Erik had left the house after supper to go 'run an errand', leaving Christine alone for the rest of the night.

She went immediately to the study, needing to clear her head. What was everyone hiding from her and why wouldn't they tell her? Had she done something wrong?

Christine didn't understand, and it was making her very frustrated. Oh, how she hated this! She wanted to know so badly what everyone else knew! Were they keeping secrets from her? She knew the secret must be big, for even Meg wasn't telling her!

She had to get it out of Erik somehow. There had to be a way to crack him, to make him talk.

Suddenly, an idea came to mind. Christine hurried to the spot in the corner where her bags sat, quickly opening one and pulling out one of her more revealing nightgowns. Oh, there was no way he'd be able to resist her in this! Christine began to pull off her day dress and undergarments, gazing at the clock and realizing Erik would be back soon.

Adjusting the nightgown and fixing her hair, Christine began to quickly plot her plan. She would go into Erik's room and wait for him in his bed wearing only her revealing nightgown, then before he could make love to her, he would have to tell her the secret. It was perfect, nearly foolproof!

There was only one thing standing in her way. She hadn't slept with anyone in three years… the last time had been the last time Erik slept beside her. Would things be different? Would they be just as passionate as they had in the past?

Christine shook the thoughts from her head. She had no time to doubt, Erik would be back any moment! She hurried into his bedchamber, only lighting a few candles. As she climbed into his bed, she heard someone coming down the hall. Christine quickly lay down, popping one of her knees up seductively.

Erik opened the door quickly, not noticing her at first. He closed the door and took a few steps towards his wardrobe before his eyes darted over to his bed.

"Chr-Christine?" he stammered, his eyes widening at the sight of her.

Christine looked gorgeous and extremely attractive, and she had definitely caught Erik off guard. What was she doing?

Christine bit her bottom lip and gazed at the masked man before her. "Yes, my darling?" she responded, her voice husky with desire.

Erik's heart began to race as Christine sat up a bit. "W-What are you doing? How long have you been waiting for me?"

The girl in his bed began to crawl across the mattress, making her way to the edge of the bed. "Come and get me, Erik, we both know you want to," she winked, a sly smirk forming upon her lips.

Erik could not resist her. He quickly went to Christine, smashing his lips against hers and grabbing her arms, pressing her down against the mattress. His body was alive with desire, his blood pumping through his veins.

Suddenly, he was flipped onto his back and Christine was hovering above him. "Not so fast, my dear. Before you get anything from me, you've got to tell me this secret everyone except me knows," she smirked, pressing his shoulders down on the mattress.

Erik groaned loudly. "You sly little temptress. Damn, you drive a hard bargain, but unfortunately I am not allowed to tell you," he said, trying to calm the stirring in his loins.

Christine frowned at him. "Erik, come on! Why can't you tell me? If you do, I'll let you have me for the night…" she winked. "I know you want this just as much as I do, and all you have to do to get it is tell me the secret!"

"Christine, I cannot tell you. I promise that you will find out soon, I just cannot tell you right now. It's nothing bad, I swear," Erik coaxed, gazing up into Christine's eyes.

She still was not content with his answer. Christine quickly got off of Erik and his bed, pouting as she turned to face him again. "Fine, if you're not going to tell me, I guess I'll just have to let you sleep alone tonight," she said, crossing her arms over her chest.

Erik sighed. "Christine, don't do this to me," he said, reaching a hand out to her. "Come over here for a moment."

Christine hesitated, then finally walked back over to him. She let Erik take her hand and he pulled her back onto the bed and into his lap. The masked man showered her cheeks and forehead with kisses, wanting to make her feel better.

"I know how badly you want to know, but if I tell you now, everything will be ruined. I promise that I'll tell you right after opening night tomorrow, for then it will be okay for you to know. Can you just wait a little bit longer? I know it will be worth the wait," he said, brushing the curls from her face.

Christine sighed and played with the hem of her nightgown. "Alright, fine," she mumbled. "But it better be a good secret. I don't want to have to wait for something that is just rubbish."

Erik chuckled and planted a kiss on her cheek. "My dear, I promise you that this will be anything but rubbish. You will love it," he whispered, wrapping his big arms around her waist.

