This story deals with verbal and mental abuse. If it will be too much for you, then I suggest you do not read it. I do not condone any kind of abuse. I just wanted to make you aware that there will be some flashbacks in this story that will deal with the verbal and emotional abuse Ana had to deal with. All characters belong to E. L. James and all mistakes are mine.

Flashback

"You knew how I was when you met me. You knew how high my sex drive was and you seemed fine with it before. Now, you want to switch up on me. Ever since you've gotten your degrees and started your new fucking job, you don't have time for me. You don't give me money when I ask for it, you have become such a selfish bitch."

"You quit your job and you expect me to take care of you and the house?"

"You're damn right I do. I already told you, I'm not going back to work. You're making all the big money now, you need to take care of me. I want to be a kept man and you better watch your tone when you talk to me."

"You're a sorry excuse of a man and I want you out of my house."

"Ha! You want me out? So you can do what exactly, Ana, bring in some other man to play house? No other man wants you. You aren't pretty and sex with you is boring as hell. You're lucky I'm still here. Do you have any idea how many women I turn down daily?"

"If you're having to turn down so many women, then why are you still here? Go! Please, go be with them. Let them pick up after you and see that you are nothing but a leech. You know damn well the only reason you're still here is because you have nowhere else to go. You've burned your bridges with both of your parents!"

"YOU SHUT YOUR FUCKING MOUTH BEFORE I SHUT IT FOR YOU!"

End Flashback

"He was always angry. If the sun was shining, he was angry. If it were raining, he was angry. He was also doing drugs. He slept all day, while I was at work and then he'd be up all night while I was asleep."

"Are you having guilty feelings about what happened, Ana?"

"N-no, Dr. Flynn. Not at all. He was verbally and emotionally abusive. Hell, right after we were married, his mother pulled me to the side and told me he was verbally and emotionally abusive. I just wish she would have warned me earlier, like before the wedding."

"Ana, you did nothing wrong and you have nothing to feel upset, or ashamed about. You were…" He pauses as he scans his notes, "you were nineteen years old when you two met. You were enamored with the fact that this older man was paying attention to you."

"People like him prey on people like you. Your ex-husband has antisocial personality disorder, television would have you believe that most people, with this disorder, are serial killers and whatnot. That's not always true. They use manipulation and reckless behavior to get what they want."

"Oh, you don't have to tell me. My ex bragged about being a great manipulator."

"What's really bothering you about all of this, Ana?" He asks as he glances at me over the rim of his glasses.

"I-I think what bothers me the most is how long I stayed. I stayed because I was afraid of being a failure at my marriage. My parents' marriage didn't work out and I didn't want to end up like them. I also stayed because of who his dad is. His dad has been my minister since I was a little girl. I just felt as if everyone in the church would talk. You know?"

"So, you stayed miserable all those years because of what people would think or say? Am I correct in saying that?" He gives me no time to answer when he starts in again.

"Who cares what people think? If you two had a damn near perfect marriage, people would still talk. Want to know why? Because human beings are messy and fallible. People live to be able to talk about others because it takes away from the shit that's plastered on their walls."

"Remember, they talked about and persecuted Jesus and He was perfect! And, you know there are no messier people than church people."

My shocked expression makes him place his pad and glasses on the table separating us.

"No need to look so shocked my dear. My dear old dad was a store front minister with his own church, once." He smirks.

"Well, I see our time is up. Next session, we will discuss your intimacy issues along with your relationship with ex father-in-law." Dr. Flynn says earning a sigh and eye roll from me.

As I make my way to the door, Dr. Flynn stops me and gives me a hug, "You look beautiful today, Ana. See you next week."

"Thank you, Dr. Flynn." I say as I make my way to his receptionist desk to make another appointment.

As I make my way to my car, my mind drifts to my nonsocial life. I have not wanted to get back out there as everyone keeps telling me to do. I'm afraid I'll end up with another him, and I do not want that. It was pure hell living all those years with him. He was so nice and attentive, in the beginning, then he seemed to change overnight. He was like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

Who knew me furthering my education and living out my dreams and goals would make him turn into a jealous, immature prick. He was one way when we were in the public, but as soon as we were home his true self would come out. He was constantly hurling insults at me under the guise of making me better.

Once I became the Principal of Seattle Prep, he really lost it. He began going through my phone and hacking into my computer. His depravity knew no bounds. Some nights I was afraid to go to sleep because I was truly afraid he would kill me. He was never physically abusive, but the verbal and mental abuse were no better.

Looking at the time, I realize I'm late for the annual carnival meeting. I hate being late, I think, as I increase my speed.

CPOV

"Where in the hell is this principal? I cannot believe we're all here on time, but the principal isn't. I could still be at work. What kind of example is the principal setting for the students by being late?"

"Christian Grey, if you say one more word I'll make you sit in the corner." Mom says and pissing off Grace Grey is not something you want to do. As I shut my mouth, I look over at Taylor who is fighting his smile at me being reprimanded by my mother.

"Dude, will you give it a rest with the complaining." Elliot says as he drums his fingers on the table. He knows that shit irritates me when he does it.

"Elliot Grey, the same goes for you, too."

"But, I wasn't…." Elliot begins to protest when a blur of blue rushes past me.

"I'm so sorry I'm late, everyone. I had an earlier appointment that could not be rescheduled. Please forgive my tardiness." She says as she's pulling out the projector from the closet.

