A/N: It's been so long since I've updated this story. I must apologize for the delay but we made it and that's all that matters. Also as a side note, as I had one person PM me about it, I know that Mr. Green's name was actually Alex, but at the time I began writing this fic it was in series 4 and the man didn't have a first name. We didn't find out about it until series 5. By that point I had already named him Henry, which seemed fitting as it means 'ruler of the house'. Here is the chapter you've all been waiting for. I must thank my lovely betas for feedback and reviews giginutshell, drstacib, and a-lady-to-me. I hope you all enjoy and please review.

"Anna, love" John called out as he set his cuff link in place. He stood just outside their bedroom door. "Are you nearly ready?" John asked as he set to work on doing his tie.

"Almost," she responded from the other side of the door.

"Daddy why are you dressing up in your suit? Are you going back to work" Aidan inquired as he climbed up onto the couch.

John cast a small smile in Aidan's direction through the reflection of the hallway mirror. "Something like that. It's more like a party for work. Uncle Robert will be there and Aunt Cora."

"Can I come?" Aidan asked as he sat with his body flopped over the edge, hanging upside down, his feet extended into the air.

John gave him a disapproving look, knowing Anna would have a heart attack seeing him do that so soon after breaking his arm. "Not tonight mate."

"But..."

"No buts. We'll do something tomorrow as a family with Gran."

Aidan's eyes lit up at the prospect of spending the day with John's mother. Though she wasn't officially his grandmother, she certainly spoiled him like he was. And who could blame her? It wasn't as if she had a bunch of other grandchildren running around to attend to.

"For tonight you need to be a good boy for Miss Baxter and try not to hurt yourself," John instructed as he flipped Aidan upright and set him back down on the couch. "Sound like a deal?" he asked with an extended hand to shake.

"Deal," Aidan said with a smile.

Just then there was a knock at the door. John opened it up find Miss Baxter standing there. "Good evening, Phyllis."

"Lovely evening to you as well, Mr Bates."

"I think you can call me John now," he corrected her with a friendly smile.

"Of course. Sorry, I forgot myself. You look very handsome, Anna tells me you are heading to a book launch tonight for your public relations firm."

"Yeah a bit of schmoozing is on tonight's to-do list, but I think Anna could use a bit of fun." John checked to make sure Anna wasn't coming down the hall. He lowered his voice to say, "She hasn't much wanted to leave the house since Aidan broke his arm. I think she feels she can protect him here better in an environment she can control, but I told her boys will be boys. She can't expect to swaddle him in cotton forever."

Phyllis smiled at John, she was nearly knocked over by a rambunctious Aidan as the boy hopped off the couch. She took a second to greet the boy before returning her attention to John. "Well maybe a night out is all she needs to remind her what she's missing."

"Remind me of what?" Anna asked as she stepped into the living room. She was just slipping her earring into her ear and brushed her hair back over her shoulder.

"Wow!" John exclaimed as he looked her over.

"Anna, you look smashing," Phyllis added.

"Why thank you," Anna responded as she smoothed out the white evening gown. The cream colored fabric clung to her figure perfectly, accentuating all her assets. The trim around her chest had a delicate silver beading that contrasted against her skin and caused her blue eyes to have a grey tint to them. Anna's long, blonde hair was let down and appeared to be very wavy as it came to rest midway down her back. She had even done her make up differently, creating an air of mystery about her. "John got it for me, said I could use some spoiling."

"And I was right. You look happier already," he decided. "Now are you ready to go?" John asked as he finished putting on his shoes.

"Not so fast John Bates. What did I need to be reminded of?"

"I wanted to remind you what a night on the town feels like," he answered. "And call it male pride if you want, but I'm really looking forward to having you on my arm and showing you off at a work event."

Anna rolled her eyes. "But most of your work already knows about me," she pointed out.

"True. But they haven't all seen you in the flesh. And the press will be there too. Now the whole of London will know."

"Well they won't know if you keep going on about her here. You're going to be late and parking will be a nightmare," Phyllis commented.

"Oh yes, we should be going," Anna said as she glanced at the clock. She grabbed her clutch and John wrapped her shawl around her. "Aidan, sweetheart, come give Mummy a kiss."

The boy did so without any further prodding. He even held on to her a little longer than usual. "Have fun," he said to her as Phyllis scooped him up.

"Call if you need anything," John instructed. He leaned forward to kiss Aidan's forehead. "Remember what I said, little man?" John gently reminded.

"Yup."

"Thanks so much for watching him tonight, Phyllis. My father and Elsie already had plans to go to the theater tonight."

"Think nothing of it. We'll be fine. We're going to play games, watch movies, and eat some goodies," Phyllis added cheerfully.

"Oooh goodies, let's find them!" Aidan cheered as he began pulling Phyllis towards the kitchen.