A small smile formed on Christine's face as she rested her head on his shoulder. "Alright, I trust you," she said, feeling better.

"Good… now, about what you said earlier… do I still get my half of the offer?" Erik asked, flicking up a flawless brow.

Christine giggled and placed a kiss on his unmasked cheek. "Sorry darling, but that offer has now expired. Although, a nice glass of wine before bed would be nice," she hinted, biting her bottom lip hopefully.

Erik nodded and set her on the bed, getting up to go get wine. He returned a few moments later to find Christine already holding two wine glasses and smirked. "Well, someone is very prepared tonight," he teased, pouring the dark red liquid into the glasses.

Christine smiled and took a sip. "Of course! I'm always prepared!" Erik chuckled and took a sip of his own wine. "That you are, my love. How about after our wine, we get some sleep? We both have a big day ahead of us."

The young girl nodded, sitting back against the pillows. "That sounds fantastic," she smiled, reaching out and holding Erik's hand.

Erik smiled back at her. He couldn't wait for tomorrow. Everything was going to be perfect, nothing could ruin the day.

Soon, Erik found himself tucking a very tired Christine into bed, climbing in beside her and wrapping his arms around her.

"Goodnight, my love," Erik whispered, pressing a kiss to her temple. She mumbled a soft 'I love you' before falling asleep in his arms.

Christine deserved the best and only the best, and Erik was determined to give it to her. Tomorrow would be the best day of both their lives, he just knew it.

Erik awoke very early the next morning to leave for the Opera House. It was opening night of Faust and there was much work to be done. Before he left the house, he quickly scribbled out a note to Christine.

Good morning, my love. Unfortunately, I have much work to do before the opening of the show tonight and had to leave for the theatre. Do feel free to come a little earlier than your call time today and see me. I am positive Meg, Nadir, or Leila will go with you. Be sure to bring all of your things for the after party to the theatre beforehand, as we will not be returning home.

I love you and I hope to see you soon.

Erik

He left the note on the bedside table and ran into the study, grabbing the ring from his desk drawer. His heart skipped a beat as he realized how close the hour of his proposal was. In a matter of hours, Christine could be his fiancée!

The thought warmed him as he made his way to the theatre. There was still much planning to be done, much to be explained to the cast, and much to set up.

Erik was getting everyone in on the proposal plan. The entire cast was coming early in the morning so he could explain his plan. Sure, some of the company would not care about the plan, but he wanted them to be aware of what was going on before the after party.

As the company began to arrive, Erik explained his plan. He went on and on, surprising the cast with his excitement.

"The girl has no idea… and I expect her to have no idea until it actually happens, understand? If anyone ruins the surprise, I will have your heads!" he said, straightening his posture. "Now that I have made myself clear, you may go about your business. I expect you all to be back at call time."

The cast began to file out. Erik had been explaining for nearly twenty minutes and they all wanted to get out before Christine would arrive. As Erik began to leave the stage, Meg Giry dashed up beside him.

"Monsieur, I must tell you, your plan is genius!" she exclaimed.

Erik nodded. "Thank you, Madame. I believe it is quite genius myself."

"May I suggest one thing though?" Meg asked, catching Erik's attention. He stopped walking and turned to her. "What could you possibly suggest, Meg?"

The young blonde, looked down briefly, trying to regain her confidence. "Well, Monsieur, I think that instead of having me and Leila receive Christine from her dressing room that you should do it. And you should bring her a rose, too! You know she always loved that…"

Erik's eyes widened a little. Why hadn't he thought of that? Of course!

"Meg, I thank you, that is excellent. Instead of receiving Christine, you and Leila can go with your men. I'm sure Christine and I will be just fine," he smirked.

Meg beamed with excitement. "Thank you, sir! I will tell Leila!" she exclaimed, turning and running the other way.

Erik smirked. Now things truly were perfect! Everything would be perfect, and Christine knew not a thing of what was to happen.

Soon, he would have a wife to call his own, and that was the best feeling in the world.

Author's Note: Awww, Erik's getting all feely.

I apologize for only posting one chapter a day lately (since I normally do two) but I am busy with work and writer's block. Hopefully the next chapter will be out tomorrow sometime (: Thank you, as always, for reading and reviewing!