The de Chagny dining room, although one of the lightest rooms in the residence, was one of the most oppressive. The walls were a plain green but being south facing the room recieved an abundance of light, and large French windows opened into the garden, but the atmosphere was never happy.

When Raoul had purchased the house it had been one of Christine's favourite rooms. She had imagined hosting dinner parties and receptions after a night at the opera or theatre, singing and entertaining their guests, with an abundance of food w present. In reality no such events had ever occured; they hadn't had any guests for dinner, except her mother-in-law, and the home remained deathly silent.

Christine longed to have children fill the home with laughter and imagined family dinners at the large mahogany table, having already decided she would pressure Raoul to allow her to be more proactive in the childcare than her position would dictate. She remembered sitting at her the dinner table in her childhood home drawing pictures with her father, other times he taught her to read music and they would enjoy eating hearty home cooked meals. As things were she doubted she would ever experience the family life she desired: Raoul had yet to address the issue of his mother and she couldn't forsee a future with him if he wasn't strong enough to put her first.

Christine couldn't comprehend why breakfast seemed a normal affair. The night before they had witnessed Erik bind and drug one of Raoul's buisness partners, who then admitted to working in cahoots woth his mother to undermine their marriage. She was both angry and hurt by her mother-in-law's actions; she knew that the Doweger disliked her, the snide remarks and dissaproving looks made it obvious, but to pay someone to try and destroy her son's marriage was a level of iniquity she could never have imagined possible. How could such a wicked woman have bore a gentle soul like Raoul?

Then there was Raoul, she knew it would be difficult for him to believe his mother's actions. On several occasions he had challenged her, but the iniquity of his mother's actions must have been difficult for him to reconcile, but she couldn't understand why they were sitting at the table as though nothing had happened.

Her hurt and anger only grew as she listened to Raoul casually speak with his mother about her impending return to France, and how she would be glad to be away from their haunted house and awful country. Raoul's inability to confront his mother was causing her to become increasingly incensed and the seeds of doubt about her feelings for began to grow. He had told her he way trying to find ways to become financially independent from the de Chagny Estate so that she could be happy, but right now she felt the unhappiest she had been since her father's passing.

When the Doweger called their house 'haunted' a sudden realisation dawned upon him, causing a large clatter as his knife dropped upon the fine done China plate.

"Are you quite alright Raoul dear", his mother asked patting his arm.

"Yes mother", he replied placing a hand atop hers to acknowledge the maternal gesture, "I was just reminded of something - someone - unsavoury",

"No more unsavoury than her", Christine mutted to herself as she stirred her tea, briefly catching sight of one of the gaping maids causing a strange sense a satisfaction knowing that the comment had been heard by the staff.

"Excuse me?", came the Doweger's scowering tone causing her to furrow her brow. She knew the maid had heard her, but Raoul's mother barely paid attention to anything she said, making it poor luck that she chose that particular moment to listen . "What did you say?" the older woman asked.

"Nothing", Christine replied with a false sweet smile before trying to hide her ammusement through sipping her tea. As she drank Roaul spoke to her in a low hiss, directing her to apologise. The exchange wasn't missed by her mother-in-law, which made Christine detest the situation further.

Placing her tea cup down and offering another false smile Christine began to apologise, but she ceased midway. She wasn't sorry for what she said; Raoul's mother was far more unsavoury than Erik - since he revealed himself to be a man she didn't believe he had actively tried to decieve her, whereas Raoul's mother had been lying to them since her arrival in England. Christine looked at her husband and shook her head in disgust, "I'm not sorry because it is the truth"

"How do you speak to me like that!", the Doweger shouted, causing the staff to physically flinch at the sudden aggression in the elderly woman's face and tone. Since the incident with the chamber maid she had become unpredictable, but no one in the household had seen the normally reserved woman react in such a way.

"And how dare you speak to me in the manner and tone that you do. You have been disrespectful to me for months", Christine said calmly, rising to her feet to bring greater impact to her words. "I am the mistress of this house, not you. You have tried to drive me from my home and from the arms of my husband, but you have failed.".

