Early the next day, Christine was lying in bed. The sun outside was just barely peeking over the horizon. Christine had barely slept a wink that whole night.

Every time she had come close, a face would come to her mind. A certain person she had known since she was very young. I don't even know his name, she thought. She promised herself she would find out from Madam Giry when she returned.

Sighing loudly, she decided to get up seeing as there was no point in sleep now. She knew Raoul had probably already left for work. He always left so early. But now, she somehow didn't mind as much as she had before.

She had seen pain in his eyes the previous night. She hated hurting him because he had been nothing but gracious to her. But Raoul was not exactly a passionate man.

Oh, he had been on the rooftop that one night. But after that he was more concerned with catching the Phantom. It was the way he was; he had always had a lot of responsibility. She just somehow got the impression that somewhere he had forgotten what exactly he was fighting for.

Never get so caught up in the chase that you forget what it is you desire.

Her father had told her that many years ago and as she thought of it, it made her think of Paris yet again. She was finally going back, something weeks ago she never would have thought possible.

Maybe it wasn't smart; maybe she would only become disappointed. But if she didn't go she would never know.

Christine dressed in a dark green traveling dress and cape. As she headed downstairs she saw maids bustling around having her things in order for the trip. It almost looked comical really. They were doing all this for her, Christine Daae, the poor little chorus girl.

Christine smiled a bit. Oh, if only they knew how she had been living her entire life. But Raoul had seen to it that she look as wealthy as anyone in the country.

A maid stopped her fussing when she saw Mademoiselle Daae was in her presence. "Oh Mademoiselle I'm glad to see your up. I'm so sorry for the delay but we have almost all your things packed and you will be on your way in ten minute's time..." the young maid said.

Christine nodded at the woman as she put on her traveling gloves. "Don't worry, anytime will be fine. Did Raoul leave already?" she inquired.

The maid nodded. "Yes Mademoiselle. He had an important meeting I believe. But he did leave a note. Here, I will fetch it for you."

Christine waited as the maid searched for the note. She returned with it clutched in her hand. "Here it is!" she said triumphantly. Christine scanned it quickly.

My dear,

I'm so sorry I had to leave early and couldn't see you off. However I instructed the drivers to take the best care of you. Do be careful, and say hello to everyone for me. Again, I wish I could have said goodbye to you before you left. Come home soon, alright Christine? The sooner we get married the better.

Love, Raoul

Christine smiled dutifully as the maid watched her face. "Thank you," she said handing the note back to her. The maid looked curious and Christine could see she desperately wanted to read the note but it would be rude to do so without asking and Christine would say no more.

"Well, if my things are all packed, then I expect I shall be off," She said and couldn't help feeling more excited than she had in a long time.

The maid bowed slightly. "Yes I believe everything is ready for you. I will see you to your carriage." The two walked outside to where the small black carriage awaited them.

All the servants of the household had come to bid farewell to their master's fiancée.

Christine turned to them all. "Thank you for your hospitality. Do tell Raoul I won't be gone long." She smiled at all of them politely even though she was dying to leave.

The maid she had spoken with said, "Of course we will. Be safe now." She nodded once and entered the small carriage.

She heard the driver whip the horses and she was off. She looked back at the luxurious house she had spent the last couple of months in.

On the outside, it was completely beautiful and extravagant. But as Christine had learned, looks could be oh so deceiving.