Love and Forget-A Tale of Passion and Betrayal

"Here is the key card for room 806 at the Black Diamond Hotel. Prepare yourself for tonight," Christian Grey said, his voice as cold and indifferent as the steely gaze he fixed on Anastasia Steele.

Anastasia stared at the card, her eyes wide with shock and anger. "Christian Grey, what do you mean?"

He seemed oblivious to her emotions. "Bill Comptons computer holds records of his bribery. Hes infatuated with you; getting the information shouldnt be difficult."

"So youre asking me to sleep with him?!" Anastasias voice rose in disbelief.

Christians expression remained impassive. "Its just business, Anastasia. Youre overthinking it."

"Business?" Anastasia repeated bitterly. "Ive worked as a spy for your club for five years, sacrificing my dignity, drinking myself into the hospital, all to gather intelligence for you. And to you, its just business?"

Christian Grey arched an eyebrow, unmoved by her outburst. "Im a businessman, Anastasia. I deal in transactions. Are you going or not?"

Defeated by his indifference, Anastasia felt her heart break. She had no leverage in this negotiation. Christian held her heart as a bargaining chip, but she had nothing.

"Well, Ill go," Anastasia said with a self-mocking smile, snatching the key card from the table and striding away without a backward glance.

Christian watched her retreating figure, a strange restlessness settling in as she disappeared from sight. He tugged at his tie, pulled out a pack of cigarettes from his drawer, and lit one, letting the smoke envelop him in a cloud of silence.

The next morning, Anastasia returned, dressed in a different outfit. Christian glanced out the window, noting the faint light of dawn. He had sat there all night.

"Did you go?" he asked, not sure why he bothered.

"Of course," Anastasia replied with a coy smile.

"Anastasia," Christian warned, his tone dangerous.

She approached him, perched on his knee, and wrapped her arms around his neck, her lips brushing his ear as she whispered, "Are you satisfied?"

"Get off," Christian growled, the coldness of his demeanor piercing Anastasia like a knife. He thought her dirty.

With a self-mocking smile, Anastasia hid her pain and stood up from him. She produced a white USB drive and held it up for him to see. "You wanted this."

Christians eyes darkened as he grabbed her wrist. "Seems you didnt resist much after all."

"Christian Grey, you know me," Anastasia said, her smile radiant yet her eyes hiding a deep ache. "When have I ever disappointed you?"

Christian stared at her for a long moment before reaching for the USB drive. But Anastasia pulled it back, clenching it in her fist.

"What do you mean?" Christian asked, his gaze sharp.

"We can make a deal, cant we?" Anastasia countered, her voice steady as she prepared to negotiate the terms that would change both their lives forever.