Chapter 24

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I don't own anything or anyone. Enjoy!


"What are you doing here"?, Erik asked, looking Christine curiously. "It's late and dangerous outside for a woman to walk alone".

"I had to talk to you and now it was the most appropriate hour. I know that you don't sleep much".

"That's true", he answered. He pointed to her the armchair in front of the fireplace.

"So, what's happened? Has something bad happen"?

"No, everyone is fine", Christine reassured him. "I wanted to you about Raoul. I didn't know that he would come to the interrogation today. I didn't even ask him why he came".

"He would have his reasons", Erik said filling a glass with brandy and offering her a glass too. The young woman declined kindly.

"I don't have the slightest idea how he is involved with the police. The only thing he told me is that he will not tell anything to Pierre. And I believe him".

"Why are you telling me all these things? Why did you come here, through the night. To tell me about Raoul"?

Christine looked him silent.

"I don't know", she finally said looking her feet. "I felt the need to tell you that I didn't have any interference to this situation. I don't want you think that….I try to trap you again".

Erik's hand stayed unmovable above the table holding the glass of brandy.

"The truth is that I believed that it was a trap for a minute but then I reconsidered when I saw the look in your eyes as you looked your husband. I realized that you were surprised as I was. I know of course that you are a great actress but still… I know that you had no idea".

Christine felt relief flooded inside her.

"Thank you", the young woman told him.

"Despite this, I can't say the same about him. Allow me, to not trust him", Erik continued.

"I can't blame you", she said looking her hands.

As she lifted her gaze, she saw that the Phantom was looking at her.

"Why are you looking at me"?, she said, repaying his gaze.

"What has happened, Christine? Why do I hear the word 'divorce' repeatedly when someone allude to your life? Why are you upset with Raoul all the time? Why are you not living happily away from Paris? I let you go because I wanted your happiness and I was sure that your boy would give it to you. What has changed now? Excuse me if I am intrusive but it's something that I am thinking about the last days. I couldn't resist to ask you".

Christine's eyes glued into his. She could deduce exasperation and anger in his voice and she understood why. Besides, that was on of the reasons she came to him this hour, no? To tell him the truth. Maybe it was time to tell him everything.

"This is one of the reasons why I am here", Christine told him. "Promise me that you will not be mad, whatever you hear. That you will keep your temper".

"Why do you ask such a thing of me? At last, what is wrong with both of you"?, Erik asked angrier now.

Christine lowered her gaze once more. When she lifted her head, Erik saw tears drop down her cheeks.

"Give me your word", Christine told him desperately.

"You have my word", he said finally with a calmer voice. He was worried now about the woman in front of him and he couldn't see her cry.

Christine wiped her tears and a faint smile formed on her lips.

"Thank you. Well, here we go".


"What are you doing here, Elinor? I wrote to you and I told you to not come here yet".

"I am so sorry Antoinette but I couldn't stay away. No more. I want to see him".

Antoinette let her in and led her to the living room. She was angry but she could understand her friend, Elinor, and her desire to come to Paris. Elinor was a beautiful woman, almost gracious, a few years older than Antoinette. She had beautiful features and dark brown hair in a bun. Her face was almost youthful. The only exception was some white hair through her brown ones and wrinkles on her forehead and around her eyes.

"I told you to not come because I had my reasons. Why didn't you listen to me"?

"I know but you didn't explain anything to me. What has happened, Antoinette"?

Antoinette knew that she couldn't avoid the truth so she decided to tell Elinor everything.

"Erik has involved in a very difficult situation".

Antoinette told Elinor everything about Erik's life in Paris. When she finished, Elinor was looking at her with wide eyes trying to understand what she had just heard.

"Do you believe that the police officer is behind of all this?", she asked finally.

"We are not sure yet but we have our suspicions. He had made many innuendos about that night when Erik dropped the chandelier that we can't ignore them. He is always watching him. The only thing we do is to pretend that everything is normal but for how long?"

"I don't understand. What does he have to gain?"

"I don't know, Elinor. Your son's behavior was not the best in the past as you know. I have told you what had happened then. His partner told him that he will find out what the officer really wants."

"I hope so, Antoinette. I don't want to lose my son again. Not now that I found him."

"You haven't found him, yet. He doesn't know anything about your presence to the city, don't forget that. He even ignores your existence. What do you expect? That he will welcome you with open arms?"

"I didn't say that. I am aware of this situation. But I want to see him, just once. I would like to talk to him so much but I know that this is almost beyond reach. I am not even sure that he remembers me."

