Disclaimer: I DO NOT own Phantom of the Opera or its character's it all belongs to Gaston Leroux, Susan Kay, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Warner Brother Studios, and anyone else that has the rights to it.

Author's note: This is my first story I hope you all like it. Thank you to my fantastic beta reader Miss Cullen -I wish. Reviews are welcomed

New beginnings

Chapter 1

Christine stepped out onto the large balcony that over looked the rose gardens, the cool air a refreshing feeling after being concealed inside all day. She let her mind wander as she settled herself on the small bench. Tonight was a turning point in Christine's life. The masked ball that her father threw each year would also be serving purpose as her engagement party. She was to be married to Raoul de Chagny, a nobleman and handsome bachelor, a man she did not love.

Charles, Christine's father, was most happy by the union. He pushed Christine and Raoul together and persuaded her to accept Raoul as a husband. She later found out his motive behind doing so, money. Raoul was from a wealthy family and was ready to provide if Christine would become his wife. Charles had become irresponsible with his money since the death of Christine's mother Emma, and was now in debt. However no one yet knew of the debt except for Raul, making it easy to manipulate Charles. Now Christine was a pawn to be used in her father's agreement with Raoul.

A soft knock on her bedrooms door awoke her from her thoughts. Marie, her maid entered the room, her dark eyes searching for her.

"Milady! You will catch a cold!" Christine looked out to the horizon noticing that the sun had set and wondered how long she had been out.

"You must come inside, its time" the small woman sounded impatient and took Christine's hand for her to follow.

Once inside Christine walked over to the full length mirror she kept by her vanity. She examined herself and could feel Marie doing the same.

"You look beautiful milady" here, let me help you with your mask. Marie secured the mask by tying a knot underneath Christine's long chocolate curls. Then let her hair fall to beautifully frame Christine's face.

"Thank you Marie, you can go, I'll be down soon." The small woman turned and quietly left the room. Christine then looked at her reflection. She truly did look beautiful; the strapless gown fit her curves perfectly, the scarlet color of the gown complemented her fair skin, and the bodice was embroidered with a beautiful design. The mask she wore only covered around the eyes, with a black lace overlay that contrasted with her big blue eyes, making them stand out.

She turned to leave, stepping out of the room and into the hallway silently making her way down to the marble stairwell. Reaching the railing for support she took a deep breath before slowly descending down the stairs. She felt everyone's gaze turning to look at her, she could feel Raoul's eyes and it sickened her, and she could feel her father's cold cunning gaze and it sadden her.

"Ah! Christine it's about time" her father called out to her as she reached the grand foyer, the annoyance clearly evident in his tone of voice. He extended his hand to her and slowly began leading her pass the crowd to the other side of the room.

"I believe you all know my daughter, Christine" the people surrounding her were all aristocrats, probably wealthiest in the room. She gave a polite smile and suddenly saw Raoul emerge from out of nowhere.

"Miss Daae, you are most beautiful" he said before taking her hand in his and placing a kiss on the top of her hand. He was dressed impeccably and was smiling at her with a wicked look in his dark eyes. Everyone around them thought him a saint, a façade that Christine quickly became aware of; they were all smiling at her, probably waiting for her response. When none came he took the opportunity to lead her away. "Honor me with a dance?" Before she could answer she was led by the hand to the center of the ball room and began dancing to the slow music in the background. Her father excusing himself disappeared into the sea of people.

"You will behave tonight" his low commanding voice whispering into her ear as they both danced. She looked down and nodded slowly, in defeat. She wanted to be stronger but she did not want to disappoint her father, who although was not the man he used to be she still loved him despite of everything. Her home, her life style, she didn't want to lose everything she had. She was still a child in many ways and was too afraid to stand up for herself. So she agreed to become his fiancé not really accepting or facing the consequences until now.

"Good, because I'm tired of your cold attitude towards me and the sooner you accept this the better it'll be for the both of us. I want you to look happy tonight; you will be my wife and as such will submit under my rule, understood?" he was clearly not happy and she feared even speaking to him when he was like this. She nodded again hoping to ease his anger; he was now smiling victoriously as he led her in dance.

When the music stopped she couldn't be happier until she realized that Raoul was not letting go of her hand. Clearly she was not going to be let out of his site tonight. He gave her a menacing look when she gently tried to pull away.

"Ladies and gentlemen! I would like to have you attention." She felt near tears, this would be the moment when she would lose all freedom, any chance of escaping gone once everyone knew.

"I just wanted to inform everyone that the lovely Christine Daae and I are to be married!" Raoul said in a load voice for all to hear while smiling and looking over at her. She didn't know what to do, she tried scanning the room for her father but could not find him, and not that he would be much help. She felt helpless as if her whole future was being forced upon her at this very moment. The room fell silent for a short while and then erupted in applause. As she continued the search for her father she noticed the faces around her, most seemed happy with the news, others were surprised and some of the younger women seemed upset as they began to whisper among themselves and looked at their direction, probably thinking that she was not worthy of the most eligible bachelor.

The crowds began surrounding them offering their congratulations. She then looked in Raoul's direction, he seemed content smiling at the people shaking his hand and thanking them for their support. She gave a weak smile when someone would approach her but she couldn't speak, if she said anything she would surly begin to cry.

"We thank you all for your support, the wedding should take place in the near future" Raoul then raised his campaign filled glass and drank it all without hesitation.

She was startled when he dismissed himself and took her hand, gently pulling her leading her in the direction of the double doors which led to the balcony "outside now!" he hissed into her ear when he was sure that they weren't being heard. His eyes filled with anger as he gently closed the doors behind him, his calm demeanor completely changed once they were alone. He walked over to her and forcefully grabbed her by the shoulders so she couldn't escape him.

"What the hell is wrong with you? Why don't you try smiling for once… you look ridiculous, it's embarrassing!" he said, his anger clearly fuelled by the lack of enthusiasm she displayed inside. She looked down trying to regain the little strength she had left.

"LOOK AT ME WHEN IM SPEAKING TO YOU!" he forced her eyes to meet his by roughly tilting her chin up, the rims of her blue eyes flooded by tears.

"I told you that I wasn't going to put up with this tonight-"

"I HATE YOU!" she blurted out, interrupting him and leaving him completely speechless.

The silence was broken by the muffled scream, he backhanded her-hard. She was on the floor her hand covering her cheek, looking up at him as he slowly made his way back to the foyer.

"Get yourself together and come back inside, I've had enough."

The doors slammed close behind him, when she was finally alone she allowed herself to cry.