"I have done no such thing", the Doweger responded, standing and placing her palms flat on the table. "It is not my fault you are unable to fulfil the role of wife and mother"

Turning to her husband for support Christine felt her heart break a little when he meekly responded with "Lotte..."

Her anger towards her mother-in-law did not decrease as her anger towards her husband rose, "No Raoul. I will not tolerate her rudeness for a single moment more. She is far more unsavoury than Erik - at least he takes responsibility for his actions"

Feeling somewhat small in comparison to the two standing women Raoul stood and shook his head in Christine's direction. "Mother's behaviour is inexcusable, but do not make excuses for that man. What of mother's illness?". He didn't want to speak too plainly because he knew Christine understood his meaning.

"I dont know what you mean" she said, knowing it was a lie. Erik had all but admitted he was behind the Doweger's belief in ghosts and her lack of sleep, but the bitter part of her wanted the woman to feel some of the abject misery she had been put through, so she gave her husband a genuinely bewildered look before refocusing the conversation: "It is either her or me".

Raoul's momentary pause was long enough for Christine to leave the room.

--xxx--

Raoul looked at the doorway stunned by his wife's uncharacteristic behaviour. He had known Christine was fatigued with both his mother's continued presence and poor attitude, as was he, but she was normally well reserved. He fully intended to address Firmin's confession and his mother's behaviour, but he needed to consult a solicitor , Phillippe and discuss his possible actions with her before chosing a final path. As he stood staring at the doorway he realised that he should've explained to Christine what he intended to do before breakfast, rather than continuing with a façade of normality, but he wanted to do it in his own time. He was mindful that if he rushed mistakes could be made, and the situation was already as delicate as a house of cards.

"I shall contact our solictor to make arrangements for an annulment. We can use the falsehood of purity as a reason."

"You will do no such thing mother!" Raoul almost bellowed bringing his hand down firmly on the table, causing the cutlery and plates to rattle.

The Doweger opened her.mouth to respond, but was stunned by her youngest son's sudden behaviour that she couldn't find the words.

Seeing his opportunity Raoul made for the door, but before leaving the room he turned, "I have told you countless times that Christine was chaste when we married. Of that I am certain".

As he ascended the stairs Raoul began to doubt his own words. Christine was religious and he didn't question her belief she was chaste, but he always had his suspicions about Destler and how easily he could have manipulated Christine. She hadn't bled the night of their marriage, it was clear it had been uncomfortable and caused her pain, but there was no blood. They had spoken about it after and he believed her word, for she swore on the memory of her father and the Holy Bible, but he had been told that chaste women bled. He had decided it didn't matter, he would have married her regardless of her purity, but he would have preferred honesty from her.

When Raoul stood outside Christine's door he could hear her quietly sobbing, which made him feel insurmountably guilty. If he hadn't involved himself with Firmin his mother wouldn't have been able to interfere in their lives in such a way, she would've made her remarks but she wouldn't have been able to find multiple means to try and manipulate them into ending their marriage. In his eyes life was being unfair: yes, he was lucky not to be living on the streets or in the poorhouse and to be married to his childhood sweetheart who was the most beautiful woman in the world, but now everything was falling apart - and it was his fault.

In his attempt to make Christine happy he had knowingly brought Destler back into their lives. He had known it would be dangerous, but Firmin's idea had made alot of sense. He also didn't want his marriage to end; he was willing to cut ties with his family to make Christine happy, he had just hoped they would've had enough money to live well once he took the plunge.

With a heavy anticipation Raoul knocked quickly on the door, and when he wasn't refused entry he nervously opened it to see Christine sitting at her dressing table head in hands, crying softly.

"You", Raoul stated firmly, "it is always you. It always was, it is now, and it always will be".

"You dithered", she replied lifting her head but not turning to see him. "You needed to think. You shouldn't have needed to think"

"I didn't dither. I was surprised you gave me an ultimatium. That isn't like you", he explained closing the door, "it is - and always will be - you" he repeated. "You know I have been trying to break free from my family's grasp. I just need time to deal with mother"

"I want her out of my home", the Vicomtess stated flatly, now turning to her husband who had perched himself on the edge of her bed.

"and she will be. I need to speak with Phillipe and demand she stay at the hotel with him. I also need to speak with a solictor and accountant about our finances. But please Lotte, don't forget that everything I do, I do for you".

