Chapter 4

Backstory

Things have gone from bad to horrendous. The backlash is harsher than Christian expected. His self induced delusion of his wife falling out-of-love with him is challenged by Ana's reaction to the discovery of his secret life. All that he has lost for what little he has gained he will soon find to be too bitter a pill to swallow.

Day after the fall

Christian

The work day done, I fall back into my office chair pinching the bridge of my nose, and let my thoughts come unbidden to my mind.

"No Christian, this was our home….I don't think I can live with the ghosts." The lament is playing in my head on an endless loop. How did this happen? We were supposed to be happy forever more, isn't that how the fucking fairytale goes. There weren't two people who loved each other more than Ana and I. My heart is caught in a vise. I've been staring at the pictures of Ana and Teddy that I keep on my desk, happier times. The gallery pictures that Jose took of Ana have been catching me off guard all day.

I want to turn back time, I want to go back three months, fourteen weeks to be precise and make it so this never happened. I let my thoughts drift to that fateful day.

The Georgian is the Fairmont Olympic's five-star, award winning French restaurant. I've wanted to have a business reception here for quite some time. Closing the deal with Innovative Solutions , the French engineering firm that will handle the design, development and manufacturing of our Clean & Green Energy initiative in Europe, offered just such an opportunity. I have been there several times, it is beautifully appointed. It speaks of success, drips in luxury, and I want to impress.

I notice her watching me, one of three hostesses assigned to our reception, the only brunette. She's gorgeous. A mass of mahogany brown hair pulled into a messy bun, light brown, amber colored eyes, taller than I usually like, but a killer body, nevertheless, toned, athletic. Every time our eyes meet sparks fly and I feel a pull in my dick. The evening was proving to be rather entertaining, unexpectedly diverting. This game is serving to enliven my senses. I am hyper aware of everything in the room, sounds, smells, voices…her. I feel like I'm on top of my game, sharp, clear, in control and I'm loving it. She's not the first woman to come on to me, but she is the first woman since meeting and marrying Ana that has affected me this way. I must admit I am disconcerted, but intrigued at the same time.

Anastasia arrives thirty minutes late, and I am relieved once she arrives, forcing me to put an end to my ridiculously inappropriate behavior. I will no longer let the eye fucking game continue. I don't allow her to catch my gaze for the remainder of the reception. The evening winds down and as we are all preparing to leave, saying our good to meet you, and goodbyes, the pretty hostess approaches me with business card in hand.

"Mr. Grey, I'd like to tell you what an honor it is that you chose the Georgian to host your reception, and to give you my card as a direct contact for any future affairs." Her choice of words in not lost on me.

"Thank you, Miss….?" I remember her name, Paige, but I don't want to give her the satisfaction, besides I want her full name, so I tilt my head forward, a gesture for her to fill in the blank.

"Dennison, Paige Dennison." She says looking me directly in the eye, a glint of amusement and mischief shining there.

"Well, Miss Dennison, my PA has all of your details." I turn without taking her card and reach for Anastasia placing my hand at the small of her back to guide her from the restaurant. I catch her staring after us, a slow smirk developing on her lips.

It's two days after the reception, late in the day. Andrea buzzes to let me know my last appointment has arrived.

"Who is it Andrea, my calendar doesn't show anymore appointments for today." I'm annoyed.

"It's Miss Dennison from the Georgian, she called this morning, and she says she has something to return to you. Have you updated your calendar, I added this appointment just before lunch."

I don't hear anything else she says after Miss Dennison from the Georgian. "Fine, see her in." I click to update my calendar and sure enough, there is, Miss Dennison, in the 5: oo pm slot.

I am coming around my desk as Andrea shows her into my office.

"Miss Dennison, a pleasure to see you again." I extend my hand in the direction of the leather seating group. "How may I help you?"

"Thank you, the pleasure is mine." She smiles.

"Please, have a seat." I smile back. "Now what brought you here today?"

Her expression changes subtly, as if to say 'Are you kidding me?' I just gaze back impassively, saying nothing.

"Yes, well, I found this bracelet," she digs in her purse, "in the vicinity where your wife was seated. I thought maybe she lost it."

I reach for the trinket, my eyes never leaving hers; she places it in my hand. I examine the bracelet. I immediately know it is not Ana's. It is not of the quality that I would buy nor that Ana has come to appreciate. Shaking my head I say to her that it is not my wife's. I hold the bracelet out to her in the flat of my palm. As she takes the bracelet she deliberately strokes the palm of my hand. We stare at each other a long moment.

"Well I'll just turn it in to lost & found hopefully the owner will come looking for it. Thank you for giving me your time. As I said before we were happy to have you and would love to satisfy your needs in the future…."

"We…?" I interrupt.

"The Georgian," she rises to leave. I rise with her.

"Ah, your attention to detail is first rate." Let's keep this little veiled conversation going. "If you have a moment I'm just preparing to leave, I'll ride down with you."

She nods. I cross to my desk and begin to pack my briefcase and straighten my desk. Paige takes a self guided tour around my office.

"These are stunning," she is standing in front of the pictures Jose took and featured in his gallery debut. "Whoever took them captured her beautifully."

"I couldn't agree more." I have moved to stand directly behind her. She stiffens perceptibly, but doesn't turn.

"In this one she's scowling, but it's playfully, she not really mad at the photographer, is she?"

With all this thinly veiled flirting going on I'm not prepared to stand here and discuss the nature of Ana's essence with her, there's something a little twisted about that.

"Come, I'm ready to leave." I shrug on my suit coat, grab my briefcase and over coat and open the door for Miss Dennison.

Once in the reception area we stop at Andrea's desk and I ask her if she had a coat. Andrea goes to retrieve her coat from the closet.

