A/N: This is my first fan fic and I'm rather worried about posting it. I kind of left it at a cliffy, but I'll continue if I get some positive reviews. PLEASE read and review!

Disclaimer: I really wish I was a genius able to create something like Phantom, but alas- I'm not.

Christine stood in front of the floor length mirror studying her reflection, convinced the woman staring back couldn't possibly be herself. The woman in the mirror was breathtakingly beautiful, clothed in a pure, snow-white gown. It was the kind of dress every girl dreamed of. The bodice, covered with hundreds of hand-sewn beads, clung to her torso. The delicate off-the-shoulder straps were white lace, with a neckline just low enough to see the top of her breasts. The white skirt was puffy and layered, with perfect white bows along the bottom. It was a gorgeous gown, but too expensive to wear for just one day. Her chestnut hair cascaded down her back in perfect spiral curls, small white flowers scattered throughout. Diamonds hung from her ears and graced her neck--a wedding gift from Raoul. Christine placed the veil on her head, pulling the top layer in front of her face, and grabbed her bouquet of white roses and lilies, grasping them tightly.

She shook her head at the image in the mirror and turned her back to it. Her reflection merely showed her physical image, which was the last thing she was concerned about at the moment. Of course she wanted to look beautiful for Raoul, but she knew no matter what, he would always consider her so. What concerned Christine was the pain in her stomach, growing increasingly stronger with each passing moment. In five minutes she would walk down the aisle and wed the only man she had ever loved- so why did she feel this way?

Erik. The name pierced her heart like a knife, making her stomach jolt. Christine gripped her bouquet tighter and closed her eyes, attempting to force the name out of her thoughts- she found it impossible. Thinking of the way she had left Erik, alone and pleading for her love, made her heart ache. She had struggled with the memories these past four months, waking up in cold sweats from the nightmares. Erik glaring at her as if she was the reason he lived in solitude, as if she was the only thing he had left. Leaving him was the hardest decision of her life, but one she had made in full confidence- until now. Raoul was the love of her life, her childhood sweetheart, and the last link to her father. He was her protector, and with his strong arms around her she knew nothing would ever happen to her. Yet there was no passion, no music, just the love of her best friend.

A sharp knock on the door interrupted her thoughts, and her eyes snapped open. Straightening her posture she forced the doubts out of her mind. She was marrying Raoul in a few moments and she refused to let anything ruin this day. Her decision had been the right one; it had to be. With a firm nod of her head she forced a smile on her face and went to the door, hand on the knob she called "Who is it?"

"Christine, its Raoul. Open the door." His voice was low, almost forced.

"You know we aren't supposed to see each other before the wedding, silly." She replied, trying to sound lighthearted. "Your mother would have a fit."

"We need to talk, and it can't wait. Open the door, Christine." This time his voice almost sounded pained. She turned the knob and opened the door, allowing him to push it open. She took a few steps backward to give him room to enter. He stopped at the sight of her, his eyes wide. Christine blushed under his intense gaze and avoided eye contact.

"Y-You're beautiful," he stammered. "Although, I wouldn't have expected anything less." He gently took the bouquet from her, placing it on a table. Taking her hands in his own, he looked deep into her chocolate eyes. Christine took in the sight of him, his handsome face and sharp blue eyes. His hair was tied back and she could tell he shaved. Any woman would be lucky to have such a noble man.

"Thank you," she whispered, as if afraid of someone overhearing them. She shifted uncomfortably, curious as to why he was so serious. "Is something wrong?" she asked, unsure of whether she should be afraid of his answer. "You aren't getting cold feet?" she said with a smile. Christine breathed a sigh of relief when he chuckled, although his eyes remained stony, staring straight into hers.

"No, Christine," he said after a moment. "I have been waiting for this day for years now." He dropped her hands and turned his back to her, unable to look at her any longer.

"Then what's wrong, Raoul? We don't have much time." She rested her left hand on his shoulder. He turned to face her, placing his hands on her waist and pulling her to him. He hugged her tightly before letting go and holding her hands once more. He rubbed his thumb over her knuckles and brought them to his lips, kissing the smooth skin.

"Do you love me, Christine?" he asked simply. A painful expression came over his face, and his whole body stiffened. Christine just stared at him, letting his words sink in. She ripped her hands from his and took a step back, trying to decide whether to slap him or not.

"It's our wedding day, and you are asking me if I love you?" Christine choked, anger washing over her as tears welled up in her eyes.

"Yes, Christine. Answer the question. I have to be sure before we do this." Raoul said, his eyes softened at the sight of her tears. It took all his strength to keep from pulling her into his arms, kissing her, and telling her to forget everything he said.

Christine shook her head at him, the tears now streaming down her face. "Of course I love you," she whimpered, taking a step towards him. She couldn't believe he was asking her this; they were supposed to be at the front of the church by now.

"Do you really love me? Does your heart surge every time you look at me? Do you want to spend every second for the rest of your life with me?" He turned his back to her again. Watching her cry had always been too much for him. "Lately you have been distant. Something is missing, and no matter what I do, I can't seem to fill it." He turned to face her once more, tears welling in his own eyes. "I love you Christine. I have for as long as I can remember. I want to marry you and spend the rest of my life with you, but only if that is what you want. Go with your heart, Christine. I want your love; I just need to be sure I have it. Tell me you love me, tell me you want to marry me, tell me I am the only one for you and mean it. If it's true, we will walk into that church and I will bind myself to you forever." Raoul fell silent, overcome with emotion. He simply stared at Christine, a single tear slipping down his cheek.

Christine stood before him, her own tears falling rapidly, burning a path. The silence was thick, filled with tension and pain. She felt he already knew the answer, but she couldn't force herself to confirm his beliefs. Raoul took a few steps toward her and removed the veil from her face, carefully. He tilted her chin up and looked into her eyes it was then he kissed her, soft and tender on the lips. He pulled back and refused to allow her to avoid his gaze. She knew he was waiting for her answer, she had to say something.

"I love you, Raoul." She began, choking back a sob. "I always have, and I always will." She said as she brushed a loose strand of hair from his face. He breathed a sigh of relief, and handed her the bouquet off the table. Taking her hand in his he spoke softly.

"Then let's get married." He said, his voice growing stronger. He turned to the door pulling her arm gently after him. Christine took a step before stopping, her feet glued to the floor.

"Raoul?" she asked her voice barely above a whisper. He stopped suddenly and turned to face her.

"What is it, darling?" he asked, furrowing his brow in concern.

"I can't marry you." She said her eyes wide with fear, tears once again streaming down her face.