"It is dicey, Elinor but I understand your despair."

"So, will you help me?", Elinor asked with hope into her eyes.

"Yes, but we have to do it discreetly. Erik prepares the premiere of his opera so he has work to do and he has to be concentrated to his job."

"Thank you, Antoinette", Elinor said and clasped her friend's hands.


"That night, when you let us go, Raoul suggested that I should stay in his house for the night. I deny him at first knowing that this would be inappropriate as we were not married yet. He insisted on and finally I followed him. His parents were asleep so the servants were the first who saw me. They paid no attention to me. Raoul ordered them to prepare a room next to his. I was so upset and he wanted to have an eye on me. No one of us could sleep much that night. The next morning, I met his parents. I can't say that they liked me especially after the news Raoul told them but they never showed anything to me. They were kind. So, that morning, Raoul told them that he wanted to marry me and live together away from Paris. They had their objections but finally they agreed. I asked Raoul to stay with Giry's until the day we would leave and that's happened. After that we married and settled in England. You see, some of Monsieur De Chagny's partners were living there so it would be easier for Raoul to do their business from there. I can say that I liked it and I learned English easy enough. I couldn't speak fluently but I could communicate with the other people. One year later, we welcome our precious Rosalie. Everything was wonderful. Raoul was so in love with his daughter. She was into his arms all the time. Our days was so happy that I didn't want nothing more. Rosalie were growing up day per day and we were both proud of her. But after five years everything changed."

Christine stopped her narration for a while, recalling the good times of the past.

"And what happened next?", Erik asked. He was sitting opposite to her and was listening carefully.

Christine didn't answer. She was looking the flames into the fireplace. She took a sip from her tea and kept on with her narration.

"Everything was normal at first. Raoul was gone to his job in the mornings and was back early in the afternoon. I was staying with Rosalie. The staff of the house was really helpful with my daughter. As the days went on, I noticed that Raoul was returning later than his usual hour. I didn't pay attention at first but after some days, I did. He was leaving earlier in the morning, too. So, he didn't pass his hours with me and especially with our little one. I was thinking that he was at work and I knew that sometimes was out of city because of it. But those trips happened more frequently. I told you that sometimes he was returning later than his usual hour. There were mornings that I was awakened in an empty bed. His side was untouchable".

"Empty?", Erik asked with disgust. "You mean that….?"

"Exactly. Raoul was absent from our home all the night".

Erik couldn't find something to say. He knew that something was wrong but he hadn't thought of that. The Phantom didn't want to hear more but his curiosity got the better of him.

"Please, go on", he encouraged her.

"Rosalie was asking questions about her father and I was keeping tell her excuses. Anywise, I didn't know the truth. So, one morning I decided to talk to him. But his behavior was objectionable.

"Why? What did he tell you?"

"He told me that nothing was happening and that the only thing that was out of place was my mind because I was creating stories. That he was absent so many hours because he was taking care of us. To make us live comfortable. He was abrupt and almost yelled at me. Then I knew that definitely, something was wrong. When he left for work, I wrote to Madame Giry. I needed a piece of advice".

"And what about the staff? They hadn't noticed nothing weird about their boss?"

Erik was getting angry. He was holding so tight his glass that it was ready to break into his palm.

"Yes. Our cook, Miranda, told me that they had noticed changes but they didn't know exactly what was happening. Anyway, the same night Raoul returned home with a bouquet of flowers for me. He apologized for his bad behavior and promised me that he would spend more time with his family. It was the same man I had met so many years ago. Sweet, tender. He kept his promise and for the next weeks, I was calm again and happy. After a few days a letter came with Madame Giry's answer. She was a little worried but then she told me that probably it was nothing. Maybe his job was very demanding and he hadn't time because of it. She told me that there was no reason to worry about it. She closed the letter with her best wishes and asked me to keep her abreast of the situation. I answered immediately and informed her about the last facts. I also invited her and Meg to our home."

"That's good", Erik responded with a little smile.

"Yes, it is", the woman smiled back.

There was a little pause between them. The more Erik heard, the more he wanted to find the Vicomte and deal with him. But he banished this thought from his head as quick as he could. For now. He saw that Christine didn't talk so he took the lead.

"If you don't want to say more, there is no problem", he told her softly.

She shook her head.

"No, I am fine. Besides, this is why I came here tonight".

Erik nodded and let her to take her time. In a few seconds, the young woman was ready to continue her narration.