"I'm done for the day, any emergencies I have my cell." My usual goodnight to Andrea, she hands Paige her red wool pea coat. We enter the elevator; I tap in the code that allows us an express trip to the lobby floor. The doors open and I am careful to avoid any physical contact. Out on the sidewalk I reiterate what a pleasure it was to see her again, and bid her a good evening. I have decided I will send a bouquet of flowers with a note saying how impressed I was with her conscientious efforts. I am knowingly extending our contact.

I run both hands through my hair, tugging in total exasperation. I've destroyed my marriage, there's no walking this back, is there? Where was all that precious self control when you needed it most, or is it only reserved for your sick delights?

Flynn, I need a session with the good doctor.

I hit the intercom. "Andrea, call Dr. Flynn, see what he has available for tomorrow, then you're free to leave."

I reach for the phone to call my dad. "Dad, good afternoon…I was wondering if you and mom are going to be in this evening…I have something I want to discuss with you…no, no, I'll tell you when I get there…no, Ana is not coming with me…ok, what time are you expecting Mom…I'm coming straight from the office…I doubt I'll be staying for dinner…alright, I'll see you in an hour." To say that I am dreading this conversation is the understatement of the century."

From: Christian Grey

To: Paige Dennison

Re: Late

Date: June 5, 2014 17:23

Something has come up and I won't get back to the penthouse until later. Stay at your apartment until I call you.

From: Paige Dennison

To: Christian Grey

Re: What's up?

Date: June 5, 2014 17:28

What's come up? I certainly hope Anastasia isn't manufacturing emergencies to see you.

From: Christian Grey

To: Paige Dennison

Re: Overstepping

Date: June 5, 2014 17:30

That is none of your concern. But so that we are clear, I will need to see Ana as we share a son, a home, a company, and family. I will not tolerate hissy fits, or jealous tirades. You knew what you were getting involved in when this started, you weren't complaining then. I'll call you once I get to Escala.

I walk to my office bar and slam two fingers of bourbon.

One hour later...at Bellevue

Taylor pulls into my parent's driveway. I sit there an extra few minutes after he has parked. I feel as if I'm going to my hanging. I'm nervous; no, I'm scared, this will be awful. I scrub my face with my hands, let's get this over with.

Upon entering the house my dad offers me a drink which I readily accept. He informs me that my mom will be down momentarily.

"What's going on Christian, you look…a little haggard."

If you only knew, "I'll wait for mom to get here I don't want to have to repeat this." He eyes me warily. Grace enters just moments later.

"Hi darling," she kisses me on both cheeks.

"Hi, Mom."

"What's going on, what's this announcement?"

"I have something to tell you, and it's going to be hard to hear." That got their attention. They exchange a look, and both take a seat on the couch. I take my seat on the adjacent chair. Staring into my now empty bourbon glass, I take a deep breath and speak.

"I have fucked up, badly," They both just stare.

"Ana and I are separating," Just say it damn it. "I've met someone, and I've been having an affair for the last three and a half months." I stop talking to let the words sink in.

My mother gasps and her hand flies to cover her mouth. "Christian, NO!" My dad pinches the bridge of his nose, closes his eyes and shakes his head slowly.

A parade of emotions march across Grace's face, the disappointment in her expression constricts my heart. I can't look her in the eye, I drop mine to my shoes. I feel like an 8th grader getting scolded for writing something nasty on the bathroom wall, but the consequences are far more dire than a three day suspension. I am embarrassed, I feel ashamed.

"You're a god damn fool son."

I look up and am met with his intense glare. Where Grace wears disappointment and hurt, Carrick is full of thunder, anger.

"What is wrong with you, how could be so…" He is wrestling to find the right words, "selfish, stupid, hurtful. You said you and Ana are separating, so she obviously knows. Tell me, did you confess, or did she suffer the indignity of catching you?" Grace seems to be in a stupor.

"I can't imagine you want the blow by blow, that's not what I'm here for. I wanted you to hear it from me."

"We don't give a shit what you imagine. Do you realize what you have done, Is it over?"

I don't answer.

"Christian, we cannot condone this," Grace has come out of her trance. "Ana isn't just your wife. She is a daughter to us. After the change she brought about in you, then saving Mia, then giving us our first grandchild, she is as much a member of this family as you are. We feel that strongly about her. What if someone did this to Mia?" My parents are holding nothing back.

"Where's Ana?" Carrick asks.

"Oh God," Grace jumps from the couch. "I invited her over to talk about the ball." I too am on my feet. Grace races from the room.

"Sit down Christian." I take my seat.

"I asked you if it were over, you haven't answered me."

I shake my head no.

"So you're leaving your wife for your mistress." I flinch. "Son it will never work, your foundation is on quicksand. She knows you're an untrustworthy cheater and you know she's a…grasping, conniving, schemer."

I'm starting to get pissed.

"Look Dad, I am embarrassed and ashamed of my behavior, how I've hurt my wife. I'll tell you things have not been right between us for some time now. I don't say that as an excuse just a statement of fact. I've obviously handled things badly. I don't know what is going to happen. Ana and I haven't really talked. She left with Teddy last night, and I stayed at Escala.

"She's not answering her cell phone." Grace returns in a panic. I know that's because it's on her desk at Grey Publishing. Fuck. This is going to get uglier. And as if on cue.

"What the fuck is he doing here?" There stands Elliot, Kate and….Ana.

Thank you to fungirlygirl for keeping me on the straight and narrow, and for your suggestions and fresh ideas.

Thank you to FiftyShadesofJess for encouraging me to dig deeper, it has made this story so much better.

I do not own these characters they are the domain of E. L. James