Chapters of Trust
by
Ava LeBeau
Nine
"Hel—" Anastasia started, standing in front of the bathroom mirror, the fluorescent light casting a harsh glow on her face. But it came out more like "Hewwo," thanks to the lingering minty toothpaste coating her tongue, building more foam in her mouth.
"Uh, hey… Anastasia?" Christian's voice came through, warm yet slightly hesitant. Confused, Ana furrowed her brow and glanced down at her phone's screen where Hannah's name was flashing back at her.
Anastasia felt a rush of embarrassment wash over her. "J-just Ana. And, yeah. This is me," she replied, trying to clear her throat without sounding too obvious.
"Hey. So… Hannah just handed me her phone," he said, his voice barely audible over the thumping beat, clearly they were still in the club.
"Oh," Anastasia said with a fleeting glance in the mirror before she put him on speaker, rinsing quickly before she dabbed her mouth with a towel.
"I just wanted to make sure you got hom—," his voice came again.
"Why are you calling me about this?" Ana interrupted, her tone more gruff than she'd intended it to be, his insistence, however, both annoying but even more confusing. For a second she closed her eyes, drawing a deep breath before she said. "Sorry, I'm fine, thank you. Just… uh… brushing my teeth right now."
All of a sudden she felt flustered, drew her lower lip between her teeth to stifle a chuckle at the absurdity of the situation. Glancing at herself in the mirror again, she grimaced at how ridiculous she must sound.
Christian laughed huskily. "I can tell. Listen, I didn't mean to interrupt your dental routine."
"Sorry about that," Anastasia felt a heat rise to her cheeks. "I didn't expect a call from you."
"Don't worry about it," he replied. "As I said, I just wanted to make sure you made it back safe after our little... uhm... adventure at the bar."
"Yeah, it was fun hanging out with everyone. Hannah really knows how to pick a spot," she said, her mind racing.
"Right. I'll have to thank her for that."
Anastasia laughed despite herself, feeling more at ease now. "Well, seriously, thanks for checking in. It means a lot."
"Anytime," he said. "Let's do it again sometime… maybe when you're not multitasking with your toothbrush?"
"Maybe," she replied with a smile and bit her lip, feeling unexpectedly excited about their next encounter.
"Alright, I guess I'll let you get back to your teeth," Christian said. "Just don't forget to floss, okay?"
Anastasia couldn't help but chuckle, though it came out more like a snort due to her current predicament. "I promise I will," she replied, her heart racing a little at the lightness of their exchange. "Thanks again for checking in, Christian. It was really nice talking to you."
"Same here, Ana."
"I really need to go to bed now. Night night."
"Okay… goodnight then," he said before hanging up.
Ana sighed softly, set her phone down on the counter and stared at her reflection in the mirror again, a smile creeping onto her face. She finished brushing her teeth, but now it felt like she was floating through the motions. The embarrassment of answering with a mouth full of toothpaste faded away, replaced by a flutter of excitement.
After rinsing and drying her hands, she leaned against the sink and replayed their conversation in her mind. It was funny how a simple check-in could spark such warmth inside her. Maybe she didn't know Christian Grey well yet, but there was something about him reaching out so unexpectedly that, even though she didn't want to admit it, made her feel seen and cared for.
With one last glance at herself in the mirror, she decided to text Hannah in the morning.
José stood in Ana's office in the back of the bookshop, excitement bubbling within him as he held the photobook in his hands. The cover was a striking image of one of the buildings the two had come across during their walk through the neighborhood, framed by vibrant autumn leaves. He had poured his heart into this project, capturing not just moments but the veracious essence of their neighborhood.
"Ana," he said, his voice warm with anticipation, "I wanted to give you something special." He handed her the book, watching as her eyes widened in surprise.
She opened it, flipping through the pages filled with candid shots—each one telling a story of solidarity, shared secrets, and quiet moments that defined their quarter. "Oh my gosh, José. This is incredible," she said, her voice low and tinged with emotion. "You've captured everything perfectly."
His smile widened at her reaction, feeling a swell of pride. "I thought it would be nice to have something tangible to remember our discoveries by. I wanted you to have the first copy. It's gonna be a limited edition."
Anastasia continued to flip through the pages, "This means so much to me, José," she said, looking up at him with shining eyes. "Thank you for always being there."
José chuckled, brushing off the compliment. "It's what best friends do, right? Anyway, gotta run now, Ana; it's my day off and I really need a little me-time."