"As I told you, everything went back to normal after that incident. Until the day that I suspected that my husband had changed."

"What happened?"

"Raoul and I went to the city that morning. As we walked, I saw a beautiful dress in a shop's display window and I wanted to ask the price. Raoul didn't want to escort me in so I went alone. I was talking with the owner when I looked outside the window and I saw him talk with a woman. She was at my age, very beautiful and she was looking at him tenderly. She was also smiling at him. Raoul was smiling back. When I finished from the shop, I asked him who that woman was. He told me that he was a stranger who got lost and asked for some directions."

"And…. she wasn't?", Erik answered, knowing the answer.

Christine looked at him with a sad smile.

"How could she possibly be a stranger?", she asked and Erik saw a tear ready to roll down her cheek.

"Christine, if…".

"No, please, let me finish. He didn't mention it again and I didn't either. I wanted to believe him so I convinced myself that he was telling me the truth. After some days I had already forgotten it. One night, when he returned home, he told me that his boss would coordinate a soiree at his home the next Saturday. He had invited us and he would be very happy to meet me. I didn't know what to answer first but as I knew that it was very important for Raoul and his job, I agreed. I asked him what his boss knew about me and he told me that he knew the most things about my life in Paris but no that I was…... Phantom's student. You see, everyone knew your story by then".

Erik didn't say anything and he let her continue.

"The weekend came and we went to the soiree. I can say that I had a pleasant time at first. I met his boss, Eduard. He was very kind and gracious man. We had a little talk about singing and he told me that he was a big admirer of opera. He and his wife watched opera very often. I met her as well. They had a beautiful, big house and two beautiful children. Raoul, introduced me to some of his colleagues as well and after one hour I saw her again".

"You mean, the same woman from that morning in the city?", Erik asked not knowing how to hide his curiosity. This story, had made him nervous.

Christine nodded.

"Yes, he was the daughter of Monsieur Eduard's friend. As you understand, I got upset. I went to the bathroom to calm myself and when I returned to the soiree, I couldn't find Raoul anywhere. I went towards the garden and I found him talk with that woman at the backside of the house. They were almost alone apart from two men who were smoking and talking to each other. I hid behind a tree near Raoul and Evelin – that was her name – and I heard the little chat they had.

Flashback

"So, Raoul, you didn't tell me, are you married?", Eveline asked Raoul caressing his cheek with her finger.

"Yes, I am", he said taking softly her hand away from his face but he didn't let it go.

"What about you?", he said with a charming smile.

"No, I am not but my intention is to marry soon", she said looking Raoul with sparkling eyes.

Christine couldn't stay and look. She approached them.

"Raoul, my love, where have you been? I was looking everywhere for you", Christine said with so much sweetness in her voice and she put her arm inside his. "Will you introduce me to your friend?"

"Yes, of course. Christine, this is Evelin, the daughter of one of our partners. Evelin, this is Christine, my beautiful wife".

"It's a pleasure", Christine said to Evelin tending her hand with an affected smile on her face.

"The pleasure is mine, Madame", Evelin answered as she gave her hand to Christine. "You are a beautiful couple."

"Thank you, Mademoiselle Evelin. And you? Are you married?", Christine asked the other woman. "Of course, it's not need to tell me if you don't want. I don't want to be indiscreet".

"Christine, please", Raoul said annoyed.

"That's alright, Monsieur. No, Madame, I am not yet, but I want to".

"Oh, that's nice. I hope to find your prince, soon. Raoul, darling, can you leave? You should wake up early tomorrow morning".

Raoul couldn't say anything so he agreed.

"Yes, my love, let's go".

The couple walked away, letting Evelin behind to look at them with a hateful gaze.

End of Flashback

"And what happened next? Didn't he tell you something about that incident?", Erik asked her waiting impatiently for her answer.

"We headed home and when we entered the living room, he asked me what was all this about".

Flashback

"What was all this about, Christine?", Raoul asked his wife dropping his jacket on the couch. "You were very rude."

"Oh, really? Was I? And you weren't rude, Raoul? I am looking everywhere foy you and I find you with her talking about marriage."

"You don't know what you say."

"I heard you Raoul. She said that she is not married yet and that she wants to marry soon and her gaze fell upon you. Don't tell me that you didn't take the hint."

"I was just kind to her. What did you expect me to do?"

"To decline politely from her company and come to find me. But what I say? You didn't even let her hand go. You let a kiss upon it."