"We'll take that as our cue to leave. We're not welcome at this party anymore," John said. He winked at Phyllis as they walked out the door.

John wouldn't deny that his ego was a bit inflated by the looks some of the men were giving him as he escorted Anna inside of the venue.

"I feel like everyone is staring at us," Anna commented in a hushed tone.

"They aren't staring at us, love. They are staring at you. And right now they are probably all wondering what I ever did to deserve you," he complimented.

"Mr. Bates, you flatter me," Anna replied. She let her hand run along the length of his arm. "You should learn to give yourself some credit though, you look rather dashing in formal wear."

John leaned forward to kiss her cheek, his eyes teeming with excitement as he pulled away and stopped to whisper in her ear, "Forgive me for saying so, but I'm just as overjoyed at the prospect of seeing you out of that dress as I am to see you in it."

"That kind of talk is beneath you, Mr. Bates." His face fell a little at the sound of her words, but he perked up when she spoke next. "You'll have to save that for the bedroom," Anna whispered back.

John blushed in response, and tried to keep a straight face as he sipped at his champagne.

"Bates, my dear fellow!" Robert greeted John with a pat on the back.

The action combined with the conversation he and Anna were just having nearly caused him to spit his drink out. John swallowed hard and coughed lightly as he caught his breath again.

"I'm sorry for that, didn't mean to catch you by surprise," the older gentleman apologized.

"It's quite alright."

"My goodness, Anna. You are gorgeous!" Robert complimented as he leaned in to kiss her cheek.

"Thank you," Anna replied shyly. She wasn't used to such attention by anyone other than John. And as flattered as she was it was all rather overwhelming for someone who had preferred to fly under the radar.

"I'll still never understand what you did to land a girl like her," Robert mused, "she's out of your league."

John and Anna shared a knowing smile.

"You never disappoint, do you Robert?" John asked.

"I try not to," Robert responded as he knocked back the last of his scotch. "Anyone else want a drink?"

"I don't drink, even if I did I think I'd hold off until the client has settled in for the evening," John responded.

Anna smiled proudly at John for still abstaining from something that had at one point taken such a hold of him.

"Speaking of clients, where is he?" John asked.

"Henry, hasn't arrived yet," Robert answered over his shoulder as he made his way back to the bar.

Anna froze at the sound of that name, but she was jostled from her thoughts when Mary arrived from out of nowhere and wrapped her in a hug. "Oh my goodness, look at you. And here I thought you were gorgeous at the fundraiser when you first met John. But no, you have truly outdone yourself."

"As have you," Anna said. "And not just with the venue, your dress is wonderful. And I love the new haircut."

"You're an angel. I picked up the dress in France on a trip with Matthew. As for the bob, well I grew rather tired of having to style it every day. This just seemed so much easier," Mary replied.

"It suits you," John said sweetly. "And Anna is right, I thought it looked great the other day when you had just barely put up the tables and chairs, but the lighting, balloons, and the music make for a lovely touch."

"Well, we'll see how our guest of honor feels about it. He was being rather unreasonable the other day," Mary quipped.

"Don't get me started," John replied.

"Now there's no pressure, Anna. But I do hope John got around to telling you if you need any help with planning for the wedding or decorating, I'm more than happy to offer my services." Mary piped up.

"John never said such thing."

"Must have slipped my mind, it was right before I got the call from the hospital regarding Aidan."

"How is the darling?" Mary asked.

"He's on the mend, already testing his limits," John said.

"Much to my dismay," Anna added. "I feel my stomach turn every time he leaps off a piece of furniture now."

"I suppose that is the nature of boys."

"That's what everyone keeps telling me," Anna said with a hint of exasperation. "Getting back to the conversation about the wedding, I think we are going to keep it a very small and private affair."

"Of course, but I mean you must do something," Mary suggested. "After all, it's not every day you get married."

"Thank you, Mary. We'll give it some thought," Anna stated simply.

"Should we pick a table? Or is it assigned seating?" John inquired.

"It's open seating, but Mama is already holding down the fort at a table in the corner over there. Sybil and Tom should be there shortly, he was just parking the car," Mary explained.

"Shall we, love?" he asked with an arm out for Anna.

Anna was about to take his arm when her phone began to buzz. "Hold on," she said to John. "I'm sorry," she apologized to Mary. Anna looked at her phone and saw it was Phyllis. "I have to take this, it's the sitter."

"By all means, go ahead," Mary responded.

"Hello? Phyllis? One second I can barely hear you over the music here," Anna said. She gestured to John she needed to step out for a moment.

"Is everything alright?" Anna asked once she was standing in the lobby.

"Oh yes, I didn't mean to frighten you. Aidan wants to wear his Iron Man pajamas and I can't seem to find them anywhere. I tried picking out some others, but he has his heart set on those."