"Of course. Enjoy your day," Ana replied, still engrossed in the book.
As he left, Anastasia glanced down at the photobook again and an idea began to form—perhaps this photo collection could serve as a bridge between her and Christian Grey, could help her reach out to him in a meaningful way? With each page turn revealing the shared history of the neighborhood, she envisioned how it could open up conversations and create connections where there had been distance.
Carefully, she unwrapped the book from its protective sleeve, admiring the vibrant images once more before grabbing some wrapping paper adorned with delicate floral patterns. As she began to wrap it, her hands trembled slightly, betraying her anxiety. What if he didn't appreciate it? What if he saw it as a mere nuisance rather than a sincere attempt to make amends? Most certainly it wouldn't even reach him but one of his countless assistants or security detail.
After securing the wrapping with tape, Ana took a deep breath and grabbed a small notecard.
'I thought you might enjoy this—it captures so much beauty from our neighborhood,' she wrote, her fountain pen gliding across the card. 'I hope this serves as a reminder of what makes our community special.'
She paused for a moment, biting her lip as she considered how best to end it. She wanted him to see that despite their differences in opinion, there was still room for understanding.
'I understand you have your vision for things' she continued cautiously. 'And I hope we can find some common ground' she mouthed but refrained from writing it, ending the card with a simple 'Ana' before she tucked the note neatly into an envelope and on top of the wrapped book before sealing it with twine for an extra touch of charm.
Christian Grey sat behind his desk, the city skyline stretching out behind him like a backdrop to his carefully curated life. The office was filled with the scent of expensive leather and polished wood. Christian was reviewing a series of reports, but looked up when Andrea knocked lightly before entering.
"Mr. Grey," she said, her tone professional as always. "I have something for you." She stepped forward, holding a neatly wrapped package adorned with delicate floral paper and twine.
Christian raised an eyebrow. "What's this?" he asked flatly.
"It's from Ms. Steele," Andrea replied, her expression neutral but her eyes flickering with interest.
He leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers in front of his chest as he regarded the package with a mix of wariness and amusement. "Ms. Steele?" He tilted his head slightly.
Andrea nodded.
There was an undeniable intrigue stirring within him.
Yes, he had been annoyed by her defiance and her refusal to back down had actually only fueled his desire to assert control over the situation more. But then they'd met again at the bar and he'd seen another side of her, a side that had drawn his attention in a very different way, even after she'd tried what one could only call a polite brush-off—not that she'd be successful with that anyway. Christian couldn't help but smirk. Needless to say, he was used to getting what he wanted. And now, here she was, attempting to reach out after more than a week of radio silence. Without him even trying to rock the boat.
"Shall I open it?" Andrea asked, breaking into his thoughts.
"No," he said, waving his PA off. "Leave it on my desk, thank you."
As she exited the office, Christian's pewter gaze lingered on the package. He still felt an odd pull toward it—a mixture of skepticism and curiosity that he couldn't quite shake off. After a few moments, he found himself alone once more in the expansive room.
With a sigh that betrayed more than he intended, Christian finally picked up the wrapped book and examined it closely, the corner of his mouth twitching. The floral patterns seemed almost whimsical against the starkness of his office decor. Nimbly, he untied the twine and peeled back the wrapping to reveal José's photo book showcasing their neighborhood's architecture.
Christian thumbed through the pages briefly before noticing the small envelope still tucked into the wrapping. With a smirk playing on his lips—half amusement and half uncertainty—he pulled it out and began to read. Grey pursed his lips slightly, appreciating that she'd made an effort and used a fountain pen, his gray gaze darting across her written lines.
And then he paused, the note lingering in his hand as he processed her message. There was a sincerity in her words that had caught him off guard. He had expected a more confrontational tone, perhaps an attempt to undermine him once more and despite their private encounter the other day that had left them on first name terms—for now. But instead, Anastasia Steele was reaching out; offering a chance for dialogue rather than conflict.
Setting the note aside, Christian opened the photo book fully and began to flip through its pages. Despite his reservations, Grey found himself captivated by the artistry of José Rodriguez's work. There was no denying, the images were stunning: vibrant photographs showcasing the intricate details of the neighborhood's architecture—the ornate facades of historic buildings juxtaposed against sleek modern designs. Each page turned revealed a new perspective, a fresh angle on what made the community special.
The photographs sparked something within Grey—a flurry of ideas began to swirl in his mind about how these elements could be woven into his architectural plans for the upcoming project. He could envision incorporating some of those historical motifs into the designs, creating a blend of old and new that would resonate with both the community and potential investors.