"I don't understand your problem, Christine. I was just kind to her. We were talking for business in the first place."

"Oh, yes? And how the marriage came up to the conversation?"

"Look, I am tired of all this. There is nothing between her and me, alright? Please, let's go sleep and forget this night. You are tired too and you don't think straight. Please, nothing has changed. I love you and only you."

End of flashback

"That's it? This is what he told you? He almost called you insane, Christine, and you believed him?"

"Of course, not but it was useless to continue that fight that hour. I was afraid that Rosalie would awake and, besides, he wouldn't admit it. I didn't sleep well that night, I had nightmares. In the morning, Raoul was waiting for me to take breakfast together. He told me that maybe he overreacted last night with Evelin and he should walk away from her. He apologized and we kissed."

"How could you believe him, Christine?", Erik asked her very angry. He almost drop his chair as he walked to the window. "He is a bastard. You know what you see, why did you forgive him?"

"But who told you that I did?"

Erik turned to her. "Excuse me?"

"I didn't believe him and obviously I haven't forgiven him".

"But you said that he apologized and you…. kissed each other", Erik replied returning to his position in front of the fireplace.

"Yes, we did. Actually, he took Rosalie and me out for lunch that day. But that doesn't mean that I forgot everything. Erik, we went on little trips the next days and we were having so much fun. It was like nothing had happened. But my mind was always there. To that woman and what kind of affair she could have with my husband."

"I see. And when did you find the truth?"

"Almost a month later", she answered. "I was in Rosalie's bedroom one night and we read a fairytale. When I came down, I went straight to the kitchen where I found our cooks, Claire and Peter. Raoul had not returned home yet.

Flashback

"Claire, what are you doing here? I was thought that you had gone."

"Not yet, Madame. We were just on our way."

"Don't call me Madame, Claire. Call me Christine", she said softly.

"Oh yes, you have told me that. I am sorry."

"That's alright", Christine answered with a laugh.

Claire and Peter were ready to go but they stood and looked the young woman, then they looked each other. Christine saw them and wondered what was going on.

"What is it? Why are you looking at me?"

"Christine, I…. We….", Claire tried to say but the words didn't come out. She felt a poke on her shoulder from her husband and looked at him.

"Say it, Claire", he encouraged her.

"I don't know if it's right, Peter."

"We agreed that she must know."

Christine couldn't understand anything.

"Excuse me, but what has happened? What do you want to tell me?"

The couple looked each other one more time and Peter spoke first.

"My child, please, sit down. We must tell you something."

Christine sat with slow movements but her gaze never left them.

"Look", Claire started, "it's very difficult to tell you this, but we discussed it and decided that we should tell you. Peter went to the city earlier that afternoon and saw Monsieur Raoul with some other men in the street."

"Yes, I know that. He told me that he and some of his colleagues would go outside for some errands and then they would go all of them with their boss for dinner. That's why he hasn't returned yet."

"Yes, we know that, but this is not the entire truth."

"What do you mean, Claire? Tell me, please."

Claire took a deep breath but Peter made her a signal that he would tell Christine the news.

"As we told you, I saw Monsieur De Chagny with those men in the street. I don't know if he and his colleagues were going for dinner but when I returned from the bakery, I saw them alone. It seemed like he was waiting for someone. I didn't pay much attention and entered the grocery store. I left the store after ten minutes and Monsieur Raoul was still there. I was ready to leave when I saw a young woman, around your age, to approach him. He gave a kiss on her hand and they walked away together, laughing. I didn't know what to do at first but then I decided to follow them."

"And?", Christine asked with a whisper. She couldn't trust her voice as she was feeling tears come to her eyes.

"I saw them enter into an inn. I was in shock. I didn't realize what I had just seen. I couldn't though wait for them to walk out so I returned here.

Christine couldn't believe in her ears. No, it was sure a farse.

"An inn?", she said disgustedly. "With her? No, Peter, I am sure that you didn't see well. Please tell me that you didn't see well", Christine begged him with the first tears now rolling down her cheeks.

"I am sorry Christine but I saw them. I wish I could tell you the opposite, but I can't."

Claire touched Christine's hand.

"My child, we know that you have to fight with him for some other woman. We like you very much. We couldn't let you live in the dark."