"Maybe you should pay more attention to your calendar and cancel when you are double booked." I say feeling quite irritated.

It's at this moment that all movement, in the room, ceases. It so quiet, you could hear mice humping in the walls. I'm the most powerful man in Seattle, hell the West Coast. I make men quake and women melt. However, in this moment I am rendered speechless when I'm met with a pair of bluest eyes I've seen. Holy fuck she's beautiful! It's like the angels are singing and there's no one in this room but she and I.

"Well…. Mister?

"Grey, Christian Grey." I say giving her my best glare.

"Uh huh, Mr. Grey, what goes on with my calendar is none of your business. If me, being…" she glances at her watch, "… three whole minutes late is going to put your knickers in a twist then I suggest you don't need to be a part of this committee. If you're so busy that a lousy three minutes makes you this crabby, then being on my annual committee is not for you." There is silence in the room aside from my ass of a brother's snickering.

"Things happen Mr. Grey that sometimes cannot be avoided. In here, I am the commander in chief. Neither do I need, nor do I want your negative, snide remarks Mr. Grey. If you feel as if I've kept you from a life altering experience, you may see yourself out, now." She says as she stands glaring at me. Who the fuck does she think she is speaking to me like that?

I am about to comment when again she cuts me off.

"At this moment, all I need from you is a nod of your head as it appears you are incapable of being diplomatic." She dismisses me and turns her back to start back messing with that fucking projector.

"If you say one more word, I will have Taylor escort you from the premises." My mother says and when I look at her she is not wearing a happy look.

"But I…"

"Not. One. Word. Christian." She hisses at me.

"I think I'm in love." Elliot says making me roll my eyes.

I look over to Taylor and he has suddenly become engaged with his fucking cell phone.

The meeting goes on and I must admit we have come up with great ideas for the annual carnival. Grey Construction will oversee getting the rides and games together. GEH will give money and volunteer at the carnival. I will also have my PR team work promoting the carnival. The funds raised, will be donated to Coping Together's annual gala.

Once the meeting is adjourned and everyone except a few people have left the conference room, I see mom walk over to the principal. Hell, I was so upset and turned on with the tongue lashing she gave me, I don't think I heard her name.

"Ms. Steele, it is such an honor and a pleasure to meet you. I've so many great things about you. I cannot tell how excited I am about this carnival. I'd like to meet with you, again, soon to go over some things." Mom says.

"Please, call me Ana, Dr. Grey and I'd love to."

"Well, if I'm to call you Ana, you must call me Grace." Mom insists.

"Of course, Grace. Here's my number, please call me and let me know when you'd like to get together." Ana smiles at mom and I swear it's the most beautiful smile I've ever seen.

"Well, I'll let you get back to work, but I'll be in touch soon." Mom says as she scoops Ana into a hug.

"Elliot Grey." My bonehead brother says as he walks up behind mom.

"Anastasia Steele, but you can call me Ana." She says shaking Elliot's hand. I think I have died and gone to heaven. I have never in my life heard of a more exotic and prettier name. Her name suits her.

"It was nice meeting you, Elliot and thank you so much for offering to help." She says giggling and I swear I instantly hardened.

"It's no problem at all." Elliot says as he turns to escort mom out.

"Oh, you've already met my baby brother, Christian." Elliot says as he walks out of the conference room with mom.

As I make my way around the table to speak, my palms start sweating. Am I nervous? What the heck. I don't do nervous.

"Mr. Grey, is there something you need?" She asks as she stiffens her back and stares at me. I don't get the smile or niceness that she bestowed upon Elliot and mom.

"Ms. Steele, I want to apologize for my behavior earlier." You do? Who the fuck are you? You never apologize.

"It was not my intent to make you upset, or…"

"Mr. Grey, I assure you, I was not upset. Is that all?"

"Uh, yes."

"Well, good day to you, Mr. Grey." She says as she sashays out of the conference room and I'm left with only her wonderful scent and the memory of how her hips sway when she walks. Jason clears his throat and I look up. Bastard is smirking.

"Let's go asshole."

APOV

Holy. Cow. I don't think I've ever seen a more gorgeous man than Christian Grey. Sheesh, I can now finally calm my heart beat. That man oozes sex appeal from his hair to his fingertips. It was so hard not looking at him while the meeting was going on.

I need this carnival to be over with, quickly because I'm feeling things that I haven't felt in a long time when I look at Christian Grey. However, the asshole did piss me off with the booked calendar remark. I can tell he's the type who's use to women falling at his feet. Ha! Not me.

"Ms. Steele, you have another delivery." Hannah says as she buzzes me on the intercom.

"Thanks, Hannah bring it in."

Hannah enters my office with another red long stem rose. I have no idea who it's from. All the cards are signed the same. Whoever he is, I wish he'd make himself known soon. It's starting to get a little weird.

I open the card and read it:

"My dearest Ana, you look lovely today. Blue will always be your color as it brings out your beautiful eyes. I hope this rose brightens your day as you always brighten mine. One day, soon, I will work up the courage to reveal myself, but until then….

Your Secret Admirer"

?POV

My love received my red rose, again. She has no idea how happy she makes me. I'm planning for our future and she'll be so happy once we get together. I study the walls of my room that are plastered with her pictures.

"Soon, my love. Soon, we will be together. I'm going to give you the life you always wanted and deserved."