A deathly silence hung over the couple as they sat staring at each other, Christine slightly shaken by the similarity between her husband's words and Erik's. Making the connection himself Raoul patted the spot next to him on the bed.

Reluctantly she rose and joined him, lacing her fingers on her lap and continuing to look downwards rather than at her husband. His words had seemed to reassure her, but her manner suggested it wouldn't be enough.

It was an awkward silence, neither certain of what to say. She wanted to believe him, but his inability to defend her and protect her form his mother had left her doubtful. Raoul wanted to believe his words and subsequent actions would be enough, but he knew there was something else unspoken that hung in the air between them.

"Do you love him?" he finally asked, immediately regretting the question.

After a moment of contemplation she replied "yes" before letting out another sob. At that moment Raoul felt like his heart had been ripped from his chest, he was certain he had lost her - if he had ever really had her - but her next words gave him unassailable hope, " - and no. He means alot to me, but so do you. I love you more than I can say"

"Am I second best? Your second choice?" he asked anxiously, not fully satisfied by her previous answer.

"No", she responded several times in quick seccession, "No. Never. But I need to see him. I need to talk to him. I need to understand. This isn't about us, it is about me and him".

--xxx--

After Meg had told Erik about her plans to travel to Russia, courtesy of Nadir's organisation skills, he felt a strong urge to return home. His mind drifted to his dresser and then wardrobe leading to the formulation of a plan to stop Meg leaving.

Meg was in the kitchen washing the dishes when she heard the door open and close. She immediately began to panic: if her landlady saw Erik leave her flat then she would be on the street by lunchtime. She hurried to the door to follow him, wiping her wet hands on her apron, but stopped once she reached the door. If she followed there would most likely be more questioning eyebrows than if he left alone. Erik also understood the gravity of being inconspicious and he was certainly capable of moving around without being seen: she needed to have faith in his abilities.

She leaned against the door and wrapped her arms around her chest in a feeble attempt to seek some comfort. She hadn't meant to be cruel by telling Erik about Russia, but doing so while he was in his current vulnerable state, had been careless. She hadn't wanted to cause him more pain, but she couldn't keep sacrificing her dreams due to an unrequited love fuelled by scraps of affection

--xxx--

Erik didn't intend on being away from Meg for long. He believed every moment he spent away from her was a moment she could be lured into the arms of Gilles André. In some ways Meg marrying André would solve his problem, but that would mean accepting that Meg was forever out of his reach.

As he travelled the short cab journey to his home the contradiction in his approach towards Meg and Christine was not lost on him. If Meg married André he would respect her choice, whereas he did not respect Christine's decision to marry Raoul. Was it because he loved Christine unconditionally? Or was it because he respected Meg's decisions more than his Angel's? Erik was still pondering the questions when his cab pulled up outside the large double fronted doors to his house.

An unusually large sum of money changed hands in exchange for the driver waiting. Erik had no intention of being subjected to the third degree from either Nadir of Antionette, instead he was going to seek out the items he desired and then promptly return to Meg. Part of him would be glad when Nadir went off to Russia with Antionette - as long as Meg stayed - because then he could go back to living a life without interference.

Upon entry Erik immediately went to his bedchamber ignoring both Nadir's and Antionette's calls, and went to his chest of drawers. Hidden beneath his various cravats and hankerchiefs was a small wooden box. He removed it with great care and stared at its contents: sitting in the middle was Meg's ring. He had chosen something ostentatious on purpose, he wanted to show off his wealth and annoy that boy Oliver who had attacked him and removed his mask. At the time he had been pleased with his decision, but now he began to resent it. Meg's former engagement ring represented falsehood, lies and deciet. He removed it and turned it over in his hand; an engagement ring should represent love and a future, which is something that ring did not.

