Disclaimer: I do not own the Phantom of the Opera or its characters. The story is not mine, albeit it is somewhat twisted more to my own liking.

A/N: I have written other stories before this, but never got around to finishing them. This one I fully intend on completing. This story has been rated "M" just for safety precautions. Later on things may get a little more adult. My story follows that of the movie version. Now, picture the movie up until the Masquerade. All events occurred, but my new plot twist intervenes the day before the Masque. Just thought I should clear that up.

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No Love Without An Angel

by: Desaire

© 2006

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Prologue

What if Christine changed her mind?

What if she acted on her true feelings for Erik instead of being the coward and choosing the easy path out by marrying Raoul?

What if she confronted both men and made a different choice?

Would all their lives turn out for the better?

Will Erik be able to trust love and not fear what he truly desires?

Will Raoul be able to accept Christine's new decision?

What secrets, lies, and acts of deception have been hidden?

What new danger is lurking around every corner?

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Chapter One

≈ The night before the Masquerade Ball ≈

"Christine, I'm so happy you've accepted my proposal. We will be such a wonderful couple." Raoul tightened his embrace around Christine.

Pulling back gently to look again at the engagement ring on her finger, Christine feigned a smile and her excitement. In truth, her heart was broken. For almost three months now she had not seen or heard from her Angel. The anger she felt towards herself had grown each day for she knew that it was her fault he had not shown himself.

Christine knew that once she married Raoul she would no longer be able to see Erik again. The thought of never being with her Angel hurt so much that she fought so hard not to cry; especially in front of her fiancé. And if he saw her cry, she would have no choice but to tell him the truth, she could not lie to him. Not to her friend, her childhood sweetheart. She could not break his heart by explaining to him the true nature of where her own lies.

"I love you, Christine. I'm going to give you the life you deserve. Anything you could ever want will be yours." Raoul continued to hold her hands in his, his smile that had been pasted on his face for hours not ceasing.

I want Erik. I do not deserve you, Raoul. My heart is betraying you and I am too much a coward to confront you. Tell him Christine! He has a right to know that you can not marry him if your mind, body, and soul belong to another man!

She pulled away from Raoul slowly. Worrying her bottom lip between her teeth, she swallowed the lump that had built within her throat. Looking into Raoul's eyes, she could not speak the truth. He just looked too happy. Taking a deep breath she tried to relax herself before Raoul sensed her uneasiness.

"Raoul, I must go now. Tomorrow night is the Masque and I promised Meg Giry that we could go searching for gowns this afternoon." Glad that her voice did not falter, but still afraid that she might lose herself any moment; Christine gave her fiancé a quick kiss on the cheek.

"Oh, of course. Will you come back here for dinner tonight, Christine? You may invite Meg if you wish." Raoul entwined his fingers with hers as he led her to the front door of his estate, happily swinging their arms to and fro.

"I'm not so sure for tonight, Raoul. I was actually planning of spending the rest of the night with the Giry's. The last time I talked to Meg she told me that we spend no time together anymore. And..."

Raoul pulled Christine in quickly for a warm hug. "Say no more. I understand. Besides, Meg is like a sister to you and Antoinette a mother. I could not have your relationships be torn apart due to me. So go and have a good time. Say hello to them for me?"

She nodded and leaned in as Raoul kissed her cheek goodbye. "I will see you tomorrow evening then."

"Tomorrow." He smiled and escorted her to the carriage waiting at the front of the de Chagny residence. He waved her off as the horse-drawn coach left his home and headed in the direction of the Opera Populaire.

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A/N: Reviews are most welcome. Feel free to comment on anything in anyway. I'm not one to hold a grudge if words are harsh. I prefer honest reviews.