Erik's words hit Christine with a sort of dull horror. She knew her husband was still standing there in the doorway, but he didn't matter to her now.
All she wanted was for him to leave, to go back to Paris and his work. All she wanted to was to stay close to Erik for eternity.
She pressed her palm against Erik's scarred face, feeling the fever of his skin through her gloves.
"What about last night," she said, not caring if her husband heard the words she whispered against Erik's lips.
"Trust me, Christine. Trust me."
Erik took her wrist and pushed her from him. He saw Sam was still there beside de Chagny.
"Bring the car around to the back door and put their luggage in it. Once we've gone, don't forget to let the Inspector."
Avoiding Christine's frightened gaze, he turned to her husband.
"Monsieur, I will tell you the truth. After you came here and offered me Christine in exchange for the letters of transit, she visited me. She tried to make the same bargain…she promised to stay with me in return for your safety."
He took a deep breath, praying Christine would not speak and that her husband would accept the coming lie for her sake.
"I couldn't accept that proposal. I let her think I would."
As he spoke, he gently nudged her towards Raoul.
"I know you love your wife. And I know you've set your work ahead of her. But I swear to you now, if you attempt to use her like that again, I will kill you."
He did not wait for de Chagny to answer. He drew the letters from his pocket and handed them to Raoul.
He looked away as Raoul took Christine's arm.
"The car is ready, Erik."
Sam emerged from the kitchen door, sensing the tension in the room.
"Thank you, Sam."
It was Christine who spoke. Shrugging off her husband's hand, she went to him and embraced him.
"Thank you. You've been a good friend to both of us."
"It was good to see you again, Christine," he said, hugging her back.
He knew de Chagny could not hear him from across the room, but he lowered his voice and went on.
"Erik never stopped loving you, Christine. No matter what happens, always remember that."
"I will, Sam. You know I will."
As the old pianist let her go, she felt him slip something into the pocket of her coat.