"It's quite alright, I should have remembered to lay them out. Those are his favorite from Elsie. I folded them and left them in the laundry room." Anna could hear the sound of footsteps over the phone as Phyllis made her way to the laundry room.

"Thanks. Found them. I won't bother you for the rest of the evening."

"You're fine. Tell Aidan I said I love him."

"Will do. Enjoy your evening."

"You too."

Anna hung up the phone and pulled out her compact to check her hair and makeup up before returning to the dinner table.

When she returned to the ballroom Anna spotted the table that Mary had pointed out before, but couldn't see John there. Her eyes quickly scanned the room and spotted John and Robert over by the hor dourves. As Anna approached them she realized they were speaking to a younger man, a man that looked all too familiar, she felt her throat tighten with each step she took. Her mind working overtime to calm herself down, like a mantra she told herself over and over in her head 'he can't hurt me anymore'. But as she closed the space between them the fact was becoming hard to argue. She recognized his stature first, then the back of his hairline, and soon she could hear his voice, one that had haunted her dreams, one that she had hoped to never hear again in person. And now it was forming an odd mix as he conversed with John. Her first instinct was to run, to get as far away as possible and ensure Aidan's safety. But she couldn't do that without drawing attention to the situation. Anna knew she couldn't let John know about Henry, if he ever found out his true identity she was sure John would stop at nothing to bring justice to the man.

John sent a smile her way and motioned for her to join them with his hand. Without drawing attention to himself he pointed to the man standing across from him, and mouthed to Anna "the author".

She nodded robotically, her body going through the motions but her mind was completely unattached as she tried to formulate a plan. Perhaps Henry wouldn't recognize her, it had been a few years after all and she had longer hair now. He had never seen her in a dress like this. And even if he did recognize her, he wasn't aware of Aidan's existence. Thank god. She would just have to play it cool and remain strong for one evening, and then she could put her past behind her.

"Everything alright, darling?" John asked as she joined the circle.

"Mhmm," she said with a nod. Anna was still trying to formulate words.

John brought her to his side as his hand traveled from her lower back and settled around her waist. "Henry, this is Anna."

Her stomach recoiled. She never wanted to hear their names mingled in the same sentence again.

"Anna," he greeted with a less than genuine smile pasted across his face. He turned to address her and extended his hand to shake hers. "It's a pleasure to meet you. Do I know you from somewhere?"

"I don't believe so," she replied casually. Anna tried to train her eyes on something else. Maybe if she kept from meeting his gaze for too long it would minimize the chance of him recognizing her.

"Maybe from Piccadilly?" he inquired. But the tone of his voice seemed teasing somehow. Was it possible he had remembered her?

"I've never been there," Anna replied. "At least not long enough to make an impression, only passing through."

"Are you a fan of my book, Anna?"

"I'm sorry to say I haven't had a chance to read it yet. But John has informed me it's all the rave," she responded. Keep it light and cordial she thought to herself.

"Do you own a copy yet?"

"No." She answered a little too quickly. In truth she didn't, but if she had seen it the book wouldn't have kept residence in her home for long. In fact she wouldn't have even attended the event and would have steered John far away from Henry.

"I have some spares over by the signing table. I'll be sure to give you an autographed copy," Henry offered.

"That would be lovely, wouldn't it?" John commented.

"It certainly would," Anna replied. She would just have to grin and bear it for now.

"How have you been enjoying your time in London? Having fun at other people's expense?" Robert teased.

"I better not tell too much. I wouldn't want to shock the ladies," Henry said, his eyes flashing over towards Anna.

She felt a chill run up her spine.

"But in all honesty I probably spend the majority of my nights playing cards. Ever hear of a game called Racing Demon?"

Most of the people in their circle shook their heads in a 'no' motion.

Anna was very familiar with it. One night Henry lost most of his rent money in a round of cards and took his anger out on her. She could almost still feel the sting of his hand against her cheek. She flinched imperceptibly at the memory.

"Ah, well I should go meet with some of the fans that have arrived to sign their books. But we should all get together before the night is over and toast to a successful book launch."

"We should probably all take our seats, they are going to serve the food momentarily," Mary noted.

As John pulled out her chair Anna seemed preoccupied with Mr. Green's whereabouts. He looked over to the younger man and thought to himself perhaps she was a bit taken with the younger man. But shook it off when Anna's eyes met his and she smiled back.

Dinner continued as planned. Their group of friends caught up and swapped stories. Cora and the girls had asked a few questions about their wedding plans, but John ended up answering most of them as Anna seemed to be merely pushing her food around. She had always been adamant that she wanted a small wedding, but she seemed so disconnected from the conversation, he was sure she would have agreed to have a ten piece band at the wedding if Mary suggested it.

"You're awfully quiet," John said as he leaned in towards her.

"Am I? I'm sorry," Anna said.

