Chapter 4

It's been a week since the kids left for England, the house too big, too quiet and too empty. Christian is working late and I'm too tired to wait for him. I begin to retire for the night when I hear a knock on the door. Who could that be? I glance at the clock, 10:33. I walk to the door and look through the peep hole. Oh my God! Sawyer?! I throw open the door.

"Someone asked for a baby sitter?" I laugh and take a good look at him. Oh man, he's aged. Still built like a rock, hair hinting gray strands. Does he look in better shape than last time? No, not possible, is it? Yes, he's definitely in much better shape. Slimmer but stronger.

"Sawyer what are you doing here!?

"Well, Taylor and Mr. Grey called me, said they needed some help and it'd be nice to see a familiar face."

"Oh my, please, come in! I thought you were retired?"

"Yes well, Mr. Grey has always treated me good, when he said he needed someone to look after you, I couldn't say no." We give each other a brief hug and sit in the living room. After everything we've been though, there's nobody else I feel better having with me right now.

"It's so nice to see you Sawyer, did Christian say where you'll be staying?"

"Taylors old place above the garage."

"Oh good, did Christian say anything else?"

"Yes, the NDA's are in his safe upstairs." He smiles knowing we shouldn't have another conversation without his promised discreetness.

I excuse myself and go upstairs. I hear Sawyer briefly tell Taylor he's at the house and he's about to sign the 'document.' I feel so happy, protected. Things must have gotten worse if Christian is adding a daily security. I walk back downstairs and Christian is sitting in the chair next to Sawyer, talking, debriefing. When did he get here? I hand Sawyer the NDA and sit next to Christian. He grabs my hand and kisses the back. We spend another hour catching Sawyer up with everything and I learned a few things by listening in. They no longer know where Hyde is, they still have no idea where Leila is and they are now 100 percent sure that they are working with at least, two other people. My head is getting fuzzy and I'm fighting sleep. I excuse myself and head upstairs. What time is it in London? Too early to call the kids, I shoot Teddy and Phoebe a text and go to sleep.

I wake up to my buzzing phone, I reach over and pick it up, adjusting my eyes to the screen.

From: Christian Grey

Subject: Not Your Birthday

Date: September 13, 2028 8:59AM

To: Anastasia Grey

Mrs. Grey

Just as promised, I did and mentioned nothing on your birthday. You should start paying more attention to your wording. Today is no longer your birthday and I would like to celebrate your 'unbirthday.' Take a shower, find the outfit in the closet then open the box.

Christian Grey

CEO, Grey Enterprises Holding Inc.

I smile at the message and crawl out of bed, making my way to the bathroom. Flowers and the scent of lavender take me back a step. Oh my, will he every stop spoiling me? The tub is already filled with water and bubbles and I sink into the perfect temperature. Too excited to savor the bath, I wash up and jump out, making my way to the closet I find an outfit hanging on the body length mirror. A fitted light blue sundress with gypsy style print and some matching sandals. I smile, happy he chose something comfortable. While putting my dress on I hear a noise. What is that? Another noise. I follow the sound and on the floor near the entrance is a big shoe box. It's moving, I told him I didn't want a dog. I open the box and out jumps a little white rabbit wearing a vest and a tiny bow tie. It nearly scares me to death as I jump back and fall on my butt. I pick up a note that fell.

In honor of unbirthdays, follow the white rabbit!

I open the closet door and the rabbit hops out, causing me to chase after him, downstairs pass the living space, across the hall into the kitchen where Ava swoops up the rabbit, all giggles.

"Good morning aunt Ana, happy unbirthday!"

"Good morning love!" I pick her up and give her a big kiss.

"I have a riddle for you, I have keys that make sounds but I don't open doors."

I stop and think for a minute, sounds?

"A piano."

"Yep! You have to go to the piano."

"Ava you know Teddy and Elliott broke the piano." I painfully remember a game of catch happening in the hall. Teddy running to catch the ball, jumping long and landing right on top of the piano, pushing it outside my precious glass window and out onto the deck. The cause of 12 stitches and a broken wrist. Christian died a thousand deaths that day. He ran out in the middle of an investment deal, caused us a lot of money.

"You have to think auntie, I can't tell you!" She lets out her hands and gives me my car keys. I look at her confused. "Uncle Chris said to lead you to seventh heaven." I blush knowing exactly what he meant.

