Hello my amazing readers,

I am so sorry that this update is so late. So many things have happened since the last chapter that I just haven't had time to focus on writing. I am incredibly sorry.

As some of you may know I recently lost a friend of mine and so haven't been inspired to write but I am back and ready to give you all some drama.

A lot of you have questions which I know I have still not answered but please be patient, there is a lot more to come in this story but I promise everything will make sense in the end.

As always I love reading your reviews and am thankful to every single one of you for sticking with me and this story, I will do my best not to let any of you down.

Lastly I just want to dedicate this chapter to my dear friend Effie , always in our hearts and minds.

Alexandra xxx

Ana's POV

The drive back to Escala is long and tiring. Christian is sat next to me with his eyes locked on his blackberry screen, although his hand is holding onto mine extremely tight. I can tell something is bothering him.

"What's wrong?" I ask him softly, only to be shushed harshly. Anger spikes through me, we're right back where we started with him hiding things from me. Not this time, we've been through too much. I'm exhausted by this life, all I want is to live a simple life and yet all I seem to get is drama after drama after bloody drama. Noting that we're about half an hour away from Escala I lean forward and tap Taylor on the shoulder as he drives "pull over please Taylor"

"Mrs Grey?" the surprise in his voice is clear and I spot his confused expression in the rear view mirror.

"Anastasia, what are you doing?" Christian is still holding his phone, tilting it towards the door so I can't see the screen, but now his eyes are trained on me.

"Asking Taylor to pull over, what's it look like I'm doing Christian?" my sarcasm makes him scowl at me, his grey eyes darkening dramatically.

"Keep driving Taylor" his eyes are still locked on me as he talks, a hint of arrogance to them. He thinks he has the upper hand; once again he's underestimated me, shame on you Mr Grey.

"No Taylor pull over" I glance at him through the rear view mirror, meeting his anxious eyes "now please" I turn back to look at Christian and smile sweetly, relishing in his amused smirk.

Taylor indicates his intention to pull over to the other drivers and within 10 seconds we're parked up outside a small coffee shop. I nod to Taylor, silently dismissing him, and he silently gets out and wanders into the shop. Even though he's out of sight I know he'll keep his eyes on us. Now however it's time to talk properly with my husband.

"Now Mr Grey tell me what's wrong" his amused smirk vanishes causing my heart to sink a little , I had assumed he was just annoyed about Leila and Elena but he's eyes say there is more to the story. He's hiding something from me, and that usually means there is something dangerous after us. Instantly my hands are on my bump, soothing little blips kicks.

"Christian please, don't hide things from me, not now. We've been through enough together to realise we need to keep strong, and I can't be strong when your hiding things from me , it just doesn't work like that" my voice is filled with worry and suddenly he's reaching over me and unlocking my seat belt , allowing me to climb onto his lap and snuggle against his warm body.

"I'm sorry Ana, your right I shouldn't hide things from you but I get so scared that you'll leave me. You promised not to leave me and then you left and it broke my heart. How can I tell you things that may cause you to leave, how can you ask me to do that?" tears fill my eyes and I burry my head into his chest as dread and guilt fill me. All I ever wanted was to make him feel loved, give him what he'd never experienced from his mother, and yet I've done the complete opposite. All my hard work trying desperately to show him my love for him and I've ruined it.

"Christian I'm sorry. I shouldn't have run away like I did but I was scared, scared you'd realise how inadequate I am compared to Esmee. Scared that you'd realise you'd married the wrong girl. I should have believed in your love for me but seeing her, well it brought back that fear" his strong arms encase my body, his mouth gently kissing my hair as he sooths my crying.

"Hush baby, I understand. God knows how fucked up our lives are and I wish I could make things more simple but nothing will ever change my love for you Ana, nothing and no one. You are my life, my entire world. When are you going to realise that you are all I need?" I look up and meet his eyes, such pure unadulterated love shines back at me causing me to catch my breath.

"I realise it now Christian, I'm so sorry" his smile warms my heart instantly and I let his lips caress mine.

"I'm sorry as well baby" his words are said through our kiss and melt around me. Such a simple word but it means so much, to both of us. However he still hasn't told me what was bothering him when we were driving. Hesitantly I break our kiss and his smile drops a little.

"What was the matter before? You were staring at your phone for ages" his smile drops once more, his eyes cloud over, his hand running through his thick hair.

"Victoria's parents evening is tonight and Esmee has requested I attend" my gasp unsettles him and I try to move away , his arm wrapping around my waist tightly "no , don't move away , please Ana don't move" I nod silently and let him nuzzle against my hair , feeling him breathing deeply against my thick brown locks.

"Christian you don't even know for sure if Esmee is telling the truth. What if Tori isn't even your daughter" he stays silent for a while before giving a soft nod , his hand once again running through his thick hair.

