I do not own Phantom of the Opera.

This is my first story so please bare with me.

Summary: Christine Daae is a successful college student studying music in New York. Her life comes to a complete stand still when she loses her father. Will her new tutor be able to save her voice and will she be able to help him out of the darkness that he lives in? Modern Day. EC. This story is rated M to be safe.

Here goes the first chapter. Please review it would mean a lot.

Chapter 1

Christine Daae was an ordinary girl. She had a boyfriend, many friends and a father who loved her. Over all her grades in college had been pretty good and nothing could stop her happiness, until she arrived home one Monday afternoon after an exhausting day at college.

"Dad I'm home. Where are you?" Christine called, dropping her keys on the table throwing her bag on to the couch.

Upon hearing the television she wandered into the living room. "Dad are you in here?" She called again, sighing as she found the living room empty and that's when she saw the horrible sight.

Her father lay lifelessly on the floor.

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Erik Destler was a successful composer who occasionally had the odd tutoring job. He had been in a relationship with the love of his life, Carly, for two years.

Carly knocked on the door of his study and said, "Honey, I'm ready."

"I'll be out in a minute." He replied, shutting his laptop and walking to the door.

Carly stood in the entrance hall wearing a slim black dress and strappy sandals.

"Wow, Carly. You look gorgeous." Erik said, his mouth slightly agape. He never grew tired of seeing this beautiful woman.

"Thank you, Erik," she replied. "You don't look to bad yourself" Erik knew that she would never see him as perfect because of the white mask that covered half of his face. He shrugged the thought off and linked his arm with hers, leading her out the door.

Once they were at the restaurant. Erik ordered the finest wine knowing that everyone thing would have to be perfect.

"Carly," he began, "You know I love you with all my heart, I never thought that it was possible to feel this way about someone until I met you." He took in deep breath and became quite pale.

"Erik, honey. Are you alright?" She asked, slightly worried.

"Yes, love. I'm more than alright. I'm perfect." He smiled reassuringly. "As I was saying you mean the world to me and I was wondering if you'd do me the honour of being my wife?"

Carly stared at him, completely shocked by his question.

Erik breathed in deeply, awaiting her answer.

"No" Carly said and stood up, grabbing her purse and leaving the restaurant.

A/N: I know this chapter is quite short. The story will pick up in the next chapter. Please review, it would mean the world!

-A