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Chapter 57

"Think of it, our secret engagement,

Look, your future bride!"

Erik chuckled as we made our way to a restaurant in the middle of Paris. We were to join Christine, Meg, Raoul, and Madame Giry for the big announcement of our engagement. I wouldn't have been surprised if Christine and Raoul were itching to make the same announcement.

Surprisingly, it was Erik's idea to convene in public. He felt like I was spending too much time with him under the opera house and I needed some fresh air. I assured him that I was getting plenty of time outside and I was perfectly fine staying in with him. He didn't buy it.

"You get paler and paler every time I see you, love. You need sunlight to bring back your color." Erik had stated.

I sighed. "Fine. But you have to come with me. It would be nice to walk in the park with you on a nice Sunday afternoon."

I knew he had wanted that for the longest time, but I didn't expect him to almost cry in appreciation.

Hence, I was singing and doing everything I could to keep Erik's mind occupied and free from nervousness. He decided to 'be as normal as possible' and actually go out without his mask. That in itself was a major step as he had shown no previous desire to go without it. But there he was, barely a hint of disfigurement on his face. He couldn't explain it, I couldn't explain it. Of course, that was nothing new. This whole situation was an anomaly.

"With as much as you are singing that, I fear the rest of Paris will know before our friends."

I rolled my eyes. "I can't help it, though. I'm excited!"

He patted my hand that was resting in the crook of his elbow. "I know, dear. Just remember to break it slowly to our friends. It may shock them a bit."

"I don't think it would shock them too much. I mean, we are always together anymore. You always sneak into my performances. They have caught us at a few inopportune times-"

"You would have thought we were naked behind that curtain instead of just kissing. I never thought that bruise on my leg from Antoinette's cane would heal." Erik chuckled.

"Point being, I don't think it will be too much of a surprise for them."

He took my free hand in his and kissed it. "We shall see, dear."

About 10 minutes later, we were all seated around the table. We hadn't told anyone in attendance why we invited them, so they were all quite confused. Especially after seeing Erik there.

"I am not quite understanding this situation, but I am sure there is an explanation."

I looked at Antoinette and nodded. "Of course there's an explanation. What's wrong with just having a fine dinner with friends?"

The look she gave me told me she wasn't falling for it. I sighed in defeat. "Okay, okay. So there is an ulterior motive for asking all of you to join us this evening. But let's order our food first then we can talk about it."

That seemed to work for everyone, so once the waiter came and we all (quickly) gave our orders to him, expectant eyes were looking at Erik and me. We looked at each other and held hands, taking a deep breath. "We have an announcement-"

"We're engaged!"

I looked at Erik as he blurted it out. "Oh, so much for breaking it slowly."

It took a second to realize that no one at the table was talking or even moving. It seemed as if Erik's little outburst froze the table. Then I hear a squeal.

"Oh Mandy," Meg exclaimed. "Is it true?"

I nodded. "Yes. We are going to get married."

Christine shook her head to clear the cobwebs. "This is amazing news, Mandy! Congratulations!"

Raoul nodded next, seeming to come to slowly.

The only person left to say anything was Antoinette, who looked like she could burst into tears at any given moment. She suddenly stood and embraced us in a loving hug. "I am so happy you have found love in each other. You both deserve that and more."

"Thank you, Antoinette." Erik choked out, tears coming to his own eyes. I was close to crying myself but had to stop myself. 1800's era makeup was not waterproof.

Christine and Meg decided to join the hug, Raoul remaining in his seat. I could tell that he was thinking deeply about something. I gave him an inquisitive look over Meg's head. He looked at me with a question in his eyes. Then I saw what was in his hand.

I smiled and nodded silently at him. He grinned widely and cleared his throat. "I will leave you all to your moment. I will be back momentarily."

As he walked off, Christine gazed at him wistfully. I nudged her with my elbow. "What are you thinking?"

She snapped out of her reverie and returned to her seat. "Nothing important. So, when did this happen and why wasn't I the first to know?"

"Well," I started slowly. "It happened last week. I wanted it to be a surprise and to tell you all at once. Nadir already knows, though. He kind of walked in as it was happening."

Everyone laughed as they knew what antics Nadir got himself into.

After a few moments, Raoul came back to the table and took his seat beside Christine. "I hope I didn't miss much."

"Not at all. In fact, I think our food is coming our way." I said excitedly. I hadn't eaten all day, my stomach in knots from the stress of telling everyone the news.

Once we were dome with our main course, multiple plates of cake were brought to the table. I was confused. "Monsieur, we didn't order any dessert."

Raoul put his hand up. "It's okay, Mandy. I ordered it. I thought we needed a special treat to commemorate such a lovely occasion."

I looked at him for a moment, then realized what was about to happen. "Oh. Alright then. Let's dig in."

Erik looked over to me in confusion. "What is going on?" he asked, leaning over to whisper his question in my ear.

I winked at him. "It looks like we won't be the only ones with some news…"

Before he could ask what I meant, Christine gasped. "What is this doing here?"

Sticking through the frosting on top of the cake was a diamond ring. She carefully took it out and wiped it off with her napkin.

Erik then knew what I was talking about.

Before dessert was over, we officially had two engaged couples sitting at our table.

Meg was excited for her friends but pouted a bit. "Now I am the only one without a suitor."

Antoinette cleared her throat. "It seems so. Where is that emperor you promised me for her, Erik?"

He almost choked on the water he was drinking when she asked him. It took all I had not to laugh.

"Antionette, I did not promise an emperor, per say."

"An emperor? For me?"

"Are there any emperors even left?" I couldn't remember this era of history too well.

"I could do with a baron. After all, only the best for my little Meg."

"Maman…" Meg whined. "I'm not little anymore."

Antoinette shook her head. "You will always be my little girl."

"Erik?!"

We all froze as that name did not come from our little group. His head slowly turned around, fear and anger flashing simultaneously in his eyes.

"Erik, it is you! Oh, my boy! I've found you at last!"

As the strange man came towards him, Erik jumped up in a defensive posture. We all had no idea what to think or do other than be thankful the restaurant wasn't too crowded.

"What do you want?" Erik asked icily. I stared at him in shock. I had enver heard him be that cold, not even to Nadir.

The man, however, was undeterred. "Now how can you talk to your own father that way?"

What?!