"Damn," he muttered under his breath, frustration mingling with intrigue. He didn't want to admit—no, he wasn't ready yet to admit—that Anastasia Steele's gift had struck a chord with him, maybe even more than that, but there it was: Rodriguez's perspective was refreshing and thought-provoking.
As he continued to peruse the book, Christian grabbed his phone and quickly typed out a message to Gia and Elliot: 'I have some new ideas for our project. Let's incorporate elements from the neighborhood's architecture. I'll send you something shortly.'
He hit send before he could second-guess himself. It was an uncharacteristic move for him—usually so guarded and calculated—but there was something about this moment that felt different.
Christian picked up Ana's note again, rereading it with renewed interest. Her words echoed in his mind: 'I understand you have your vision for things.' It was almost ironic; here she was advocating for a consensus while he operated on principles of efficiency and progress at any cost most of the time, not taking no for an answer.
He settled back into his executive chair for a moment, cradled by the supple leather that let out a soft creak with each shift as he contemplated her intentions further. It wasn't long before he stood, grabbing the book, and headed for the door.
"Andrea," he called out as he opened it, his voice cutting through the lively hum of productivity in the air.
"Yes, Mr. Grey?" She appeared almost instantly.
"Please send this to Gia Matteo immediately," he instructed, handing her the photo book. "Include a note from me about incorporating some of these architectural elements into our project and refer to my earlier message to them."
"Of course," she replied, taking the book from him with a nod. As she turned to leave, Christian watched her for a second, appreciating how efficiently she moved through her tasks—always focused, always in control—and all of a sudden he felt an impulse to follow her.
"Wait," he said, catching up to her in the hallway. "Could you make me an espresso while you're at it?"
Andrea paused for a moment, then smiled, a rare glimpse of warmth breaking through her usual professionalism. "Right away, Mr. Grey."
As she walked toward the small kitchen area, Christian hovered nearby, arms folded in front of his chest, casually leaning against the wall and watching her work. There was something oddly comforting about her presence—her proficiency and attention to detail reminded him of what it meant to be driven and dedicated. Yet, as he stood there, an unexpected wave of loneliness washed over him.
Christian shook his head slightly, trying to dispel the feeling. Why should he feel lonely? He had everything he could want: wealth, power, success. But there was something about Anastasia's note that lingered in his mind—a reminder that perhaps there was more to life than just business and control.
"Here you go, sir," Andrea said as she returned with a fresh cup of espresso, handing it to him with a steady hand and another warm smile.
"Thank you, Andrea," he replied, taking the cup from her and savoring the rich aroma that wafted up from it. He took a sip and felt the familiar jolt of energy surge through him.
As Andrea moved back to her desk to continue her work, Christian found himself lingering for a moment longer than necessary. He watched her type away at her computer, her fingers flying over the keyboard with practiced ease, and felt an odd sense of appreciation for how seamlessly she managed everything around him.
"Is there anything else I can assist you with? Would you like me to reschedule your 2 PM meeting, sir?" Andrea asked gently without looking up from her screen, knowing her boss only too well.
"No, that's all for now. Thank you, Andrea," Christian said, taking another sip of his espresso, as he turned to saunter back to his office, returning to his desk to prepare for the meetings ahead.
Christian and Taylor stepped out of the elevator into the cool, softly lit foyer of the penthouse. The weight of the day was pressing heavily on Christian's shoulders, the soft chime of the elevator's doors closing behind them felt like a finality he wasn't quite ready to embrace, Taylor's presence a constant reminder of the responsibilities that still loomed ahead.
"Good evening, Mr. Grey," Gail greeted from the kitchen, her voice gentle and soothing. She emerged with a smile, her demeanor calm and collected—a stark contrast to the whirlwind of thoughts racing through Christian's busy mind.
"Evening, Gail," he replied, forcing a smile as he handed her his briefcase to shrug off his jacket, feeling relieved as she took it from him as well with practiced ease. "Thank you for dinner."
"It's just a light meal," she said as she followed him into the living room. "I thought you might prefer something simple after your long day."
Christian nodded appreciatively but felt an undercurrent of tension in his chest. The aroma of roasted vegetables and herbs wafted through the air, momentarily distracting him from his fatigue. "I would like to discuss my wardrobe for next week's trip," he said as he moved toward the dining table where a neatly arranged place setting awaited him. Absent-mindedly, he ran his fingertips along the edge of the table but didn't take a seat yet.