"Elena said the same when I told her" I have to bite back my annoyance that he's once again telling Elena all our secrets , just like he told her about my unplanned pregnancy. My hand once again finds its way to my bump.

"Elena and I don't usually agree on things Christian, this time however we do. Getting a DNA test doesn't take long, I'm sure Grace will be more than happy to get the results rushed through" he tenses, his arm tightening around my waist more.

"No! I will not tell my mother, none of the family can know Ana. Not one single person. Understand?" I nod silently, to scared to talk my real thoughts.

An awkward silence fills the SUV and still Christian holds me against his chest, his arm is so tight around my waist as if he's worried he'll let go and I'll run away again. In all honestly I don't have the energy to run anymore, all that's happened these past few weeks has just drained me so much.

Esmee and Tori, Jose and his completely mental behaviour at the show, Elena being the good guy for once, not to mention Leila returning to Seattle! How am I suppose to keep calm and collected when everything around just wants to cause me stress. Its physically and emotionally exhausting.

Tori could be his , the dates match up after all , but then there could be a possibility that Esmee is lying , after all everyone knows how ridiculously wealthy Christian is , claiming to have a daughter by him would be an extremely easy way to get money. But surly a mother would want to protect their child, not lie to them about who their father is just to get money. Although who am I to judge what a mother would and would not do, I for one would do whatever it took to ensure Blip was looked after. Perhaps all Esmee wants is to ensure her daughter, whether they be Christians or not, is financially looked after. Is that really a bad thing to do?

"You need to get a DNA test Christian, no ifs but or maybe's. We need to know for sure if Tori is actually yours" thankfully he nods, but his eyes tell me that he's hurting. Then it hits me , the reason he's so upset , he's finally allowing himself to trust the world and the people who roam it , only to be used and manipulated by someone he once use to trust. I'd forgotten just how hard it once was for Christian to open up to people, he was so sheltered in his secrets. He's a different man, a man who now allows his feelings and emotions to show, but only to selective people.

"Mr Grey?" Taylor's voice is heard from outside the car, he sounds concerned and anxious. Instantly Christian closes off his emotions and returns to his cool and calm CEO persona.

"What is it Taylor?" reluctantly I move off Christian's lap and settle back into my own seat , gently running my fingers over my ever increasing bump , smiling as Blip kicks where my fingers land.

"I've just received word that Miss Williams was seen at Miss Gold's home , according to neighbours Miss Williams left with Miss Victoria" Oh God! Leila's kidnapped Tori! How the hell did she even find out about Tori?

"Taylor drive us to Esmee's. Now!" Taylor jumps to attention and is switching the engine on in seconds. Putting his foot on the accelerator as hard as he can as we make our way to Esmee's address.

Whatever Leila is up too if she's got hold of Tori, nothing good can come from it.

Esmee's POV

"Excuse me?" The girl's eyes are dark and dangerous, as she stands in my doorway, her hair is damp from the night rainfall and her posture seems off and unstable. All in all she looks completely and utterly insane.

"I said I need to talk with you about your daughter, Christian Grey's daughter" Fuck! How the hell does she know? No one knows! Not even my family, they know how she was conceived but I never ever told them Christian's name. This is impossible.

"I don't know what you're talking about. Now if you don't mind I have a parents evening to attend and would rather like it if you left" I go to close the door but she kicks it back , just about missing Tori , who is stuck to my side.

"Listen here Miss Gold I've walked a long way to get here and if you don't let me in then I'll just have to force you. Everything will be a lot easier if you just shut your mouth and do as I say. We both know how to do as we're told" something in her eyes tells me she knows about my relationship with Christian, she knows all too well what kind of relationship it was as well. Suddenly I feel the need to throw up, again.

"You know?" I can feel Tori's eyes staring at me in confusion, but I ignore her and instead train my eyes on Leila.

"I know Esmeralda. Now be a good little submissive and let me in" I gulp deeply and step aside, pushing Tori safely behind me.

"Let me just put my daughter to bed and we'll talk ok?" she nods, her eyes eerily locked on Tori.

"Mommy who's that?" my daughters voice is scared and nervous , emotions she hates to show anyone , much preferring to be sharp witted and confident when around people.

"No one you need to worry about. We won't be going out tonight anymore" her eyes dart to the living room door, where Leila has just exited too.

"But it's my parents evening" her bottom lip starts to quiver and her big green eyes water slightly.

"I know baby but mommy's got some umm work stuff to deal with, I promise I'll call Miss Alexander and get her to tell me all about your progress ok?" I know how important it was for Tori to have me attend tonight and having to say no is breaking my heart, but that Leila woman creeps me out. The sooner she's out of my apartment, and away from me and my daughter, the better.

"Mommy you look scared, do you need a hug?" I kneel down and open my arms up to her, feeling her small little arms wrap around my neck as she cuddles me close. My precious little girl, trying so hard to stay brave, but deep down I know she's freaked out about Leila.

