ELLIOT POV

"Smile for the camera" Jackson teased as we walked into the site office, ignoring the camera's that were aimed our way.

When I invited the press to watch the court proceedings, I didn't expect for them to follow me everywhere, waiting for a showdown with my soon to be ex-wife no doubt.

"Ignore the press Jackson, we have a building to put up, work to do."

"Will do boss, they're annoying as hell though."

"When they get as annoying as her, then complain. Until then, deal with it," I told him, pulling out the list of jobs that need to be finished today.

My meeting was probably half the time of my brothers once my site managers had all arrived, and soon everyone was going off for the day, their task sheets in hand.

"Boss, I've got the permits for the 5th street project and also Jameson Timber have been on the phone, they said they can get the materials you need but it will take a few weeks" Janine my assistant told me.

"That's fine, they're not needed yet anyway."

I visited Ana's a couple of days ago, to speak about the plans that Christian had given me. It gave me a much-needed chance to get away and have some peace for the day, spending time with Christian and Ana too. The project will go ahead at some point and having everything here for when Ana's ready is what I want.

I left Janine, heading over to my car so I could go and check on a job that we had recently started. We're pouring concrete today on what will be the foundations for a new office building, one which will house my dad's company at some point as well as many others too.

I had just got into my car when another pulled up behind, blocking me in.

"Shit, just what I need" I groaned, pissed that she would dare to come here. "You're on Grey property, get out," I said before I had barely left the car.

"You sound like your brother" she spat. "I just want to talk."

"Talk to my lawyer, he's the only one you should be talking to. I have nothing to say to you."

"WELL I HAVE THINGS to say..." she snapped, trailing off when she realised she had an audience, one who was recording every word she was saying. "Can we move inside."

"No, we can't. You have two minutes, say what you have to say and get out."

"It doesn't have to be like this Elliot," Kate told me, sounding like she always did when she realised she was wrong. Thinking if she spoke nicely to me, it would all be ok.

I'm passed that though, passed the mental abuse I went through daily, passed the guilt she made me feel when it should've been her.

"One minute, thirty," I said when Kate hadn't said another word. She was too focused on looking good for the approaching camera's.

"Elliot please, I don't want to go to court. I can't, do you know what that will do to me. My friends don't want anything to do with me, they won't speak to me or answer my calls. My parents are struggling with what's gone on too. There has to be another way."

"It always has to be about you and what you want, doesn't it. Screw anyone else and their feelings. You make me sick. I'm glad your parents are struggling, they're just as guilty as you are. They encouraged your behaviour so they can suffer with you."

"You can't do this to us. I apologise for you getting dragged into this, it was the only way" she mumbled quietly at the end but I heard every sick word.

"The only way for you to get to my brother, try and get your claws into him. I'm so glad your plan failed."

"What you said in your press statement, you had no right bringing me into it."

"YOU WERE THE ONE WHO CAUSED IT" I shouted. "You were the one who caused stress to a pregnant woman."

"Good, she had no right taking what's mine. Dr Green was wrong, they were my eggs that were re-implanted into her and those are mine and Christian's children she's carrying."

"Do you ever listen to yourself?" I asked, completely shocked by what she had just said. "You're sick, you've told so many lies that you're even starting to believe them yourself. You need help, but don't look at me to help you. You can rot in your misery as far as I'm concerned. Now you've had your two minutes, I'm sure when your performance hits the news screens you can watch yourself back to your heart's content, but I'm sick of the sight of your face. Get out before you're dragged out in full view of the cameras."

"I WON'T GO TO COURT, I WILL SIGN THE PAPERS, SO I DON'T HAVE TO GO TO COURT" she shrieked, stomping her foot like the child she is.

"Whether on the opposite side of the courtroom from me or my brother, you will be there. That's the consequences of your actions and most of all your mouth. The less I have to look at the ugliness that is you, the better, now get out."

Watching her turn away from me, she came face to face with the press that had crept closer for a better view. I couldn't be bothered telling them to leave as I was leaving myself anyway. As soon as Kate once again realised what she was facing, the waterworks started as she rushed past them, trying to make herself out to be the innocent she's not.

Ignoring them myself, I got into my car, watching her drive away. Hopefully, that will be the last time I see that bitch, but like a bad smell, I'm sure she'll linger.

Starting my car, I called Jackson over and informed him that I would be out for the day. Work was the last thing on my mind after what she had said, especially about Ana. She had made me so angry, that I just needed to take a step back and breathe.

I pulled out of the yard, leaving everyone else behind, driving who knows where.

"Call Sky," I said, into the hands-free and soon it started to ring.

I had told myself that I should call Sky and let her know what Kate had said about Ana but in all truth, I just wanted to hear her voice.

"Hi Elliot," she said, upon answering the call.

"Am I disturbing you."