End of Flashback

"As you understand, I couldn't say a word. I was just sitting on the chair and I was crying and crying. I couldn't stop. The sobs came soon and Claire hugged me. I was so grateful about those people who cared about me but at the same time I couldn't accept the truth. The next thing I remember is that I sat up so roughly that she almost fell. I took my chair and dropped them down. I broke every plate, glass or vase I could see. I almost screamed. Peter came closer and caught me from the arms trying to prevent me breaking other things, or worse, hurt myself. He held me into his arms and I was fighting him, hitting him on his chest. I wanted him to let me free to continue what I was doing. I was out of control. Finally, I stopped resisting and kept crying into his arms. He caressed my back, trying to shush me, to calm me. I felt very tired and my knees couldn't support me anymore. Claire, helped me sit and brought me a hot cup of tea. They stayed with me until I couldn't cry more. I don't know how long I was in that state but I didn't care. I didn't care even if Raoul was entering the kitchen that moment and was seeing me like this."

"Oh Christine, I am sorry", Erik said to her and touched her hand. "But how sure was you about those people? Maybe they were lying."

"Maybe but they didn't. They were good with me and I trusted them. Besides, I saw the couple with my own eyes."

"What? What do you mean?", he said surprised. Erik didn't expect her to tell him something like this.

"That night, Claire insisted I should go to sleep and not wait for Raoul to return. I laid on bed but I couldn't sleep. A thousand thoughts were inside my mind. I started cry again and I didn't realize when I fell asleep. Later, I opened my eyes and I saw someone into the room. It was Raoul. I didn't know what time it was but I didn't make any move. He laid beside me and soon he was asleep too. Of course, the next morning he wasn't there. Claire had told me that he had eaten his breakfast very early and after that he went to Rosalie's room. He was giving her a kiss every morning before he left for work. I didn't know what to do. I can't express what I was feeling that moment. I was sad, disappointed. I couldn't believe that, that man, who was telling me that he was in love with me, who risked his life for me, could so something like that. Peter and Claire insisted I should go for a walk. Even if I was alone."

"You didn't have any friends?"

"Not really. I knew some of our neighbors, I greeted them but nothing more. I didn't have a friend like Meg. Anyway, I went out and immediately I felt better. I was thinking how we could fix things. I was sure that Raoul still loved me but I couldn't understand what had changed. Was my fault? I didn't know. I decided to talk to him and find a solution. I had hope inside me that we could be again a happy couple. As I was walking, I passed out of an inn, the same inn Peter had told me about. I looked through the window pane and I saw many people talk with each other and eat their breakfast. I smiled and dashed by the window. But I soon returned back."

"Why?"

"Because I didn't realize that I saw two people into the inn whom I knew very well. And they knew me. But they didn't have the slightest idea that I was watching them."

"Let me guess…", Erik said with an ironic voice.

"Exactly", she agreed. "Evelin and Raoul were there, laughing, talking, eating. He was even feeding her. And after that, he kissed her. A deep kiss, like the ones he used to give me. She laughed, caressed his cheek, and this time she kissed him. My heart was ready to break and I felt my legs couldn't support my weight. I couldn't believe what I was watching. I thought to approach Raoul and slap him across the face, to ask him why, but I just…. left. I arrived home and I burst into tears. Again. I wrote to Madame Giry and I asked Peter to deliver the letter to me. Then, I wiped away my tears and spent the rest of the day with Rosalie."

"THE BASTARD", Erik said hitting the table with his fist. "HOW COULD HE DO SOMETHING LIKE THAT TO YOU? TO YOU?", he said and stood up abruptly.

Christine didn't say a word. Tears came again to her eyes.

"Please Erik, sit down", she said with a steady voice.

Erik didn't answer. He was in front of the window with his hands to the sill, trying to calm himself. His back was going back and down because of his panting. After a minute he returned to his seat.

"I am here but I warn you. I don't know what I might do if I hear that he kept hurting you like this."

Christine chuckled.

"It is not necessary, Erik. Besides, I am almost done. So, that day I told everything to Raoul.

Flashback

"Raoul, I need to talk to you", Christine said as Raoul getting undressed.

"What is it, Christine? Are you alright?"

"No, I am not", she answered with her hands crossed to her chest. "I know about your mistress, Raoul."

"Mistress? What are you talking about? I…."

"It's useless, Raoul", Christine said stopping him from talking with her hand. "I know everything. I saw you."

"What are you saying? I don't understand".

"You do. But let's explain what I mean. I know that you have an affair with Evelin and that you spent the night together a few days ago."

Raoul didn't say a word.