Erik went to his dark cherry wardrobe and after moving several pairs of Italian leather shoes he found an old small tin box with hand-painted English roses on the lid. Inside there was a portrait of his mother and father, his father's cravat pin and an heirloom garnet ring. There was also a Georgian engagement ring: in some ways it was simular to Meg's with a large stone set in a cluster, but unlike Meg's the centre stone was a smooth white opal rather than a dazzling sapphire. It was surrounded by diamonds in the shape of a flower with the shoulders were engraved and shaped like leaves. He sat on the floor looking at it and held it up to compare to Meg's. It was certainly less flamboyant than Meg's, and whomever he gave the ring to would understand it's significance. If he gave the ring to Meg she wouldn't be able to leave for Russia without his permission. She also would understand his feelings towards her, afterall the ring was symbolic of family and love.

As he stood to leave Erik caught his appearance in the mirror and cringed. His clothes were creased from sleeping and what he was wearing was certainly not an ensemble suitable for day attire. He removed Christine's dog-eared letters from his breast pocket and placed them on the table before quickly changing into a dark navy suit with a white cravat. Once dressed he smoothed his shirt and instinctively went to place the letters in their normal home, only to allow his hand to hover above the pile.

Christine's letters had been full of such promise, but reflecting upon their content he began to consider that he had Read too much into them. Maybe her anticipation of his visit, her kind words and sweet reminisces had been nothing more than what they appeared. Maybe Meg had been right and Christine didn't love him the way he wanted, and maybe she never had. Erik took one last look at the pile of letters before he slipped his mother's engagement ring into the breast pocket where they had once resided.

Secure in the knowledge he was currently in the pocession of the key to his future happiness Erik was about to make a quick dash to the front door and his waiting cab, but stopped when he heard the dulcet tone of his angel carried up the stairs.

--xxx--

"But Monsieur, I must speak with him", Christine pled to Nadir, "it is not a trap - you have my word". She couldn't blame the Persian for being cautious - the events of last night had included some illegal activity, and she knew the Persian had once been the chief of police to the Shah of Persia. She was also aware of Raoul's unsettling attempt at a stare directed at the man who had once helped him find his way into Erik's lair.

"I am afraid your husband's presence outside does not reassure me of that", Nadir spoke affirming Christine's suspicions.

"He is here at my bequest, and he means neither Erik nor you any harm". She tried to be reassuring, but was certain she had spoken with the smug and upper-class tone that her mother-in-law used when she spoke to the staff.

"Christine is not a liar", Antionette interjected into the conversation before turning and addressing her former charge, "but Monsieur Khan is thinking of both you and Erik. I don't think it would benefit either of you to see eachother"

"Raoul will keep his word not to harm Erik or contact the police, and he will ensure that Messuers Firmin and André keep theirs", Christine said, trying to steer the conversation in a direction she was more satisfied with. Each time she spoke shd hoped her words would convince Erik's guests to share his location. When no information was forthcoming she decided to try a different tack: "But I must see Erik. I am to sing in his production, so I must learn the songs and score"

"You know them" Erik's voice came from the top of the stairs, causing Christine to jump with surprise, "you have been learning them for months".

Erik's decent reminded Christine of the night of the masquerade, with each step careful and perfectly timed. Each step onimous, but also alluring. Unlike that night he wasnt dressed in an elaborate red death outfit but a respectable navy suit, one that complimented his form and made him look like an attractive, smart, English gentleman. "You are no fool Madame la Vicomtess, don't act like one" he stated once he reached the bottom of the flight.

"I need to speak to you", she repeated taking a step closer to him, to which Erik nodded in acknowledgement and gestured for her to follow him into the parlour. Nadir attempt to follow but was stopped by the door being almost slammed in his face.

"I would you offer you some tea, but I am afraid I do not intend on staying long myself", he said while making his way to the wing-backed chair near the window. Under normal circumstances he would chose the chair because its positioning provided him with a view of both the garden and the doorway, but now it was the furthest seat from any other.

Following his que Christine sat, carefully removing each of her long gloves and placing them neatly on the table. Erik watched her nervously, certain that each slow movement was a deliberate attempt to further his anguish and cause a surge in conflicting emotions. Christine was beautiful, truly and angel, with an ethereal air about her; he wanted to embrace and surround himself with her scent, but he felt a growing sense of guilt thinking about her in such a way when his mother's ring sat in his breast pocket.