Ava and I drove into the city and made our way to Escala. She's the perfect combination of Elliott and Kate. Too beautiful for her own good, Elliott has had to fight off the boys since the first day of school. Sawyer was in the garage and opened Ava's door and then mine.

"Mrs. Grey, happy unbirthday." His smile was refreshing. "I'll be taking miss Ava now." She gives me a huge hug and a kiss and they make their way to another car while I go up the elevator to the penthouse. As soon as I walk in I'm greeted by another smiling face.

"Bee! What are you doing here?!" We run to each other and fall into a hug.

"I've missed you so much mommy! Happy unbirthday!" I can hear the crackle in her voice and we both take a deep breathe, holding back tears as best we can. Well mom, part of your present is a personal breakfast with me!" She has her fathers smile and his cloudy gray eyes. My hair, skin complexion and his chiseled, perfectly shaped face. Soccer and dance is the reasoning behind her very athletic, lean body. With Christians grace and elegance it's no reason she does so well in both. Her and her brother, perfecting everything they do. Athletic stars, fluent in Spanish as well as French, both playing the piano; Teddy perfecting the drums because of Elliott and Mia influenced Bee into the cello. They both read people so well, negotiating with the best of them.

"Well Mrs. Grey, Miss Ava, Christian insisted on pancakes, scrambled eggs and bacon." Gail surprised me with hot plates of breakfast food and freshly squeezed orange juice. Hmmm, this breakfast looks a little too familiar.

"Gail, how long have you been here?" She sets the food down, Phoebe and I dig right in.

"Jason and I like to sneak here sometimes, Christian was more than willing to give us a spare key. After all those years, this place still feels like home. Oh, happy unbirthday Ana." I blush at the unnecessary attention.

"Thank you Gail. I'm glad you and Taylor come here. It's nice someone is preoccupying it."

We finished eating and Phoebe gave me another clue, publishing. We were off to our next destination. Grey Publishing. We pulled up and there with his most perfect smile was my not so baby boy. At sixteen he was nearly as tall as his father, you would have sworn it was him if you didn't look at his sky blue eyes. He stood, talked, walked and acted a lot like his father. More welcoming and a lot more social, but they were two peas in a pod. I jumped out and grabbed him in a hug.

"Teddy!" He hugs me back and kisses my cheek.

"Happy unbirthday mom. We don't have a lot of time, dad told me to drive." I hand him my keys without hesitation, he opens the back door for his sister and then the passenger seat for me. "We have a pretty long drive so, that gives us a lot of time to talk about England." He speeds off and we're on or way to the next mystery spot. The drive was long, if Christian was with us, it would make this day perfect. This is all I want, spending it with the people I love and cherish. The ride was filled with laughter, Phoebe telling us everything about her new school, her dance instructor, soccer, a new boyfriend and how "hot" his accent is. Teddy chimed in with disapproval and some comments about football and his new business course.

"Mom, I really miss Seattle." His voice is low, full of regret when he glances over at me. It hurts me having them so far away. My eyes sting from the tears building up, no, Ana you can't cry in front of them. This is the only way... the safest way. "I mean the girls are nice." He chuckles half joking and I hit him on the arm.

"Teddy you better be behaving yourself out there! Studies, not girls."

"Don't worry mom, I'm not taking anybody on the kitchen counter!" I gasp in embarrassment.

"Theodore Raymond Grey!" He's now laughing at me, the same hysterical laugh his dad made that night. I shake my head is disapproval. Two peas in a pod. We spend the rest of the drive talking about old memories and how much Teddy misses the water and sailing. They told me stories about Grace in London, how easily she fit in'; no matter where they go. It's been hours and I failed to realize where we were until I see the Heathman, there's a line of people at the front of the hotel, my mom and Ray, All the Greys and Kavanaghs. All of my nieces and nephews even the Taylors and Sawyer standing next to Jose and his dad. The tears streamed down my face. As Teddy pulled up, he jumped out and opened his sisters door, Christian walked up and opened mine. He kissed me on the cheek and everybody came over to shower me with love and affection taking turns wishing me a happy unbirthday. My mom spending a little extra time, explaining everything and letting me know she'll be staying for a little while. I wonder why Christian decided on the Heathman when there were so many places in Seattle. He led me inside to the very familiar restaurant where a crowd of old and new friends and co-workers awaited. On a big screen set up in front of a spew of tables was a video playing of me. A montage of me through the years. We sat and ate various plates of food, a waitress set down a plate of oysters and I look down as my face turns red. Christian takes an oyster and puts it to my mouth, not touching me. I feel the shell on my bottom lip as he tilts the oyster in my mouth. He leans over and into my ear he whispers in the most seductive voice. "Just let it slide down your throat." I turn a bright red as I look around the table. Nobody seems to notice. Grace is telling an animated story about shopping with Phoebe in London and like always, she naturally demands their attention.