Something just seems so wrong about her, every inch of me is screaming to get Tori away from that woman. But Leila knows about me and Christian, which is impossible, and I need to know how.

"Listen Victoria what I'm about to tell you is very very important, do you understand that?" I have to whisper in her ear to make sure Leila doesn't hear my plan. She nods, continuing to cuddle into my arms.

"I understand mommy" her voice catches and stabs my heart, my poor little brave girl is scared and its killing me.

"I need you to go to my office and call Jason Taylor, tell him to get Christian Grey to ring me as soon as he can. Do you remember my pass code?" she nods against my shoulder and suddenly I feel her tears against my shoulder.

"I remember my birthday right?" her voice is shaky and her nose is starting to run alongside her tears, the sound is like a thousand knives stabbing against me.

"That's right my baby. Hush now sweet pea you'll be fine, nothing will happen to you. I will always protect you, no matter what you will be safe. Now go to my office and call Jason Taylor. Once you've made the call I want you to go to your bedroom and stay there , don't move until I tell you" I pull away and brush a tear from her cheek , my daughters eyes are now fully filled with tears , her brave outer shell completely broken , letting the scared seven year old within come out.

"That woman looks odd mommy, don't go in there with her" glancing at the door I can only imagine what Leila wants to 'talk' about. I swear down if she touches me or Tori she will seriously regret her actions. Tori's snuffling brings me back and I plant a soft kiss on her forehead.

"I'll be fine baby; it's you I'm worried about. Where's my brave little Tori gone?" she gives a weak smile and scrunches her nose up in embarrassment.

"She's still here mom" I smile back and gently poke her stomach, making her giggle cutely.

"Good, now off you go and do as I said. I'll be back as soon as I can, I promise" she gives a final nod and rushes off towards my small, but cosy, office.

I stand as she enters the office and turn towards the living room door , jumping slightly as I see Leila standing in the door way , her dark brown eyes trained on the office door which Tori has just entered. Shivers run down my spine and once again I feel the motherly instinct which is telling me to get my daughter to safety.

"I envy you" her words are full of spite, her eyes however haven't left the office doorway, a fact which is making me feel even more uneasy.

"What for?" I stand in front of her eye sight, expecting her to instead look at me, however her head just drops forward and she stares at the floor.

"You have a constant part of him; you're bounded to him forever. Whereas I have to be without him. I should be with him" suddenly her eyes dart up and meet mine, such a dark intensity fills them "and you're going to help me"

"Look I have no idea what you're talking about and I really do think you should leave" anger fills her tiny frame and suddenly her hand is wrapped around my throat, all the air leaves my lungs and I gasp for breath.

"Look you stupid woman I have had enough of people like you and that stupid Anastasia thinking you are better than me. You're not! I am Christian's true love and so help me God he will be mine! And if you want your pretty little daughter to keep breathing you better just shut your mouth and help me! Understand?" never have I seen such unhinged anger from such a little person, her whole persona is animalistic and dangerous. Her eyes are filled with pure rage. Its terrifying.

Tori's scream hits me like a ton of bricks and suddenly Leila's pushing me back against the wall, causing me to hit my head hard against the solid wall.

"Mommy!" the hit to my head causes my vision to blur , my body is paralysed with shock , all I can do is watch in horror as my little girl rushes over to Leila and hits her hard in the stomach with what looks like an umbrella. Leila stumbles slightly but regains her balance, towering over Tori threateningly.

"Tori run!" ignoring the throbbing in my head I jump to my feet and run towards Leila, pushing her as far away from Tori as I can, watching as she stumbles back and crashes against my bookcase.

"Mommy your phone didn't work, I couldn't call that man. I didn't know what to do" full blown tears are streaming down her scared little face, her bright green eyes have lost their confidence and instead she looks completely and utterly terrified. I instantly drop to my knees to calm her, holding her close to me.

"Hush baby it's okay. Are you hurt?" I hold her at arm's length and take in appearance, no cuts or bruises anywhere. I breathe a sigh of relief.

"Is your neck ok mommy?" gently she examines my neck, a place where not two seconds ago Leila had a very tight grip on me. I nod and stand up straight, looking over at where Leila is still crashed out on the floor from her tumble.

"I'm fine sweet pea" leaving Tori at the front door I quickly dart into my office, to grab my phone, and then hurry back. I dial Taylor's number and once again the phone doesn't even register the number, how cruel it was for Christian to give me a fake number, how little he must think of me and his own daughter. Hesitantly I type out an email to Christian.

"Mommy" Tori's voice startles me and I look down at her, but her eyes aren't on me but instead seem focused on something above my head, I swivel to see what she's looking at.

That's when I feel the blow of something hard hitting my temple.

Images flash in front of me as I try to regain consciousness, but nothing seems to work. My eyes are closing, my head is pounding.

My daughter is screaming.

Then I hear the door close.

My daughter is gone.