𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐒𝐎 𝐈 𝐑𝐀𝐍 ▸ Ana asked Christian how bad it could be, and so he showed her. Leaving Christian, Ana finds herself alone and running from the man who bruised her backside yet owns her heart. But Seattle is a big place, and Christian isn't...
"At first. But I convinced her I was telling her the truth."
"How did she take it?" I was worried Kate would tell Ana she was too young and was ruining her life. While we'd come a long way since the early days back in their old apartment, I knew Kate wouldn't hesitate to say it as she saw it.
"She's actually very excited about being an auntie! She said she's always known I'd find someone special and settle down young. She's still going to read you the riot act about taking care of the baby and me and all that, but fundamentally she's thrilled for us."
"And you told her not to tell Elliot?"
"About six times... She knows."
"So, what else did you talk about?"
"Elliot's asked Kate to move in, and she's found his porn stash."
"Which one?!"
"Yes. Exactly! There was something else while we were there..."
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From: Anastasia Steele
Subject: Drinks?
Date: July 8, 2011 15:17
To: Christian Grey
Christian, The girls at work have invited me to work drinks this afternoon. Of course, I won't be drinking, but I'd like to go to socialize with the other SIP staff. I'll take Prescott with me, but I was wondering if you'd like to join me? You said the announcement about SIP's new ownership will occur on Monday; I thought it might be nice if the people I work with know you first as my boyfriend before they find out you're their new boss?
Anastasia Steele Editorial Assistant, SIP
I growled softly, my eyes narrowing. I hated the terms boyfriend and girlfriend. I couldn't wait until I could call Ana my fiancée, or better still my wife. Speaking of fiancée, I'd received a very pleasing phone call a couple of hours ago. On Saturday I was due to meet with New York's three biggest diamond merchants. Two of them I'd dealt with before, but one I knew only by recommendation and reputation.
Levi Ziegler was probably the biggest name in the New York diamond scene, despite servicing a relatively small market share. Strictly catering to the upper echelon of clientele, Ziegler only dealt in conflict-free stones worth over half a million. He'd called to explain he'd be unable to see me tomorrow as he observed the Shabbat, but he had a range of stones for me to look at and had arranged for a colleague to show them to me.
There was one, in particular, that sounded ideal. D color, and internally flawless, the eight-carat oval-shaped diamond sounded perfect for Ana's finger. She was so petite; a round stone would be too ostentatious. An oval diamond set lengthwise upon her finger would give her the size I wanted without being tastelessly showy. I had an idea for the setting. A stylized infinity symbol forming the arms to support the stone. What I had in mind would be substantial, but with an elegant simplicity. I couldn't help the smile that came to my lips as I imagined the perfect ring on Ana's beautiful finger - showing every fucker out there that she was mine.
