A/N: It seems my little story has caused a dust up, some comparisons. I cannot, nor, would I deny having read Happy Cups amazing work. As I have read the work of WordRunner, Riottori, SusieCC, and Nuwriter, all who take a stab how Ana & Christian handle infidelity, the diminishing of love and trust, insecurities, and old demons. Undoubtedly '…Loneliness' was my impetus to pen my own story, as I could not find the resolution I found in the other stories I've read. In terms of FSL I am ravenous to read what Happy Cup has when she is able to return to her story. Our work is separate. I had written the first chapter of a 'Christian cheats fic' before I ever read '…Loneliness' (a FF author has it and has read it, and if she cares to come forward to confirm what I am saying that will be up to her, as I would not want to bring drama to her FF experience). The theme of stagnated marriages is a universal one, one reviewer termed the '7 year itch,' and not the idea or domain of any one author. I will double down on my attempts to steer away from Happy Cups story. But our characters are not the same, their dispositions are not the same, and the scenes are of my making. Alright, I am now tired of talking about this…lets run these two through the emotional wringer, shall we.

oo0oo

Chapter 2

Backstory

Day of Confrontation

It had been a series of unfortunate events that led to the brutal showdown.

A new sales associate with Nieman's mistakenly sent a pricey new wardrobe to Christian Grey's home rather than his Escala penthouse per his instructions. Ana was surprised and delighted that he would surprise her with these new clothes and wondered what he had planned. He hadn't done anything like this since he showered her with a new maternity wardrobe. She was perplexed though, all of the clothing was for a much taller build. Christian knew her dimension perfectly. The items were too young and trendy for Grace, maybe he was spoiling Mia, yes, that must it. The truth would hit her like a wrecking ball, spinning her world on its axis, changing her life forever.

Day after the fall

Christian

Taylor is particularly stoic this morning, cold, a little hostile even. He has been privy to all my comings and goings over the past several months and I'm sure he highly disapproves; but I could give a fuck what he approves or disapproves. He has proven he is a consummate professional, minding his business and performing his duties without emotion or judgement. There is a subconscious tapping on my shoulder.

I step out of the elevator with Taylor on my heels.

"Five minutes Andrea," I bark in her direction, "I need to speak with Taylor before we go over my schedule for today." Taylor shuts the door behind him.

"Sir."

"Have you heard from Sawyer? Did Ana get settled at The Fairmont last night?"

"Yes Sir, though she refused Sawyer's attempts to drive her. She insisted on driving herself. Stating simply that she'd drive herself from now on."

"Why am I just now finding this out." I growl through gritted teeth.

"When Sawyer gave me his report you were…occupied." He deadpans.

I narrow my eyes at him.

"After your dinner with Miss Dennison you gave me the rest of the night off. I went by The Fairmont to check on Mrs. Grey on my way home."

Did he just emphasize the Mrs.

"And?"

"And Sir?"

"How was she Taylor?" I snap. "Why do I feel like I'm pulling your teeth?"

"She made it there and was getting herself and Teddy settled."

I sigh and try to diffuse the tension growing in the room.

"I want to know how she was Taylor." I try and soften my voice and expression.

A brief glint of anger passes through his eyes; his fists are clenched at his side. He doesn't want to tell me, betray her trust. I don't give a shit, I want to know. We wait each other out.

"She was…distraught Sir, tearful and trembling. Kate was holding her, comforting her. She and I had to dissuade Mr. Grey from coming to pay you a visit." There's that glint again.

I raise an eyebrow.

"Is that right, Elliot wanted to come see me." He doesn't reply.

I am a shit, a real bastard. Is that really my first concern after hearing of my wife's distress? Truth be told I really don't want to explore my feelings about Ana's reaction to the hurt I have caused her. What have I done? Shit, where did that come from?

"Thank you, Taylor. I will speak with Mrs. Grey regarding security." I say pushing my misgivings to the back of my mind.

His whole body tenses and he's rooted to his spot. I walk to my desk and sit.

"Taylor, you're dismissed."

He doesn't move.

"Sir, permission to speak freely?"

"Speak Taylor, but be very careful." I'm not in the mood for bullshit.

"Mrs. Grey is having a difficult time, yesterday was brutal for her, as I hope you can appreciate, can you give her some time to adjust before…."

"That's enough Taylor." I'm standing again. "I know that you and Mrs. Taylor care deeply for Ana, so I'll give you that one, but don't you ever presume to tell me how to handle my wife. Are we clear?"

"Crystal, Sir."

"Good. Now you're dismissed." I stand there feeling like I've been kicked in the gut. I run both hands through my hair and add. "Taylor." He stops just before the door. "Thanks for checking on her last night, I appreciate it." He proceeds out the door without acknowledging my last statement.

"ANDREA!" I shout through the open door.

