agencies. I want legal on anything that goes to print, that could damage Ana's name or my own – Grey

Will do Sir – Sam

As the shutters started to open before us, we could see the legs of people outside. With the rev of the engine, those people started to move out of the way, clearing our path, a path which we quickly took leaving the crowd of press behind us.

Taylor had been right as most had been reading the press release as we were leaving the hotel, missing their opportunity to grab their photo of Ana and me together.

"Ana, are you alright," I asked, once our journey was underway and we could all relax that no one was following us.

"I'm fine. I've dealt with some press before, book launches and the such but nothing like how many people there were outside of the hotel."

"I know, I'm sorry Ana."

"What! why are you apologising Christian? You have nothing to apologise for. The press release obviously worked, as a distraction anyway. What they make of it from now on, is up to them."

I knew Ana was right and thinking of the statement that had just been released, they had their information and that was all they would be getting from us.

GREY ENTERPRISES HOLDING PRESS RELEASE.

Seattle WA – August 20th,2018. In January of this year, Christian Grey set out to help his brother become a father by being his donor as due to a childhood illness, it meant that Elliot Grey would not be able to do so on his own. Due to a mix-up at the fertility clinic that was used, this did not go to plan as Christian Grey's donation was fertilised and re-implanted into another recipient instead of Mrs Grey, as was intended. It was given to Anastasia Steele who was going through the same process due to a childhood illness of her own. Although Mrs Grey's eggs were fertilised with an anonymous donor, her procedure was not successful, whereas Ms Steele's was.

Although the original plans went awry and in the eyes of the law, Mr Grey would have no right to the child that was conceived, things have changed.

Through their unborn child, Christian Grey and Anastasia Steele have both become close and a relationship has grown out of that bond. One that Mr Elliot Grey fully supports and he himself looks forward to being an uncle to the child.

As the truth has now been told, we ask that their privacy is respected so Miss Steele is able to continue her pregnancy without the stress that would be detrimental to hers and also her child's well-being at this time.

Sam Bradley

Head of Public Relations

Grey Enterprises holdings.

We had gone with the basics as there was no reason for anyone but us to know every little detail of what happened. I know Kate would be angry that she was included in the statement but as she has already told anyone that would listen about the mix-up, we are only confirming what she had already said.

"Are you alright," Ana asked as we pulled into the now familiar opening that led to her house.

"I'm fine, I'll be happier though when I can feed you and these children as I think the press would've followed the noise trail your stomach left behind."

Her laughter was what I was aiming for and that was what I received as I didn't want Ana stressed by any of this.

Making our way into the house, all the security spread out, checking the perimeter of the property. I was glad we had brought in additional security as we had no idea to the extent of Ana's land when Sawyer first started here.

Ana headed straight into the laundry room, as I followed behind with our bags. I told her Gail would deal with my dirty clothes when I got home but she was insistent on doing it to keep herself busy. I didn't stop Ana, I just watched her flit around, being there if she needed anything from me.

"Your clothes, do they need to go home with you," she asked, emerging from the laundry room and carefully perched herself onto a stool, thanking me for the tea that I passed to her.

"There is nothing in there that I would need urgently, that would have to be in Seattle, why."

"I just thought you could leave some clothes here, save you bringing things back and forth when you came."

"I'd like that," I said, kissing her lips before taking a sip of my coffee.

While Ana was on one of her many trips to the bathroom, her phone rang. Answering it, it was Carla, checking up on our girl, despite only speaking to her a few hours before.

"How is she Christian."

I could tell Carla was worried about Ana and the stress that our relationship being out in the open could bring.

"She's pottering around, keeping busy Carla. I'm trying to keep the TV off and Ana's fine with that, preferring to read her book."

"I hate being so far away from her. No matter how old she is, she's my little girl and I have to remind myself sometimes, that Ana's a lot stronger than she looks."

"She is that Carla. I will look after her, I promise."

"I know you will Christian. I know we haven't met yet but from what Ray and Ana have told me about you, I trust you with our girl."