"I saw you as well yesterday to that inn, eating your breakfast, laughing and kissing each other. Can you deny it?", she said, keeping her voice steady.

"No", Raoul said with his head bowed.

"What?", Christine said surprised. "You just said…no?"

"Yes, I said no. I won't deny it".

"I didn't expect that answer, actually."

"What did you expect, Christine? I am telling you the truth", Raoul said rising his voice as well.

"I expect you to tell me why", she replied rising her voice as well.

"BECAUSE I AM IN LOVE WITH HER!", he yelled at her.

Christine stood there saying nothing.

"What?", she said with a trembling voice.

"It's the truth, Christine. I am in love with Evelin", he said and sat on the bed breathless.

"Did you sleep with her?". Her voice almost a whisper.

Raoul didn't answer but she knew that he did.

"Why? Why did you do this to me? WHY?".

Raoul still didn't answer. The first tears had made their appearance on Christine's cheeks.

Raoul had sat on the bed, bending his head into his hands.

"This is the truth, Christine. We should accept it."

"Accept it? ACCEPT IT? DO YOU DARE TO TELL ME TO ACCEPT THAT YOU SLEPT WITH ANOTHER WOMAN AND THAT YOU ARE IN LOVE WITH HER? DO YOU THINK THAT THIS IS LOGIC? ANSWER ME!", Christine yelled and rushed to him, hitting him wherever she could touch him. She was out of control.

"CHRISTINE, STOP. STOP!", Raoul told her grabbing her from the arms and hold her in the distance. "IT'S USELESS, DON'T YOU SEE? THERE IS NOTHING TO DO ABOUT IT."

"HOW CAN YOU SAY THAT? ARE YOU EXPECTING ME TO ACCEPT THIS?", she continued, her tears were rolling freely down her cheeks. "We will try to save our marriage. We can do this."

"No, Christine, we can't. It's over", Raoul told her, still holding her.

"Don't say that. We love each other. We will pretend that nothing happened and we will continue our life."

Raoul shook his head.

"No, we can't. Look, I don't want to fool you anymore. I want we to stay apart."

Christine's eyes got wide. She was looking at him unable to speak.

"Are you realizing what you are saying?", she whispered once more.

"Yes, and I feel awful."

"AUFUL? JUST AWFUL? SHAME ON YOU! HOW CAN YOU SAY SOMETHING LIKE THAT TO ME? YOU BRAKE UP WITH ME, HAVEN'T YOU REALISED IT?"

"I do, but…."

"THERE IS NO 'BUT', RAOUL. HOW ABOUT OUR DAUGHTER? WHAT WILL YOU TELL HER? I DON'T BELIEVE THAT YOU SUGGESTED US TO STAY APART. AND WHAT DO YOU EXPECT ME TO DO? TO AGREE TO THAT? NO. I LOVE YOU AND YOU LOVE ME. HOW CAN YOU POSSIBLY THROW OUR MARRIAGE TO THE GARBAGE? ALL THE DREAMS WE MADE TOGETHER FOR THE FUTURE? ALL THE THINGS YOU HAD TOLD ME BACK TO THE OPERA ABOUT OUR COMMON LIFE? ALL THE WORDS OF LOVE WE SAID TO EACH OTHER? HOW CAN YOU THROW ALL OUR LIFE AWAY FOR HER? FOR HER?"

She was trembling now. Her face was so red from anger and frustration that he thought that she was ready to explode. But she was right. What about Rosalie? What would he tell her?

"Wait. Is her status, right? That's why you want to stay with her. That's why you don't want to fight about us. She comes from a wealthy family while I am not. I was just a dancer to the Opera while she is a young rich woman who wants to marry a wealthy man."

"No, of course, it's not, Christine. I never thought it like this. We can't continue together; don't you see it? We barely meet through the day.", he exclaimed as he unbuttoned his cufflinks.

"EXCUSE ME? THIS IS NOT MY FAULT. WHO IS ABSENT ALL DAY AND SOME NIGHTS, TOO? WHO HAS TO TAKE ME OUT JUST FOR A WALK THE LAST MONTHS? THE ANSWER IS YOU, RAOUL. NO ONE BUT YOU. YOU DON'T EVEN TALK TO ME ANYMORE."

"Look, we say unreasonably words. It's better to stay apart tonight to calm down ourselves.

"UNREASONABLY? DO YOU CALL ME IRRATIONAL? YOU KNOW THAT I AM TELLINH THE TRUTH. YOU KNOW IT DEEP INSIDE YOU."