I turn on my computer and pull up the live feed to Ana's office. She's not in her office but her briefcase is beside her chair. She is a dedicated employee, no matter what is going on in her personal life she will not miss work. That was part of the problem, right Grey.

The office camera is a remnant of my control freakery, overbearing stalker tendencies, as Anastasia put it during her pregnancy. When she developed high blood pressure I wanted a way to keep an eye on her. After a week of fighting about it she reluctantly gave into my wishes, and I had a camera installed in her office. I have not used it since that time, but I have an overwhelming need to see her right now.

The rest of the day passes with the usual trials and crisis. I feel unsettled, antsy. I can't get a hold of my nerves. Paige sends me a couple of cheeky emails but I can't really rise to the occasion, I'm in a mood.

In the middle of Paige and my email banter I receive an email from Anastasia.

I pull up the live feed as I read her message. There she is. I zoom in. Shit. Her eyes are red rimmed and lifeless, she looks washed out and tired.

From: Anastasia Grey

To: Christian Grey

Re: Representation, Four week notice.

Date: June 5, 2013 15:53

Christian, I have retained counsel and would like to know when you will be able to have a meeting to iron out the details of custody and visitation. I would like for this to happen sooner rather than later.

I have given my notice to Ann and will be leaving Grey Publishing after four weeks.

Anastasia Grey, Lead Editor, Creative Development, Grey Publishing

Fuck. I didn't see that coming.

From: Christian Grey

To: Anastasia Grey

Re: Representation & what?

Date: June 5, 2013 15:57

Dear Ana,

Give me a date and time and I will move my schedule to accommodate you.

Why are you leaving your job? Are we going to have to have another discussion about the necessity of security? Your safety is still the most important thing to me.

Christian Grey, CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings

I watch as she reads my email, wipes her eyes and begins to compose her answer.

From: Anastasia Grey

To: Christian Grey

Re: Representation & what…are you confused by

Date: June 5, 2013 16:02

I will get back with you when I have a date for the meeting.

I was uncomfortable being your employee when you were my husband, I have absolutely no interest in working for my ex-husband.

No we do not have to have a discussion about security as I will not be tolerating any, my safety is no longer your concern, do what you need to for Teddy, but I will not be accepting your controlling tendencies any longer. Every cloud has its silver lining.

Anastasia Grey, Lead Editor, Creative Development, Grey Publishing

As I watch the feed she puts her head in her hands and her shoulders begin to shake. Fuck.

From: Christian Grey

To: Anastasia Grey

Re: Smart Mouths

Date: June 5, 2013 16:08

Always with the smart-mouth, your safety will always be my concern, not just Teddy's. Ana, Baby, please don't cry. You know I hate it when you cry. Though I know I am the reason for your tears, I hate to see you hurting. Just know everything will be alright, it will all work out for the best.

Christian Grey, CEO, Grey Enterprises Holdings

She stiffens, looks up at the camera and places the phone on her desk, turns and grabs her coat and briefcase and leaves her office shutting the door behind her.

oo0oo

Ana

A new day dawns, and what a difference a day makes. A clerical error has put my world in a tailspin. Fate has stepped in to give me a clue. I feel the bite of tears at the back of my throat and decide this line of thinking is getting me nowhere. I need to get up, get my son fed, and get myself to work. I have a lot to do today. I have to organize a place for me and Teddy to live, give my notice to Ann, and find a lawyer to handle negotiations for custody and visitation and...divorce. Divorce. Damn.

There is a knocking at the suite door, I go to open and am surprised to see Gail standing there.

"Gail, what are you doing here?"

"Taylor and I discussed it, we knew that you probably wouldn't have organized care for Teddy yet, and that you hate to miss work, and there is nothing for me to do at….the house….if you and Teddy aren't there, so I thought why can't I just perform my duties over here…" She trails off.

"Mrs. Taylor, you are quite simply the best." I walk over and wrap her in a long hug.

"Ana we are all here to support you, care for you."

I shake my head, letting her know I'm not able to talk about this right now. She quickly moves on.

"Where's my Teddy Bear?"

"He's still conked out."

"Why don't you go get ready for work and I will listen out for Teddy."

I hesitate a moment wanting to ask her if everyone knew but me, but I feel that may be too awkward for such an early hour. She must sense my pending question and apprehension.

"Ana I am sorry and am so ashamed that I didn't come forward to tell you what I knew." She utters while holding my gaze.

"Go get yourself ready for your day, and I'll take care of the rest."

Once I am showered and ready for work I head out into the living room and Kate is here playing with Teddy and talking with Gail.

"Kate, what are you doing here?" I ask mildly annoyed, here comes the China Doll treatment.

"I was on my way to work and thought I stop by, see if I could help, but I see that Gail has beat me to it."