"Thank you, that means a lot…. One minute" I told her, looking at Ana who had emerged from the bathroom. "Your mum."

She smiled, making her way over to me, placing a kiss on my lips before she took her phone. Once Ana was back on the couch, happily chatting away, I turned back to my own phone.

...

Throughout the day, I kept an eye on the news reports on my phone and was in constant contact with Taylor and Sam to find out what was going on in the outside world.

We had settled down for the evening when the shit hit the fan.

"Sir, Seattle Nooz, as well as a few other news agencies are running a story stating that Miss Steele was your surrogate and the statement released today was to cover up the truth, that you're gay."

"WHAT! SHUT IT DOWN" I shouted, waking Ana who had been sleeping on the couch.

"We're in the process of Sir and our lawyers are already onto them. It seems the story started on social media as a rumour and has grown from that. The Nooz is reporting that they have it on good authority to be the truth, given to them by a source close to the Grey family. Sir, there is one part they have reported on that is the truth, that Miss Steele is expecting twins."

"Kate" I spat, angrily. She had to be behind this. She was in that room when I revealed Ana's identity and that we were expecting twins. She would be the only one who would open her mouth.

"Christian" Ana said, sleepily, sitting up on the couch.

"It's ok baby, go back to sleep."

"Whatever is going on, doesn't sound ok" she groaned, rising from the couch before heading in the direction of the bathroom.

I heard the bathroom door close before going back to my conversation with Sam.

"I want this shut down now. This is Kate Kavanagh's work, I know it. Get Barney on this, tell him I want him looking into all her online activity and then I want the evidence slapped in her face. She needs a permanent reminder that she's in breach of the NDA she signed by simply mentioning my name and inform her of the consequences. Look into Kavanagh Media also Sam, they're not going to sit quietly on a story like this. If they report anything, I want them shut down too. Shut the story down, shut her down now."

Ending the call, I threw my phone down onto the couch beside me, listening for Ana to emerge from the bathroom. My phone soon had my attention again, although it was Elliot this time.

"Kate, that bitch" Elliot said, and I could tell he was seething with anger.

It would be amusing how we both came to the same conclusion if we weren't both so angry.

"I know, we're trying to shut everything down, but I can't shut the whole internet down."

"I can't believe she would do this, who am I kidding, this is Kate all over. She found the perfect opportunity to go after Ana, after both of you and took it. Is Ana ok."

"She doesn't know yet. I woke her shouting at Sam but she's in the bathroom at the moment."

Hearing the bathroom door open, I watched as Ana waddled past me and into the kitchen, putting the kettle on.

"Shit, how do you tell her what's going on without stressing her out."

"I can't," I said, freezing in place for a second when I heard a glass smash to the floor. "ANA."

I shot up from the couch, ignoring my phone and my brother who was shouting at me "what's wrong".

I found Ana, standing in bare feet amid the broken glass, her phone tightly grasped in her hand.

"Ana, baby don't move please," I said, carefully making my way towards her, trying to move some of the larger pieces of glass out of the way with my shoes. Picking her up, I carried Ana back to the couch.

"Call you back," I said to Elliot, before ending my call and lifting Ana's chin so she would look at me. "Ana speak to me please."

"How could they" she whispered, as a tear escaped her eye. "After everything, I have been through to have our babies, all the pain and worry, they have to dirty everything like that."

"I think this is Kate, Ana. I think this is her shot at revenge for the fact that her plans failed."

"Can she really hate me that much, hate us."

"Our children are beautiful Ana, our relationship just as much. That woman is evil, dark, she has nothing, and she deserves nothing. Your heart, your love, that is a beautiful gift that you share with others, and she knows she cannot compete with that. Women like her, like to break other people down, bring them down to her level because she knows she will never have the chance to rise above what she really is, nothing. Don't let her bring you down, don't let her put thoughts in your head. Despite how you came to be pregnant, our children are where they're meant to be, with us."

"I'm sorry," she whispered, brushing her tears away.