"Oh yes, Teddy brought the most beautiful little lady over just days before we left." That caught my attention and I look over at Theodore.

"She was just a friend mom. A study buddy."

"Do you need help with your classes?"

"No mom."

"Are you helping her?"

"Yes, yes I am." He smirks and him and Christian exchange a glance. Christian looks dumbfounded and then amused. I look to Christian and shoot him a glare, his expression changes in a heart beat.

The next course is a black cod with asparagus and crushed potatoes. It has become one of my favorite entrées. The next hour people present me with little gifts and well wishes. Christian and the kids go up. Bee walks up to the mic first.

"Hey mom, I just wanted to wish you a happy unbirthday and to let you know how much I appreciate everything you've done and continue to do for me, the sacrifices and the patience. We both know I can be trying at times but you never waiver. Despite everything I've done, the rules I've broken, the time I took your car on a joy ride. Thank you for never giving up on me. Thank you for believing in me. For encouraging me to dream big and fearlessly. You've adopted my dreams as your own and because of you, I can and will accomplish everything and anything. I love you mommy."

She walks off stage and towards me, she opens her hand and there lays my old charm bracelet, I look and see a new little ballerina with the words dream written on the bottom. My eyes swell with un-shed tears as Bee hooks it on my wrist.

"By the way, Teddy stole it, not me." Everybody laughs. She sits down and Teddy makes his way to the mic.

"Yea, she's right, but Dad told me to steal it." Everybody laughs again. "Hey mom, you know I love you. For as long as I can remember you encouraged me to do better, work harder. I excel because you've given me the confidence to do so. You taught me to love literature and sowed the seed of knowledge in me from an early age. I want to say thank you but, that doesn't seem enough. How can I begin to thank the person who fueled the fire inside me. Whose opened doors I didn't know existed. I want you to know that I live my life fearless because you've given me the courage to do so. So, instead of thank you; I'll live. I'll live passionately and courageously. I'll live to be the best possible version of myself because you deserve nothing less from me."

The tears are streaming down my face as I tightly squeeze Phoebes hand. The room is filled with sobs and our table is taking turns discreetly blowing our noises. Theodore makes his way to me and with one graceful sweep, puts a CEO charm on my bracelet? I wipe my eyes and look up at him.

"CEO?"

"I plan on taking over the business mom. Grey Holdings is my dream and I'm going to work myself into that position. Nobodies going to give it to me. I'm going to send dad into retirement and I wanted you to be the first to know. Your always the first to know the things that matter most to me and you'll be the first to meet who matters to me too"

He stands and kisses my tear stained cheek, he turns to turn Christian with a sly grin on his mouth.

"Top that dad."

The room laughs in between sniffles and tears. As Christian walks up to the mic laughing.

"Well Teddy, a worthy challenge as always son." He turns to look at me. "Anastasia, the light to my darkness. I love you, with the deepest darkest parts of my soul your light continues to shine; you've saved me from myself. More importantly, you taught me how to love and how to be loved..." He pauses and takes the mic off the stand. "How to accept love. You boldly took on my demons when I no longer had the strength to do so. Your strength is my lifeline, your very existence breathes life into me. When my world was falling apart you held it up and when I thought you'd given every part of yourself, you gave me more," he looks at Theodore and Phoebe. "you gave me the two best people in my life. Anastasia, I've witnessed miracles in your presence. I became a miracle because of your presence. I've never deserved you." He wipes a tear from my eye and gets down on one knee in front of me. "I've given myself to you already, my life depends solely on you. Thank you, thank you for never giving up. For saving me, saving my family," he glances at Mia, he then turns to look at Elliott and then his parents and then gazes back at me, "thank you for teaching me to be a better brother, a better son and a better father. "He holds up my hand and kisses it, then shifts his hand to my bracelet and puts a 24/7 charm on it. I look up at him puzzled. "To resemble how I feel toward you. I want you to know that 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, my love is growing stronger. No matter where I am or what I'm doing, my passion for you is still consuming me, 24 hours a day, 7 days week. I am still needing you, longing for you. You are my day, my week. Don't ever forget that Ana, your have and will always be my lifeline." He kisses me chastely on the lips, "Twenty four seven always Anastasia." I can see through blurry tears that every woman at our table is now sobbing. Wiping their noses and drying their eyes. I glance at Carrick who quickly wipes a tear from his cheek.