"Mrs. Grey has offered to let me watch Teddy over at her house for the day. I thought that may be better than him being cooped up all day in a hotel suite." I had not thought of that when I ran last night.

"Dada," Teddy takes the opportunity to clearly vocalize. I realize he's used to seeing Christian in the morning when he wakes. All I can do is reach over and kiss his little flapping hand.

"Yes, that's a good idea." I say to Gail once I can finally speak.

"Don't worry about a thing Ana, go do what you need to and we'll keep the rest going."

"That's right Gail, we are all here for you Steele." Kate adds with a wink.

Shit. I realize at that very moment that I left my briefcase and manuscripts at the house. Shit. Shit. Shit. I do not want to go back there, the scene of the lowest moment of my life. Sawyer! Sawyer can grab them and bring them to the office for me.

"Gail, do you know if Sawyer is still at the house?" I ask, reaching for my cell phone.

"No, I mean yes, I know. He's outside, he stood guard at your door last night."

"WHAT!" It rips from my throat as I snatch open the front door, "Sawyer, can you step in here please."

He steps into the suite in all his CPO splendor. "Luke, why didn't you let me know you were out front, there was no need for you to stand out there all night."

All I get is a terse, "It's my job ma'am." I roll my eyes and sigh in naked frustration, I sag. "Thank you, Luke."

I really don't want to go back there. I go over and pick Teddy up, I kiss his chubby cheeks and tell him to be good for Gail. Time for your big girl panties Steele, just go straight to your office gather what you need and get out. It will be all right.

We all head out of the suite, I watch Luke, Gail, and Teddy walk in the direction of the SUV, while Kate and I wait for the valet to bring our cars.

"Helluva mess, huh?" Kate throws an arm over my shoulder.

I have a boulder in my stomach on the drive over. I won't go in the family room. Straight to the office and out again. It's been less than 24hrs since I was last here but the place seems foreign to me, like a place I use to know well, but haven't visited in a long time. I stop the car in my usual spot and head up the marble stairs to the front door. Entering the security code, I step through the door, peeking like a trespasser, a trespasser in my own home.

I make my way quickly to my office, gathering my things hastily, I stop to try and think if I have everything. I don't have the heart to go in the bedroom and check by bedside table, I'm just not strong enough for that. As I am leaving my office I hear the chime that signal the front gate has been opened. I panic. It can only be one person. Oh. My. God. All the blood has rushed from my head, and I am swaying on my feet. I feel like I'm going to faint. I rush to the foyer to look through the door at who may be approaching. Shit! It's him.

I actually consider hiding. No, get your shit and get out. I have about six manuscripts and my briefcase to manage. It would be better to make two trips but I don't have time for that. If he is in that SUV I want to be in my car and pulling away before he gets out. I throw the strap of my briefcase over my head and swing the bag to my back. I open the door, quickly stacking the manuscripts, I lift them into my arms and walk through the door. Hooking it with my foot I hop and try to pull it close at the same time. I can barely walk and chew gum, how did I think I was going to manage a tower of heavy manuscripts on my shaky legs. Everything including me tumble to the porch floor. Fucking hell. I scramble trying to gather the manuscripts and untangle myself from my briefcase. I must be a sight to whomever is watching. Great. I glance up to see the driver's side door open and Taylor race out in my direction. My eyes are glued to the back door dreading its opening. Taylor senses my fear and is shaking his head as he climbs the short staircase.

"I'm alone." He reassures me.

I nod because I don't trust my voice. Then it starts, first just giggles, but they give way to full, breath stealing laughter. Taylor just stares at me.

"That must….that must have been…" I try to speak over my fit of laughter. "…quite a sight, huh Jason?"

It feels good to laugh.

The usually unflappable Taylor lets a chuckle escape his lips. " Yes, Mrs. Grey, that was quite a sight. Are you alright?"

"Yes of course, and Jason, you are going to have to start calling me Ana, as I won't be Mrs. Grey much longer." And the laughter is gone. All trace of humor receding rapidly from the atmosphere.

We quickly and quietly retrieve the rest of the manuscripts and he carries them to my car.

"Have a good day Jason." I squeak.

"You too,….uh, Ana." he looks so uncomfortable.

The day passes in a haze. I give my notice to my direct supervisor, who couldn't have been more blindsided. She asks the regular questions and I tell her it is for personal reasons. Kate emails me a short, but elite list of family law attorneys. All three are eager to handle my case, I make my choice and call for an appointment. They initially want to meet with me alone and will schedule a conference with Christian and his representation for the near future. It is all so depressing. I know I have to make contact with Christian and the thought has a butterfly farm erupting in my stomach. After a short and weird series of emails that remind me what a control freak my wayward husband is, I am sufficiently creeped out and call an official end to a truly awful day.