"No, you have nothing to be sorry about Ana. Please calm down, otherwise, I will have to call Dr Scott."

She smiled then, cuddling back into my side, exhausted. I felt emotionally exhausted too, but I wouldn't rest until I knew the Nooz, Kavanagh media and anyone else who ran this ridiculous story was done.

...

"How's Ana" Elliot asked as soon as I called him.

It had been a few hours since I had spoken to him and I felt like a horrible brother for just keeping him hanging. I needed to make sure Ana was ok though.

"Sleeping by my side," I said, sitting up at the side of the bed. "Sorry I didn't call you back sooner."

"Don't be, she needed you. What happened."

"Ana had picked her phone up off the kitchen counter where she'd left it. She has the local news app so saw the headlines which flashed up on the screen when she activated it. The story is down off the Nooz and Kavanagh media website's amongst others and Kate has been informed she's in breach of the NDA she signed after she was shown some pretty damning evidence even she couldn't deny. The damage has already been done though" I said, tiredly.

"I wish she would go away" he sighed.

"Me too. I do wonder how many out there are stupid enough to believe the story though."

"It's the press, they hear a rumour and run with it. Some have disputed it though; The Times especially are asking questions for proof. I spoke to Mia earlier, The Times did an interview with Ana a few years ago about her first book. Ana was honest with them then stating that if she wanted a child, she would have to go through IVF. They're questioning the claims because they know she wouldn't just give up her child."

"Good they all need to do that," I told him.

"I think it's time I made my own statement. If she wants to have her voice out there, it's time that mine was heard too," he told me.

"I'm not going to argue with you Elliot. Kate is in the hands of my lawyers now, I need to focus on Ana" I said, quietly, running my fingers through her hair. "Speak to Sam, he will know who to call to get the best attention."

"OK, look after Ana and I will deal with my errant wife. She wants her voice heard, I will be sure to let everyone know exactly who started all this and why."

Placing my phone down for what I hoped would be the last time today, I climbed into bed, exhausted. Despite dealing with the press, sometimes on a daily basis, it was Kate who I wanted to deal with face to face, deal with her once and for all.

I left it to Elliot though and cuddling on the couch the next morning, we watched my brother take to the stage in the largest room I had at Grey house. It was a room that was rarely used, mostly for charity balls my company throws or the infamous Christmas staff party that was held every year. Today though, it was filled with strangers who would carefully record and document every word that was spoken, waiting for the truth to be told.

Elliot had his head held high as he walked towards the microphone, ignoring the camera flashes and video cameras that were aimed his way. When the press conference was called, I knew they were expecting me to walk out onto that stage, but seeing my brother there, there was silence as they waited with baited breath for him to speak.

"I want to thank you all for coming here today. I know you were expecting my brother but he's where he should be, by his pregnant girlfriend's side. My reason for bringing you all here today is simply to tell you the truth…. As a child, I was diagnosed with cancer which meant as an adult, I'm unable to father a child. My brother, the most amazing man you could ever meet, agreed after being asked by my wife to become a donor. He agreed to give us a gift, the greatest one he could ever give me, but it didn't work, for me anyway and I have never been happier with that fact."

His words shocked some of them, but they would soon know the reason's why. Elliot went on to inform them of his wife's deceit and her plan all along. Kate wanted the attention and she would certainly get it now.

"Those children were conceived out of love, Ana's love and fight to be their mother and my brother's love to help me. Ana and Christian will be the best parents in the world to them and I won't stand by and watch someone lie and dirty what they have. If my soon to be ex-wife is watching this, I will see you in court and you're all more than welcome to come and watch."

Thank you for reading.

I had a great time in Paris and my duck hunt was a success, I had my hug from Donald.

I did start writing this in the airport on the way home, but another plot bunny jumped into my head, pushing this one aside and by the time I landed back in Manchester, the idea for a new story had been fully formed. I will wait until I have a few chapters written before posting but I'm hoping to have the first chapter up in a couple of weeks.

Until next time, take care.

Caroline.