"Goodnight, Christine", Raoul said and walked out of the room.

"IT'S NOT THE ONLY NIGHT I WILL SLEEP ALONE, RAOUL!", Christine shouted to him.

End of Flashback.

"I don't know what to say", Erik admitted, moving his hand through his hair. "And what happened next? What did he say to Rosalie?"

"He was blind by love, I suppose. At least that was his excuse when we met again. The next morning, I tried to convince him that we could forget everything and continue our life but I didn't succeed. I did the same for the rest of the month but the result was the same. A big nothing. He was insisted that we couldn't live together but he told me that I should keep the home."

"Bighearted", Erik said ironically, emphasized in Vicomte's behavior.

Christine chuckled.

"I didn't know what to do. I was willing to try again and again until I would change his mind and I tried to some point, but suddenly I got tired. All my efforts were in a void. He didn't pay attention at me, at all. Whatever I did, he was ignoring me. I felt broken when I realized that my husband didn't want me anymore."

Her voice broke as new tears rolled down her cheeks. Erik felt a compulsion to hug her, to protect her, to tell her that everything would be alright again. Instead, he stayed there, trying to tell that woman words of compassion.

"Christine, please, don't cry. Everything is in the past. You can make a new beginning now. If you want to stop, it's alright with me. It's very difficult, I know."

He took her hand into his and caressed it. That sensation was…. amazing. He wanted to hold her hand forever. She seemed so fragile but she found her self-control soon.

"No, Erik, I am fine, I'm almost done", she said and pulled her hand from him. He felt an emptiness inside him but he didn't say anything.

"I was like this for the next few days and I was trying to not show anything to Rosalie. Until one day, a pleasant surprise found me."

"Really? What was it?"

"Madame Giry, of course. She got very worried about my last letter that she couldn't bear the distance and came to me. When Madame Giry saw me, understood that I was not happy at all. She hugged me and let me cry into her arms. After that, I told her what happened between Raoul and me, and when I finished, she was shocked. You see, it was very difficult for her -as it was for everyone else- to realize that a man like him who got himself into so much trouble to save me and take me away from Paris, could have that behavior. She told me to gather my things and prepare Rosalie for a trip back to Paris. I told her that Rosalie didn't know anything and that I didn't want to leave but to fight for my marriage. Then, she told me that the little girl would know the reason soon and that it wasn't necessary anymore to stay there. I didn't understand first but I didn't insist either and went to do as I was told. Rosalie of course asked me and I told her that we had to go for a little trip to Paris. She got excited after that I introduced her to Madame Giry. Raoul came home after a while. He got very pale when he saw all of us and especially the ballet mistress stay there, with luggage beside us. He greeted us and took Rosalie into his arms. When he let her down, Madame Giry approached him.

Flashback

"That gesture was not honorable at all on behalf of you. I was sure that you would love and cherished her but you have disappointed me, Monsieur. I will not accept Christine to stay here any longer with a man like you, who doesn't respect and love her."

"Madame it's not…."

"No, Monsieur, not a word. Now, you will tell your daughter a good excuse for our departure and we will leave immediately. I hope to avail yourself of the time being alone and think about what you have caused to your marriage. When you will be ready you can talk with Christine again and find a solution."

End of flashback

Erik, was standing there, with his mouth open, not knowing what to say. His first reaction was to laugh. What an admonishment for the Vicomte. He wished to be there, to see his rival lose his words and couldn't do anything to stop Antoinette. He made a mental note to congratulate her when he would meet her.

"After their little chat, Raoul approached Rosalie, hugged her and told her that me and her would return back to Paris for a while with aunt Antoinette. He would stay back and when he would take care of some issues, he would come to see us. I can't lie but when I saw him so vulnerable under his daughter's gaze, not knowing what to tell her, I kind of enjoyed it. Maybe it's a shame, but I did."

"No, Christine it's not. He acted poorly towards you at the end and you didn't deserve it. On the contrary, he deserved Antoinette's words."

"I don't know, maybe."

"And how did you two meet again?"

