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HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS CHAPTER!
DISCLAIMER: Please refer to Chapter Two
Erik and Cecilia had a light supper before retiring to the sitting room for a nightcap and some night reading. While Erik started the fire, Cecilia was at the bookshelf searching for a book.
"Are you looking for anything in particular?" he asked.
"No, not really. I actually should go to bed. I have a big meeting tomorrow with the opera managers. I decided I am going to keep them on payroll. It will be much easier that I remain a silent owner."
Erik's eyebrow rose. Hmmm …I guess this means I still get to torture them to my whims?
She continued, "Besides, I have to start plans for rebuilding. Seek out a new opera, rehire the entire theater staff, find myself a new diva, and do something with that blasted chandelier that has crashed on the right side of my theater…"
She shot him another serious look.
"Yes indeed…" he joked with a guilty sound in his voice, "you really must do something about that."
She did not want to bring up any more of the past than needed. She stood up from the bookshelf and walked to the staircase.
"Goodnight Erik."
"Goodnight Cecilia. Sweet Dreams."
She smiled at him one last time before walking up the staircase.
The following morning was a busy one. Cecilia searched the entire house for Erik, but was unable to locate him.
The new house staff arrived an hour after dawn to begin their duties. Thankful to not have to continue to run a household herself, Cecilia thanked them unmercifully as she stepped into Erik's new carriage with Gaston, their new stableman, at the reigns.
Noticing that Gaston only had once horse bridled to the carriage, she came to the conclusion that Erik was still tending to matters regarding his lair.
Unbeknownst to Cecilia, Erik had arrived at the opera house well before she arrived. He wanted to spy on her during this "meeting" she was to have with Monsiuers Firmin and Andre.
He waited in the room above the manager's office which he quickly recognized had been the room of Miss Christine Daae. He looked around. It had been just as he remembered it. The two-way mirror was still in tact. Even the rose Erik had given Christine on the night of her Hannibal performance was still on the vanity wrapped in a delicate black ribbon. It has only been a few weeks but it felt like eternity had passed. He had a new life now. A new life without Christine. His reminiscing was brought to a halt once he heard the sounds of Cecilia and the managers. He crouched to the floor in order to hear more clearly.
"Madamoiselle, we are very elated that you have taken such interest in our Opera Populaire. With all of the damages, we feared that this magnificent place would never be open again. Andre and I, as you probably know, invested all of our money in this place. Now, we do not have a single franc to our name," Monsieur Firmin said to Cecilia.
"I am delighted to have purchased it Monsieurs. As you know, my father was very fond of this place. I hope we can restore it to its former glory. I do hope that once the paperwork is finished you gentlemen will stay on as payroll. I will need someone to carry out my needs as I hope to seek other investment."
Erik sneered. I cannot believe she is letting those pompous idiots stay in my opera house.
"Madamoiselle, we are your most humble servants. However, there is one little matter which must be attended to," Andre said.
"And what matter may that be Monsieur Andre?" she replied.
"According to French law, you may purchase this institution with your husband. So, I am sorry to inform you that we must put a halt on our plans until after your wedding."
"My wedding is weeks away! We need to get started on these plans as soon as possible."
"We realize this. However, we must follow the law. If the government finds out, they will close this place for good, or they will allow another buyer to come in."
"Very well, Monsieurs. How long do I have in order to set my affairs in order? Three months? A year?"
"The government shall give you no later than forty-five days in which to wed, allow your husband to sign these documents, and consent to allow you to place your name on the property."
"Why must my husband consent to allow my ownership when it is I who is investing my father's interest?"
"It is the law, Madamoiselle. We are merely messengers."
Cecilia stared at them in disbelief.
"Very well, then. You shall hear from me in less than forty-five days with a wedding invitation. Good day Monsieurs."
Erik heard Cecilia stomp out of the room and slam the door behind her. She would have to get married? Who was she going to marry? Is she going to give up the opera house?
Erik realized that he had to get back to her manor and quickly. Now that his most precious belongings were at Cecilia's home, Erik no longer wished to go back to the catacombs. He no longer wished to relive his painful memories.
Erik arrived shortly after Cecilia had stepped out of the carriage.
"Good afternoon darling. Where did you run off to this morning?" she said with a pretty smiling face as she walked toward his horse.
"I had some business to finalize in town. Let me put Dorian in his stable. I will meet you in the kitchen for some lunch."
"Alright. See you in a few minutes then," she finished as she walked back to the house.
As Erik walked toward the stable, he let out a deep sigh. He knew that he had to be supportive of Cecilia. He knew how much owning the opera house meant to her, and that he was the only man who would not take it away from her. He pulled out the rather large diamond and sapphire ring he had purchased in town before he came home that day. He placed the small band on the tip of his index finger and stared at it with butterflies in his stomach.
He knew he loved her. He knew that he would be miserable without her. Also, he knew that what he felt for her was not the lustful fantasy that he felt for Christine. What he felt for her was real. He wanted to wake up to her every morning and argue with her every night. He wanted her.
She doesn't love me. She could never love me. At least, I could persuade her that this is the best scenario for her.
He took a deep breath and walked to the manor.