Gail sensed the strain in Christian's posture and swiftly adjusted her approach. "Of course. Would you like something to drink before dinner, sir?" she offered gently, moving closer to him.
"Just water is fine," he replied, following her into the kitchen.
As she poured him a glass, Christian sighed, trying to gather his thoughts amidst the chaos swirling in his head. "Alright, I'll need four suits; three for meetings and one for dinner," he began slowly between sips, each word requiring more effort than usual. "And make sure to include those new ties I bought last month." Both knew it had been his sister Mia who'd bought the ties, not him.
"Okay, sir," Gail replied with a nod, her eyes focused on him as if gauging how much more he could handle tonight before she turned to take more notes on her notepad while ensuring everything was in order.
With a grateful nod, Christian took another sip of water, letting the cool liquid refresh him momentarily. He watched as Gail moved with quiet efficiency, her movements deliberate and calming. It was in these small moments that he found solace—a reminder that even amidst chaos, there were still glimpses of calmness.
"Also," he added, "I want something more laid-back for the evenings. Something comfortable but still presentable."
"Absolutely," Gail replied, jotting down more notes. "I'll make sure to include a couple of options for downtime, sir."
Christian leaned against the kitchen counter, undoing another button on his shirt collar, allowing himself a brief moment to close his eyes while he rubbed the back of his neck, the stress of meetings and deadlines slowly beginning to fade.
Taylor cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "We should also review your itinerary for the trip, sir," he said, glancing at Christian. "There are some changes we need to discuss regarding your meetings."
Christian opened his eyes and nodded slowly, feeling the familiar tension return at the thought of more logistics to manage. "Please confer with Andrea about any adjustments she might have made," he replied, trying to maintain a calm demeanor despite the growing pressure in his chest.
"Got it," Taylor said, making a note on his tablet. "I'll get in touch with her right after we finish up here."
Gail sensed the shift in mood and quickly intervened. "Dinner is almost ready, Mr. Grey," she announced cheerfully, ushering Christian into the dining area before placing a beautifully arranged plate in front of him. "I've prepared your favorite."
Christian looked down at the meal, appreciating her thoughtfulness. "Thank you, Gail," he said. "This looks perfect."
As he began to eat some of the sea bass, he could hear Taylor chatting with Gail in the kitchen, their friendly chatter blending into a comfortable background hum while they prepared their own meals. For now, Christian allowed himself to focus on the food before him, the flavors grounding him in this moment.
Now and again, Gail quietly refilled his glass, cleared away plates and stepped back into the kitchen area where Taylor was finishing up his dinner.
Christian leaned back in his chair, allowing a brief moment of respite. The flavors of the sea bass and lemony beurre blanc were comforting, but even in this peaceful setting, his mind was racing with thoughts of the day ahead as he pushed a carrot—cut en biais—around his plate.
Setting down his fork, he reached for his phone, feeling the familiar tug of responsibility pulling him back into the neverending vortex of work. With a few quick taps and swipes, he opened his email app and began scrolling through a barrage of unread messages.
'Just a few quick replies' Christian muttered to himself as he started typing responses. He could feel the tension creeping back in as he read through urgent requests from stakeholders and associates and updates from Andrea. A meeting had been rescheduled, new deadlines were looming, and there were decisions that needed to be made—none of which could wait until morning.
Gail prepared the next course but Christian barely noticed her presence as he focused on his screen. He fired off a volley of emails before switching to his messaging app to check for any missed texts.
'Can you confirm the details for tomorrow's presentation?' one message from Ros read. Christian sighed and typed out a quick acknowledgment before glancing up at Gail, his brow furrowed.
"Ready for dessert, Mr. Grey?" she asked gently, sensing his distraction.
"Yeah, just catching up on some stuff," he replied with a forced smile. "I'll be done in just a minute."
Christian returned to his phone, making several quick calls. He could hear the clock ticking in the background, reminding him that time was slipping away even as he tried to juggle everything.
As he wrapped up one last call, Grey rubbed his temples in frustration. The evening should have been a time to unwind, yet here he was, tethered to work by invisible strings that refused to let go. He glanced at Gail again as she brought out another plate—a beautifully decadent variation of desserts—and felt a pang of guilt for not being fully present.
"Thanks for this, Gail," he said as she placed it in front of him. "It looks great."
"Enjoy your meal, sir," Gail smiled at him before returning to her tasks.
