Chapter 22: An Unusual Engagement

APOV

Bright sunlight is filtering into the bedroom waking me up. I open my eyes and see Christian looking at me. "Good morning beautiful." He is already awake and showered, sitting on the bed working on his laptop.

I stretch and yawn. He must have let me sleep in but of course, he never does. "Good morning, fiancé." He smiles when I say fiancé.

"Speaking of which, how do you feel about eloping? We can go today, anywhere you want - a tropical island, Europe, Vegas - where ever your heart desires." He looks almost desperate.

"What's the matter, Christian? Why such a rush?"

Now he looks despondent. "I never thought I'd fall in love, Anastasia. And now that I have you I don't want to ever let you go. I don't want to lose you."

"Christian, you aren't going to lose me. I'm yours unconditionally. Plus our parents would kill us if we just ran off and got married." I tease him but I know it's true.

"You're right. I've already pissed Grace off enough. I don't need to upset her anymore." He sounds so disenchanted.

"I'm sure she's very upset. Her child was hurt and she was betrayed by someone who she considered a dear friend. But it's not your fault and she doesn't blame you."

He smiles at me lovingly, "Come on. We have to be there for brunch."

The ride to Bellevue is quiet. I know he's lost in thought apprehensive about seeing his family after last night. His mother told him the only person she needs to tell is his father. His relationship with his dad has always been somewhat tumultuous; although he is a confident and successful CEO, I know he wants to make his father proud.

CPOV

Last night was like a nightmare. Of all people, I never wanted to hurt Grace. She's the one who saved me and in one night, one conversation, I showed her how reprehensible I really am. I don't deserve her love.

As we get to the drive Ana looks over to me from the passenger side, takes my hand in hers, and smiles at me reassuringly.

My mother greets us at the door as if nothing happened last night as if we're just here to celebrate our engagement. We walk into the kitchen where my father, sister, brother, and Kate are already seated at the table.

"Well here is the happy couple!" Elliot bellows. Kate is up and out of her seat greeting Ana with a hug. In turn, Mia comes up to me and slaps me on my arm. "I'm your little sister. I can't believe you didn't tell me!"

"Don't worry Mia. You're still my favorite sister." Mia pouts at me.

"I'm your only sister!" she howls while Elliot and I laugh.

My father just looks at us and nods his head in greeting, "Christian, Ana." The frostiness of his voice is palpable.

We take our seats at the table and the chatter continues as if everything is perfectly normal. We recount the proposal and all the women gush at the details. Of course Elliot is Elliot and says, "I bet you definitely got some action that night!" My mother scolds him as if he were a young boy.

"Mom? Ana and I were talking and we wanted to know if we can have the wedding here." When Ana and I discussed where we'd marry she thought it would be good to do it here.

"Of course, darling. I would love that. What were you thinking of?"

Ana thoughtfully replies,"Nothing fancy, something simple with just close friends and family. It's just my father my mom and step-father for my family and the Rodriguezes and Kate." My Ana, she could have the most opulent and expensive wedding but she just wants a simple backyard ceremony.

"That sounds wonderful. How long do I have to plan?" My mother is smiling. She loves planning parties to begin with so I'm sure planning my wedding has her over the moon.

Ana replies, "Six months?" And at the same time I ask, " How soon can you pull it together?" Ana looks at me in shock.

"What? It's not like we need to save for a wedding. Plus it would throw the paparazzi off, possibly before they even know about the engagement."

"I don't think that's possible." Mia is reading some gossip mag. "Someone already scooped them the news."

"How is that possible? The only people that know are staff, who have all signed NDAs and the guests from last night." The thought unnerves me but it can only mean one thing - one of our friends sold the story.

Mia reads the story aloud. "According to a friend of the Grey family, we have learned that the enigmatic billionaire CEO, Christian Grey announced his engagement at a party last night. We have no word on who the lucky lady is or how long the couple has been together but we suspect it will take some time for her to at least get through that prenup."

The room gets quiet and tense. My father looks at me and hesitantly says, "Christian, it makes sense."

"No! I will not have it. No prenup and I won't discuss this again!" I bang my fist irately on the table.

"Christian, it's what's best for you and GEH. These way if something happens…" I cut my father off before he can finish.

"Before what happens? We're in love, forever! There will be no divorce so no need to prepare for something. When we marry we become one and that includes everything." My body and voice radiating virulence.

Ana is looking down at her hands obviously upset by what my father has just said. "Christian, it's OK. I'll sign whatever you ask. That way no one will think I am a gold digger."

Now I am really pissed. How can my father say those things in front of Anastasia? She's probably the only person I have ever met who isn't interested in me for my money. "No. Ana, I don't care what people think. I know the truth and I know you aren't with me for my money." I'm yelling now. I don't mean to but I am so filled with rage that I can't control myself.

I put my napkin down on the table. "We have to go. Come on, Anastasia." I reach my hand out for her to take it I stand.

"Christian, stay, please. He didn't mean to upset you." My mother pleads to me. She's always had to play referee and peacekeeper between my father and me.

"I'm sorry, Mom. We have to go. I'll speak with you later." And before she has a chance I lead Ana out the door and into the car.