Author's Note: Have no fear dear reviewers, I decided not to keep you in suspense any longer, so I give you another chapter soon than I expected.

Disclaimer: So dreams don't count do they, when they come to owning anything?

The Engagement

He was sitting in his library pouring through his books. He had a lot of business to conduct, since he had been away from home for so long, it was becoming more and more difficult to get things done. Sensing movement out of the corner of his eye he looked up, his eyes met with the most beautiful sight. There Christine was standing in the door frame; the sun hit one side of her face, making her look so flawless. Raoul was speechless; she was dressed in a simple light blue dress and had her hair flowing loosely down her back.

"Raoul, I have come to discuss a matter of business with you." Stepping forward, she drew a deep breath before continuing. "I have been thinking a lot of what you said a few days ago, about starting anew. And, I...I have decided to accept your proposal and consent to become your wife."

Raoul had stood up in the middle of her speech, barely hearing what she said, happiness over came him; he just didn't know what to say.

"Say something Raoul," Christine asked desperately, so she didn't have to hear a little voice in the back of her head.

"What is there to say, you have made me the happiest man on the earth. I am so glad that you are back to normal and that thing no longer has any control over your mind. I knew all you needed was time, but you really had me scared." Raoul rushed to her side, and captured her lips in a tender kiss. He was about to kiss her again when Christine put her hand on his chest to stop him from closing in again.

"What did you say Raoul," He eyed her carefully trying to decipher the look she was giving him.

"That you have made me really happy," he uneasily stated.

"No after that."

"That I was scared for your health, you seemed really affected by the death of the Phantom, which I don't know why, and I mean he did steal you away."

"No Raoul, you stole me away. You took my happiness; you're the one that is the monster." Anger was rising in voice; she shook her head, hardly believing that she had just accepted his offer of marriage and had even considered it. "I cannot believe you Raoul, I thought you had changed. I was ready to forgive you for killing the man that I love, yes that is right Raoul that man I love. I love Erik with all my heart; he is my will and reason to live. I have not been my self because you shot him like some animal. Erik is the kindest man I know and would never do anything to harm me. I never wanted to be saved from him; we were building a home together till you came along. You broke my heart Raoul, and I was ready to marry you but all the respect you can muster for me and Erik was that you are glad that I am no longer under his spell. Well if you want to look at it that way, I shall always be under his spell, until the day I die." Raoul looked at her in disbelief; he couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"Christine, I am sorry."

"Sorry doesn't cut it Raoul, I am leaving and don't you dare stop me." Whirling around, Christine started for the door; Raoul reached out and grabbed her arm trying to halt her escape.

"Let me go Raoul," she glared at him, daring him to keep her there. Slowly he let her arm go, once she was free she ran out the door never to look back again. Raoul stood in the library, shocked that he could go from being engaged to her, to having her loath him. His head drooped in sorrow, hopefully in a couple of days she would come to her senses, just then he saw his ring that he had given her on the floor. Bending down he picked it up, how could she love the Phantom, he wondered, what did he have that Raoul did not. What did he do that Raoul didn't do, the phantom was a murderer, but so was Raoul. Sitting on his chair again, Raoul buried his head in his arms, how will he ever let Christine see his feelings for her were deeper than any ghosts.

Erik was sitting at the kitchen table with Madame Giry, she had finally let him get out of bed and walk around. Erik was surprised how much strength he had recovered; he had expected himself to be very weak. Madame Giry had just laughed at his expression when he had first gotten out of bed. Erik had hardly felt any pain, and was in excellent health. Madame Giry had just given him a look, of I told you so.

Now they were discussing where Raoul might be hiding with Christine.

"I have asked around and no one seems to know where Raoul is, or where he might be. I have even had some of the servants ask his servants and they don't even know."

"He has to be somewhere Antoinette; he didn't just fall off the face of the planet. The fop is not very smart so I doubt it will take long to find out where he is now that I am better."

"Erik, I have been trying and haven't found him, so are you calling me stupid and incapable of finding him." Erik smiled sheepishly, realizing what he had accused her of.

"No, not at all, you are a woman, so naturally it would be harder for you to find him." He added quickly trying to save himself from his slight.

"Oh, so now you are saying that just because I am female I am once again incapable of doing anything. May I remind you, that I did track you down, and saved you life?"

"No, I mean I was just saying that, I" Madame Giry started to laugh seeing Erik's panicked face." It is ok, Erik, I know what you are trying to say, but you must not underestimate Raoul. He is capable of many things. That will be your first mistake, is not thinking him smart enough."

"All right, I will give him more credit, but I doubt he deserves it." Saying the last bit under his breath, "He can't hide forever, he must come back to his house at some point, and he has business to take care of. If he doesn't then he will lose his money and I doubt he will want to do that."

Both were lost in thought, for a moment trying to think of what to do. Just then Julie came bursting through the door, out of breath.

"I am...sorry for the…. intrusion,.. but…there is activity going on… in the De Changy...mansion… the house is in uproar." still trying to catch her breath she clutched her chest, breathing in and out deeply. The two at the table just looked at each other; finally they had something to go off of. Erik got up in a flash and threw on his cape.

"Erik you are still not strong enough to around sneaking and spying, let me go or someone else."

"No, Antoinette this trip I make alone, I am going to do something for Christine for a change." With that he disappeared out the door before Madame Giry could say anything more.

This chapter was a little different than I thought it would be, review and I will update soon. I could never let Christine marry Raoul that should be against the law or something.