E. L. James
"Fifty Shades Freed"
Fifty Shades Freed is the third book in the Fifty Shades Trilogy
written by British author E.L. James. It delves into the tumultuous
relationship between Anastasia "Ana" Steele, who works as an editor
at a publishing company, and Christian Grey, a wealthy
entrepreneur. The book was published in 2012 and later adapted into
a film directed by James Foley in 2018.
The story continues from the previous installment, Fifty Shades
Darker, where Ana accepts Christian's proposal of marriage. After a
lengthy honeymoon, the newlywed couple returns to their home in
Seattle. However, their marital bliss is disrupted when Christian
discovers that Ana is reluctant to change her last name from Steele
to Grey at her workplace. She prefers to retain her maiden name for
professional reasons. This disagreement leads to their first fight
as a married couple.
Initially stubborn in her decision, Ana eventually reevaluates her
stance after realizing how much it means to Christian that she
adopts his last name. Understanding the significance of this to her
husband, she agrees to change her name. This resolution helps them
overcome their conflict and move forward in their relationship.
In a surprising turn of events, Christian presents Ana with a
remarkable gesture. He gives her control of Seattle Independent
Publishing, the company where she works and which he owns. This
unexpected act showcases his trust and commitment to their
partnership. Ana, in her role as the new boss, makes her first
executive decision by renaming the publishing company "Grey
Publishing," demonstrating her willingness to embrace Christian's
surname and further solidify their bond.
Christian Grey goes on a business trip to New York, leaving Ana
Steele behind. Despite Christian's explicit instructions for Ana to
stay home at night for her safety, Ana decides to go out for a
drink with her close friend Kate Kavanaugh. She disregards
Christian's warning and chooses to spend time with her
confidante.
When Ana returns home a few hours later, she is met with a shocking
discovery. Jack Hyde, Ana's former boss who was fired due to his
unhealthy fixation on her and his attempt to rape her, has been
apprehended while attempting to break into the Grey estate.
Security guards find disturbing items in his van, including duct
tape, tranquillizers, and a ransom note. It becomes evident that
Jack Hyde had malicious intentions towards Ana, leading to his
subsequent arrest.
Upon hearing the news of Ana's closeencounter with abduction, Christian immediately cuts short his
business trip and rushes back to Seattle. However, instead of
responding with love and concern for Ana's well-being, he initially
reacts with anger towards her. Christian berates Ana for foolishly
disobeying his orders and venturing out at night. Ana, in turn,
confronts Christian about his controlling behavior, emphasizing
that he cannot prevent her from seeing her friends. They go to bed
angry, but eventually, they manage to reconcile their
differences.
Christian realizes his mistake in acting in such a controlling
manner and admits his wrongdoing to Ana. To make amends, he plans a
surprise trip to Aspen with their group of friends. This gesture is
meant to demonstrate his love and desire to strengthen their
relationship. During the Aspen trip, Christian's older brother,
Elliot, proposes to Kate, Ana's best friend. Kate happily accepts
Elliot's proposal, marking a joyful and celebratory moment among
their close-knit circle.
Christian and Ana return to Seattle, only to discover that Ana's
step-father, Ray, is in a coma after a terrible automobile
accident. Fortunately, Ray wakes up and is relocated closer to Ana.
The following weekend, Christian throws Ana a big birthday party,
giving her lots of presents - some are symbolic and thoughtful
gestures about their relationship, while others are lavish and
expensive gifts such as a new car, an Audi R8.
Ana and Christian have another fight, however, after she reveals
that she is pregnant with his baby. Rather than view this as a
blessing, Christian is characteristically furious. He says a number
of hurtful things, such as that Ana got pregnant "on purpose." Deep
down, the truth is that Christian is extremely insecure, claiming
that Ana will choose their future son over him. Moreover, he
chauvinistically dismisses the notion that the baby could possibly
be a girl. Making matters worse, Ana discovers that Christian
received a text from Elena Lincoln, an ex-girlfriend of sorts.
Years ago, when Christian was only fifteen, Elena first immersed
him in the world of BDSM sex, the thematic backdrop against which
the entire book series is set.
In the climax of the relationship drama between Ana Steele and
Christian Grey, Christian once again goes on a business trip.
During his absence, Ana receives a call from Jack, the man who had
previously posed a threat to her. Jack reveals that he has
kidnapped Christian's younger sister, Mia, and demands a ransom of
$5 millionwithin two hours. Ana is warned that Mia's life will be in
danger if she informs anyone or seeks help.
This creates a dilemma for Ana as Christian had assigned a
bodyguard named Sawyer to watch over her while he was away.
However, Ana manages to evade Sawyer's surveillance and heads to
the bank to withdraw the requested amount. Determined to confront
Jack, Ana also brings a gun with her for protection.
At the meeting point, Jack takes the money and agrees to release
Mia. However, upon seeing Ana, he becomes enraged and attempts to
kill her. He violently shoves her to the ground. Despite the
assault, Ana manages to shoot Jack in the leg before losing
consciousness. Jack is subsequently arrested, and Ana is taken to a
local hospital to recover.
When Ana wakes up, she finds Christian by her side. He apologizes
for having a drink with Elena, but he insists that it was nothing
more than a conversation with an old friend. Christian explains
that he had been dealing with haunting memories of his foster
family and needed someone to talk to. Ana forgives him,
understanding his need for support.
The story then fast-forwards two years into the future. Christian's
prediction comes true as Ana had given birth to a baby boy named
Teddy. Now, she is pregnant once again, this time with a girl whom
they plan to name Phoebe. Ana and Christian find themselves
blissfully happy, engaging in their BDSM lifestyle. They celebrate
joyously with their friends, marking a moment of contentment and
fulfillment in their lives.
This part of the story encompasses the intense climax of the plot,
where Ana faces a life-threatening situation to save Mia. It also
explores the resolution of conflicts between Ana and Christian,
emphasizing their forgiveness and commitment to each other. The
glimpse into their future showcases their growing family and the
happiness they find together.