Chapter One - The Wedding
"Do you, Raoul de Chagny, take this woman to be your lawful wedded wife?"
"I do." Raoul looked over at Christine, his eyes shining with love and happiness.
"Do you, Christine Daae, take this man to be your lawful wedded husband?" the priest intoned. Christine smiled, meeting Raoul's gaze.
"I do." She answered. Raoul squeezed her hand gently and she gave him a small smile.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride." Raoul leant in, lifted Christine's veil over her head, and kissed her gently. She wrapped her arms around him and kissed him again. From the stands where their friends and family were gathered, cheers arose. Only two people did not join in the festivities. One man, Raoul's brother, stood with his arms crossed as he watched the happy couple. After a while, he tore the white carnation from his pocket and stamped on it, meeting Raoul's gaze before turning on his heel and walking off.
The other man, dressed in a black coat and hat, stood in the shadows, unnoticed by anyone. His eyes had hardly left the bride's shining form since she had begun the walk down the isle. He sighed, and shook his head, never taking his eyes from her. Slowly, she sensed that someone was watching her. He watched as she turned and started when she saw him. He saw her pull at her new husband's arm, trying to grab his attention as the uninvited guest melted into the shadows.