Reaching for the dessert fork and spoon, Christian turned back to Taylor. "Taylor? Please confirm all arrangements with Andrea before we leave. I want everything ready for an early departure; we can't afford any delays."
"Absolutely. I'll touch base with her about this first thing in the morning," Taylor replied, gathering his tablet and preparing to leave.
After finishing his dessert, Christian stood up, squaring his broad shoulders as he glanced at Gail, who was clearing the table. "Thank you, Gail. That will be all for tonight." The housekeeper nodded, stepping aside to allow him to exit the dining area.
As they reached the hallway, Christian glanced at Taylor, who had joined him, and added, "Make sure every detail is handled for our trip; I want to avoid any last-minute issues."
"Understood. Goodnight, sir," Taylor replied before leaving, while Grey sauntered toward his office.
After spending another hour finalizing emails and addressing urgent messages, he leaned back in his chair, feeling a weight lift from his shoulders. The digital clock on his desk glowed softly, signaling that the day was winding down. He took a deep breath, pinching the bridge of his nose and squeezing his eyes shut for a moment of stillness before rising.
As he strolled through the now dimly lit hallway toward his private quarters, he noticed the subtle changes Gail had made for the evening. Softly glowing lamps illuminated his path, casting warm shadows that danced along the walls. The air was infused with hints of lavender and something else, chamomile perhaps, creating an inviting atmosphere that promised relaxation.
Entering his bedroom, Christian found it transformed into a nightly sanctuary. The bed was meticulously turned down, anthracite silk sheets folded back invitingly, with a soft throw draped across the foot. A small tray on the nightstand held a crystal carafe filled with water, accompanied by a glass and a few squares of handcrafted dark chocolate—Christian's favorite indulgence after a long day.
He paused to appreciate Gail's attention to detail before heading straight for the shower.
The bathroom was also prepared for him; soft towels were neatly arranged on a heated rack, and ambient lighting made the marble surfaces gleam.
Christian turned on the water, adjusting it until it reached just the right temperature, a perfect balance between warmth and refreshment. Stepping under the cascading water felt like entering another world. Steam enveloped him, creating a soft haze that blurred reality's edges and allowed him to momentarily escape his life's demands. He bowed his head, letting the water flow over his hair and down his neck, feeling each droplet gliding over his skin.
Reaching for a bottle of body wash infused with natural oils, Christian dispensed a rich, creamy foam into his hands. He applied it deliberately, starting at his shoulders and working down to his arms and chest, more hesitant and very cautious as he reached the latter. With each stroke, tension released from his muscles; the warmth of the water combined with the gentle pressure of his hands worked wonders on knots formed throughout the day.
Christian closed his eyes again, fully present in this moment of solitude. He took a deep breath, inhaling the fragrant steam that filled the air around him. The rhythmic sound of water splashing against tiles created a soothing backdrop that further eased his thoughts.
After rinsing off completely, Christian turned off the water and stepped out of the shower. The cool air contrasted sharply with the lingering warmth on his skin, sending a shiver through him—a refreshing reminder of how alive he felt after this ritual. He reached for a heated towel from the rack, wrapping it around himself and savoring its softness before he took a moment to look at himself in the mirror—his hair slightly damp and tousled, droplets still clinging to his jawline. This quiet time alone centered him, preparing him to face whatever awaited him tomorrow.
As he entered his bedroom, towel secured around his hips, a wave of tranquility washed over him. Gail had dimmed the lights further, leaving only soft glows illuminating key areas of the room.
He moved to the bedside and let the towel fall away with a contented sigh and slipped into bed. The sheets were chilly at first but quickly warmed to his touch as he settled in.
Christian closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, allowing himself to relax fully. The day's stresses faded into the background as he focused on the rhythmic sound of his own breathing. With each inhale, he surrendered more to the comfort of his surroundings.
Grey rolled onto his side, pulling the soft sheet closer around him. In that cocoon of warmth and stillness, the world outside faded away; all that existed was this moment of peace—an elusive refuge that would soon be interrupted by the cruel shadows lurking in the corners of his mind, reminding him that true rest would only ever a fleeting dream for him.
A/N:
Hey, everyone! Hope you enjoyed the latest chapter. Seriously, Fifty could use a little breather… or more Ana in his life, don't you think? Also, a huge shoutout to all of you for reaching out and leaving your thoughts—your reviews and feedback mean the world to me. Please keep them coming. Just a heads up, I've got a packed schedule at the moment, so the next few updates might take a little longer than usual. Sorry about that. In the meantime, take care. x