"Are you not feeling well? You've hardly touched your plate."

"Just thinking."

"About?"

"Aidan," she replied. It wasn't a lie. Right now he was all she could think about. His safety meant the world to her, and the only way she could ensure it would be to get through this dinner without raising any red flags.

"I'm sure he'll be fine. Has Phyllis called again?"

"No." Anna said as her eyes darted to the phone.

"There you see. Everything is just fine."

If only it were that easy.

Anna managed to relax, if only slightly, for the remainder of the evening. Henry seemed to be too occupied with the press and his adoring fans to return to their table and make small talk with them. After a suspicious look from John, she diverted all attention back to her adoring fiance even if Henry's whereabouts were at the back of her mind. She thought she had caught him staring at her and John as they danced to a few songs on the floor with their friends, but every time she looked back he either was looking at someone else or had disappeared from sight completely. Before she knew it the clock was going on eleven and the DJ was announcing there would only be a few more songs playing to usher out their guests for the night.

"Do you mind if we leave early? I have a bit of a headache?" Anna asked, her fingertips pressing on her temple.

"Of course we can. I should go see if I can get our coats before everyone else does, I'll meet you in the lobby," John whispered in her ear.

Anna nodded in agreement and let out a sigh of relief. Had she actually pulled it off? Had Henry not recognized her? Or did he just not care anymore? Maybe he was doling out punishments to some other poor soul now. Anna hated to think about someone else going through what she had. As she waited for John to return from the coat check she rummaged through her purse for an aspirin.

"Care for something stronger?"

Oh god. Anna froze in place, she tried to compose herself. John may not be here, but they were still in a public place. Henry wouldn't dare try any of the things he had in the past when there was so much risk of him being caught. Especially, at an event meant to promote himself. She summoned up all her strength, determined not to crumble in front of him. She had to do it to protect Aidan and John from being corrupted by Henry. She turned around to find Henry standing there with a flask pointed in her direction and old memories of his booze filled breath filled her senses. "No thank you," she replied.

He took a swig from the flask in his hand and put it back into his jacket. "Trying to sneak out without saying goodbye?"

"John and I were just leaving. Don't you have your fans to get back to?"

"Not really a fan of the music they are playing. Sounds like a cat screeching in a bonfire," he replied with a smirk.

She wasn't amused and let her eyes drift to the doorway where she was expecting John to appear. But she wouldn't be taken off guard. Her eyes returned to face Henry head on.

"I must say, you've changed for the better," he commented as he eyed her up and down.

So he had recognized her. Had he just been playing her for a fool all night? Allowing her to think she was in the clear the whole time? Anna thought she might be sick.

"Pity we couldn't make things work between us," Henry said as he fished through his pocket for a cigarette.

"I don't regret it, only that it didn't end sooner rather than later."

Henry let out a small snarl, but put on his best poker face as a guest passed by. Once the passerby was out of sight he began walking towards her.

"John will be back any minute," Anna said feeling a bit like a mouse trapped against a wall.

"Right. Jackie boy," Henry said as he closed the gap between them. "Your new beau. I never was fond of him."

Anna felt her face strain as she attempted to appear unphased by his comment. Her hand clenched down tightly on the clutch of her purse and her eyes narrowed in on the man she once loved. How could she have been so wrong? How could she have allowed him to mistreat her for so long? As much as she fought the urge to not antagonize the man she wasn't about to let him bully her. "Well, there's no accounting for taste."

"Oh, Anna. You can't fool me. You may have acquired more sass since I last saw you, but you still have a tell darling. You tremble like a leaf whenever you're around me."

She stood in stunned silence. Anna tried to get past him to meet John by the coat check, but Henry side stepped to block her.

"I must say, I rather like this other side of you though. Something is still missing though. You look like you could use some real fun," his eyes settled on her. Ones that were void of emotion, a consumed with hate.

"Let me by," she insisted. Her voice raised in tone, summoning up all the authority she could.

"You can't honestly tell me that old man keeps you happy," Henry said confidently.

"If you must know, yes. He keeps me very happy. Now let me by, please."

"Perhaps you've forgotten what you're missing."

"Anna," John's voice allowed silence to settle between them and Henry backed away.

Anna's breath shuddered for a moment as she began to process what just happened. He was clearly not over her and would not let this rest. She needed to tell someone. She needed to tell John. But how?

"Here's your coat, love. My word. You're shivering," John noted as he ran his hands up and down her arms to warm them once he helped her into her coat. John then turned to address Mr. Green. "Congratulations. The evening appears to have been a success. You must be very pleased."

"Pleased doesn't begin to express how I feel about tonight," Henry responded.

John wasn't sure what to make of the comment but he wasn't going to waste time on trying to figure it out.

As they began to head outside Henry spoke up, "Drive carefully you two. And I hope your little boy is feeling better."