"No, never. What is it? I can tell from the tone of your voice that something's wrong Elliot."

I smiled at her words, knowing she probably knew me better in the short time we have known each other, more than Kate ever did.

"Nothing for you to worry about, I just needed to hear a friendly voice."

"I'm here for you Elliot, what's she done," Sky asked.

"Came to the yard, sprouting shit as usual. I'm sure you will be able to watch it for yourself as I wouldn't be surprised if it was all over the internet by now."

"I would buy popcorn to eat while watching it if I knew you weren't so hurt by what she said. Do you..."

"Do I what Sky?" I asked, pulling the car over, around the corner from my brother's office building.

"Do you still have feelings for her. I mean it's understandable if you do, as you were, are married."

"What, no, never. When I think of her the only thing I feel is anger. Anger that I fell for her games, her plan for so long. When I think of the time that we spent together, I don't think it was ever love. Need more than anything. The need to be wanted, despite knowing that I would never be able to father a child. She made me believe it didn't matter and I fell for it because I was desperate for someone to want me, the real me."

"Oh, Elliot, you have so much to offer someone. I want to hit her for the pain she's caused you."

"It's in the past now, where she can stay. She was talking about Ana, saying that the eggs that were re-implanted into Ana were hers. I think she's mentally unstable and she needs to stay away from her."

"Legally she can't go near Ana; a restraining order stops that. Her CPO's will do the job if she physically tries to go near my friend and then I will have her dragged before the judge. I wish I could gag her, although not so much legally, my fist should do the job" she told me, making me laugh.

"Where are you, are you free for lunch."

"I've just left the office actually. I was in court first thing which went well, quickly too. I'm heading home to Montesano soon, it's Ana's anniversary celebration this afternoon and I want to be there. Why don't you come, I have a spare room if you want to stay the night, the weekend too if you like as I'm not driving back until Sunday afternoon."

"I'd like that" I smiled. "Where do you want to meet."

"I've just turned in to my apartment building, let me grab some things and then I will come around to yours."

"Ok, see you soon."

I ended the call, brighter than when I had first called Sky. I was going to call Christian to let him know that I would see him later today, but I thought I would leave it as a surprise. I did call the site manager of my dads new building though and I was informed that everything was going as planned. That was one less thing I had to worry about, so I put everything else out of my head and looked forward to the weekend.

…

I had just zipped up my weekend bag when the buzzer rang to let me know that Sky was here. Opening the door to her, she was in jeans now, nothing like she would wear in the courtroom.

"Are you all ready to go?" she asked me after I had kissed her cheek.

"Yes, I just need to grab my wallet," I told her, disappearing back into my bedroom to pick up my wallet and keys from where I had left them when I changed out of my work clothes and into my own jeans.

Walking back into the living room, Sky had her back to me, looking out at the city below. I had always had a house before, never wanting to live in an apartment, but I actually find it peaceful here. I had a large balcony if I wanted to get outside and thankfully no more lawn to mow.

"I'm ready to go," I said, standing behind her as she turned to face me.

She was so close to me, close enough that when I reached out to touch her face, my palm cupped her cheek. I was crossing a line, one I told myself I would never cross while I was still married to that witch. I wanted to cross it, needed to touch Sky and when she stepped closer, touching her lips to mine, all thoughts of anything else were gone.

I held her close to me, our lips moving together, neither of us willing to let the other break away. I didn't want to stop, as kissing this woman is what I've wanted to do for a long time.

My lips moved from hers only for a moment as I kissed her cheek and neck. Hearing Sky groan, had my lips back on hers once again.

"I apologise" she panted, taking a needed breath. "I couldn't resist."

"That makes both of us" I laughed, my hands cupping her cheeks once more.

"I'm not really sorry" she admitted.

"Neither am I" I smiled, hugging her to me tight. "It doesn't feel right asking you to be my girlfriend when I'm still married. You deserve someone who's free."

"I deserve you Elliot and I will wait as long as it takes."

"You already have me Sky, all of me."

"That's good because this is the 21st century, I'm a girl, and I'm certainly your friend. To be your girlfriend would be perfect but if you worry about asking me while you're married, I will ask you this. Elliot Grey, will you be my boyfriend."

"I would love to" I laughed kissing her once more.

We left my home soon after, all thoughts of this morning forgotten. We talked about everything on the way to Montesano, about our hopes and dreams and the future we saw for ourselves. No matter what happens from this day forth, I hope Sky's future's with me.

Thank you for reading. I know this chapter is shorter than normal and that's because it wasn't originally supposed to be written. I had been writing what is now chapter 14 and came up to a part with Ana and Sky speaking about Sky's kiss with Elliot. Instead of you reading it through what Sky tells Ana, I thought I would write this instead.

Until next time, take care.

Caroline.