Christine had been dissapointed that Erik had chosen to sit in the chair furthest away from others - she wasn't surprised, just dissapointed. She had wanted to speak to Erik and come to understand his behaviour, and she felt this would be better served with closer proximity. She gave Erik a conforting smile before inviting him to join her by lightly patting the empty seat next to her.

Christine was surprised qhen he moved, his body language not showing a hint of reservation, and once he had joined her they sat in silence for several minutes. Erik was feeling conflicted and confused, Christine desperate.

"Erik, please look at me", she instructed, reaching out and placing a hand on his cheek. Her gentle touch guided him.m to look at her. Christine's eyes were a beautiful shade of blue: light with grey specks, reflecting all the compassion and kindness she had within her. They held no hate for him, only tenderness and compassion. They sat looking into one and anothers eyes for several long moments before Erik turned away and widened the distance between them, running his hands over his wig and flexing his figures indicating his growing anxiety.

"You toy with me" he muttered without turning to face her - releasing the irony as he behaved in the same way towards Meg. Christine's letters were her toying with him: their meetings, their kiss, this visit: it was a game. He hadn't thought her capable of such duplicity or vindictiveness, but he couldn't think of a rational reason for her being present in his home after the events of the previous night.

"I dont understand", she said more meekly than intended, certain she wasn't aware of what he had meant.

"You are not unintelligent Christine, so don't act like it. Niave: yes, unintelligent: no", but the long silence drew him to continue. Still not facing her, he decided to ask why she had come to his home.

"I needed to see you". He had hoped she would elaborate more, but accepted he needed to settle for the ambiguous answer. Erik quickly glanced over his shoulder to get a sight of her, hoping it would be missed. Christine gave him a small smile and took the gesture as an invitation to approach, but whe she stood and saw him flinch she decided it would be best to remain seated.

"I need you to explain last night. There were other ways you could have informed us of Raoul's mother's behaviour. You didn't need to drug him"

"He would have lied", Erik shrugged in response trying to maintain a blaisé appearance while imwardly agreeing with her. He knew his actions were disproportionate and that Firminwas weakn enough that mild threats would probably have been enough to break him, but he had been overcome by his old ways and habits, and although he hated to admit it, he had enjoyed himself before it all started to go wrong.

"I saw him meet with the Doweger Comtess and I knew she would not be having a social meeting with him. I needed him to tell the truth so that your husband and André knew of duplicity"

"But why not just tell them? Why the drugs? It was unneeded and aggressive"

Erik turned and looked at her confused, he genuinely didn't understand the question:

"they wouldn't believe me" he answered with a non-committal shrug.

Christine had to admit that was true, she didnt know André well but she knew Raoul would have been distrustful. "I believed you" she said rising to her feet and crossing the room, placing her hand on his arm.

Erik's muscles tensed before he turned to face her, "You weren't supposed to be there".

"But I was" she whispered placing her hand on his cheek. "You didn't need to resort to such behaviour"

Erik placed his hand atop hers and sighed. She was too kind. After everything he had done she was offering her touch and she seemed to understand his motivation.

"I agreed to sing for you Erik - against Raoul's wishes. He knew nothing of his mother's actions. His connection to Firmin and André has been an attempt to free us from fiancial dependancy on his family name. I was going to sing again" she said stepping closer and wrapping her arms around Erik's engulfing him in him"I know you did this for me, that you want me.to be happy"

Erik didn't understand her actions, she was speaking fondly of her husband but holding him. He actually was starting to feel sorry for the Vicomte; he may have been a fool, as there were many - easier - ways to make money. He had also been driven to unscrupulous actions by his unwavering love for Christine, the same way he had been.

Erik went to place his hand upon Christine's back and hold her close, but the image of a blonde ballerina came into his head. Whatever was unfolding between him and Christine could destroy his plans for Meg, so rather than return her embrace he remained still.

Disapointed that Erik did not return her embrace Christine stepped away and turned. What she was about to say required unwavering courage because she was about to risk everything: her heart, her marriage and her eternal soul. She couldn't bare to face him as she spoke, for fear he would judge her.

"I need closure Erik. I need to know how I feel about you. I need you to hold me, to be with me", her voice tembled as she spoke, "give me one night in your arms to see how I feel"