If this chapter seems rushed, that's because it was. But I hope you enjoy it anyway!

Christine Daae was not by any means a brilliant girl, but she did know when someone was lying to her.

"Raoul, tell me what's wrong!" She pleaded.

Her fiance brushed her off once again.

"Darling, it's nothing. Truly."

Furious, Christine stomped a dainty slipper-clad foot at the man sitting at the desk.

"Stop treating me like a child! Don't think I haven't noticed you constantly peering out the windows, or making doubly sure the doors are locked, or posting extra guards at the door. What are you afraid of, Raoul?"

The blond man sighed and rubbed his forehead fretfully. "Please, Christine, let's not argue. You will understand in time."

Christine hesitated, tempted to drop the matter altogether, but his strange behavior for the past few weeks bothered her immensely. She could not let it go on without knowing the reason behind it. She would go mad.

"No!" She snapped. "I won't live in a house where I haven't a clue what is going on. You can't keep me in the dark forever, Raoul. If I'm going to be part of this family, your family, I need to stand by your side through both the good and the bad." Her voice softened. "Please, Raoul, for our sake."

He stared hard at her before lowering his head in defeat. "You are right, my love. Forgive me. I only meant to protect you."

"Protect me?" She asked, bewildered. He nodded solemnly. She looked closely at his face and was surprised to find something that looked like… shame? He took a deep breath and released it again before continuing.

"Christine, are you aware of the financial state of my family?"

Ah, so that is it, she thought to herself. "I know that your family is quite wealthy, and that you are to inherit a veritable fortune." She replied cautiously. "Is… is that the problem? I know I am poor, and have no dowry to speak of; do you wish to call the wedding off because of-?"

"No, no!" Raoul leaped from his seat, his face quite red. "That is not in the slightest the issue here. Your lack of fortune has never bothered me, Christine, I care only for you." He spun around and stalked to the window behind him. He paced back and forth, nervously wringing his hands. "But you may no longer care for me after I tell you this." He stopped and stared out the window, hands behind his back and shoulders slumped.

Christine watched him, open-mouthed in shock. She had never seen him like this; he had always been calm and collected in her presence, if not perpetually delighted. Now he was reduced to a quivering mess. She shook herself and focused on his words. "Then tell me, and we shall see."

He looked at her sorrowfully. "I am the worst kind of man, Christine. I can no longer provide for you. I have fallen into.. bad habits. My fortune is gone, and I am struggling to pay any of my debts."

Christine thought she could not be more astounded. "You have been gambling? What will your father have to say, Raoul? And this will surely kill your mother!"

He ran his hands through his increasingly wild hair. "I know, I know. They will hate me. I have destroyed the family name; our very livelihood will be trampled in the mud. Why couldn't I just stop? Why?" He turned around, his shoulders shaking with the heaviness of his burden.

She watched him for a moment, before crossing the room to go to him. "Raoul, when my father died, it was you and your family that made sure I was cared for. I would have been lost without you and your generosity. It is one of the things I love best about you. Now, in your greatest moment of weakness, you think I would abandon you? I, your Little Lottie? I love you just the same. Just say the words, and I will follow you." She put her arms around his neck, hugging him close.

Overcome, Raoul began to weep. "You are the kindest, most beautiful girl on earth, Christine. You are an absolute angel." They rocked back and forth, her comforting him and him comforting her. Eventually, they broke apart and looked at each other.

"Can anything be done?" She asked.

He was silent for a moment. "I have an old friend… He owes me a favor. But I don't think he could possibly begin to cover the payments."

"Try!" Christine urged. "Visit him and ask. He is our only hope. We must try."

He sighed and nodded. "He lives some distance away. It will take me several days to reach him, and several more to return. Will you be alright by yourself for so long?"

"Of course!" She declared, putting on a bright smile. "I've got so much to do here I've barely time to breathe!" They laughed together.

Raoul reached out and brushed her cheek with the pad of his finger. "Christine, I love you. I would not be half the man I am without you."

"I know." The girl replied saucily, giving him a wink.

He pulled her closer with a teasing smile. "Say you love me."

She looked up at him with complete trust and happiness. "You know I do."

He bent down and kissed her softly. "Darling, that's all I ask of you."