"Twenty four seven Christian. Always." We kiss again and I can't stop the tears from my eyes. With the memories that Heathman holds and getting my bracelet back with these new wonderful charms, my emotions consume me. I thank Phoebe and Teddy again, kiss them both as Christian takes his seat next to me. We spend the next hour hearing from family and close friends then another couple hours on the dance floor.

"How was your unbirthday Mrs. Grey?" He's changing into some pajama bottoms and crawls into the other side of the bed with me.

"Oh, Christian, more than perfect!" I can feel the tears building at the memory of earlier. Christian reaches over and wipes my eyes.

"Are you ready for you next gift?" I nod as he passes me a small box. I open it and see my favorite tie. My face breaks into a huge grin and I jump on Christian kissing him.

The past weekend was perfect, it ended too soon and I'm now back at work. I've hardly been able to talk to Christian all day. Between his meetings and mine, we even missed each other at lunch.

"Mrs. Grey?" I look up to see Miss. Gates at the door, weird, she never leaves her desk.

"Mrs. Grey is here to see you."

"What? Mrs. Grey? Are you sure?

"That's what she says ma'am. She has brown eyes, short blonde hair, slender, about your size-" She gets interrupted by commotion outside near receptionist and we both run out to see what happen. Sawyer and Taylor has the women pushed against desk, cuffing her from the back. I strain to see who it is when she looks up at me and grins. Leila... what the f***k is she doing here!? Fueled by anger I walk up to her.

"What the f***k are you doing here Leila!" In seconds Christian runs out from his office, panic etched on his face, then fury. He marches to Taylor and they're whispering back and fourth, his hands sweeping furiously through his hair. The rage and fury pumping strong through my body. I snatch her from Sawyers grip, surprising everybody in the room I harshly lead her to my office. I throw her in, she trips and fall, no hands to balance herself she lands flat on her face as he short blond wig falls off. I slam my door shut and lock it as all three men run as fast as they can to my office. Christians slamming on the door, yelling my name. I pull Leila up and throw her in a chair.

"What the hell do you want?!" The words are barely audible. Her eyes wide in shock, she doesn't speak.

"I will f*ckin destroy you if you don't say something. I no longer have the patience for you." I throw my hand at her, disgusted at her existence. I hear Christian telling someone to get the spare key.

"What is it Leila?! What do you want?!" I slam my hands down on my desk.

"I-I just wanted to make sure he-"

"Google it bitch!" My voice is loud, barking each word with emphasize. "We gave you a pass, that pass is over and I will send your ass to ja-"

"Anastasia, Christian really has rubbed off on you!" I throw her seat back as she hits her head on the ground and stumbles out, trying to maneuver herself, struggling with the handcuffs. My breathe is erratic, hands balled up into fist next to my side.

"Did Hyde send you?!" The memory of Hyde kicking me sweeps over me and I grab Leila and pull her on her feet and slam her against the wall, my face inches from her's. "Answer my question!"

"Anastasia!" Next thing I know is Sawyer grabbing me and Taylor grabbing Leila and escorting her out of the room. Christian turns to follow and I lunge forward.

"Don't you dare go with her Grey! Don't you f**king think about it!" He looks at me surprised, contemplating.

"I have to Anastasia." He turns and walks down the halls and Sawyer has to grip me tighter as I try with every ounce of my energy to pull away. Sawyer struggles for awhile until I finally start to weaken. My blood pulsing, my heart about to burst from my chest. The thought that this b**** is working with the man who almost killed me. He wanted to kill me. He wanted to tear Christians world apart, starting with me. My blood starts to boil again.

"Ana please, stop fighting me." Sawyer is begging. I start taking deep breathes and Sawyer lets go of me slowly.

"Get the car Sawyer, I'm leaving." The outrage clear in my voice as Sawyer and I walk out of my office there's no sign of Taylor or Christian. Sawyer brings the car quickly, I jump in and I see Sawyer reaching to call Christian.

"Don't you dare call him!" I've never felt this violent before. This unknown hatred suppressed somewhere deep inside me, somewhere dark; a place I've never explored.