"When we returned here, I was sad and disappointed. Rosalie was asking all the time about her papa and I told her excuses. Fortunately, Meg was keeping her busy with games and hugs and I am grateful. I didn't have an answer. I didn't even know if we would see him again. I was sure that Raoul would never come to see us. But I was wrong. Six months after our arrival to Paris, we heard the door knocking and there he was. Raoul. He was… different. Far different from the man I saw to London long ago. That man was determined to change his entire life with any cost because of another woman while this man in the threshold was someone else. He took off his hat and hold it into his hands not daring to make a move inside the house. Madame Giry, who opened the door, stepped aside but Raoul didn't move. He was balking to make the first move. Eventually, after Madame Giry's instigation, he walked in. Raoul smiled, greeted us all and then he asked me if I wanted to talk with him. I accepted and I beckoned to him to sit. Meg and her mother went to the kitchen and Rosalie was in her room. I was ready to call her, to tell her that her father was there but Raoul stopped me. He wanted to talk with me first and the reason he was there, let me surprised. He had regretted his behavior and he wanted us to be together again, as a family. I was speechless and I thought that he was joking. I was so sure that all this was a tasteless joke. But I was sure that I was wrong when he told me that Evelin had abandoned him after four months and left him for a wealthy man, almost fifteen years older than her. He kneeled in front of me and asked for my forgiveness. He was crying, Erik. I had never seen him cry like this. After a while he stood up, wiped his eyes and sat back to the chair. I couldn't articulate a single word. I was looking at him but I couldn't speak. When I realized what he had just said I told him that I was sorry for what happened to him but I couldn't return, not yet. I also told him how disappointed and broken I was feeling but I didn't give him a specific answer. I hadn't forgiven him. It was very hard to do it. He told me that he would respect it and he would wait as long as it would take me to decide."

"I was so sure that you would return to him to that instant."

"No, Erik. I could do that but something inside me was different now. I hadn't forgiven him. It was very hard to do so and I needed time. Something had broken inside me. I was scared to return. What if he would do the same thing again? I wouldn't bear it again. Besides I had the need to do things for myself. I would like to work again. And I did just that. Meg was working as a seamstress in Madame Beatrice's shop. She is Madame Giry's friend and when I came back, she took me in. I am very grateful to her. I can say that I managed it very well", Christine giggled.

"Good for you. And why did you stay apart after all?"

"After few days Raoul visited us to see Rosalie and I told him that I had a job. He didn't approve it. A Vicomte's wife can't work. I liked my job and I was feeling confident for a first time in so long. Also, I wasn't thinking the last events. Raoul almost demanded that I had to quit if I wanted to be with him. His behavior became abrupt again so I put an end to that situation. My job was a relief from my thoughts and I can say that I didn't miss Raoul as much as I thought I would. He tried to persuade me but it was useless. I had made my decision. After almost a year or so, we were officially divorced. Raoul stayed in Paris for good so he could see our daughter and I was working to the shop along with Meg. After that, Opera reopened and we took a dancer job there. You know the rest."

"I see. Did Rosalie know about the reason you got divorced?"

"No. She is very young to understand. We told her that mama and papa cannot stay together anymore so they have to stay apart. She got upset at first but when Raoul told her that he would be with her almost every day, she made a happy sound and ran into his arms. She has a fondness for her papa", Christine smiled.

Erik exhaled.

"Oh Christine. I didn't have the slightest idea. I was so sure that you were happily married with the man you love. I can't believe it", he said suddenly hitting his fist on the table. "You should stay with me, Christine. I would never harm you. If you would stay with me…."

"If I would stay with you, I would be a sad woman who would pine away and would try to find a way to escape", Christine said with a serious look on her face.

Erik exhaled again and passed his hands through his hair.

"You are right, Christine. I am sorry. I would keep you against your will and I would make you unhappy. Forgive me, please."

Christine didn't answer. Just nodded. Erik stood up and looked at her.

"Come, it's time for sleep."

"Oh, you are right. I am here for almost two hours. I should be going", Christine said as she was wearing her coat.

"No, Christine. There is no possibility to let you leave this late hour. It's dangerous. I suggest to sleep here."

"Here? In your room?", she asked with fear and surprise together.

"Yes. Of course, only if you are agreed with that."

"But how, Erik? Where can I sleep here?"

"You will take my bed, Christine, and I will sleep here in the couch."

Christine looked outside the window. The truth was that it was very dark outside and she was very tired. The thought of walking was not so appealing to her right now.

"Well?"

"Alright, but still, I feel a little…. uncomfortable."

Erik approached her and touched her arm.

"Please, don't be afraid of me. You opened your heart to me, tonight and I thank you for your trust. I want to take care of you, nothing more. We will sleep tonight and tomorrow I will escort you to your house."

Christine felt relieved from his words. She nodded and Erik returned to prepare his bed. It was just a night after all.