Author's note: If you don't like "Christine bashing," please proceed with caution... You can't say I didn't warn you...

Chapter 17

Erik's Confrontation.

"Erik, I'm back."

That simple heartfelt phrase was enough to make Corrine's heart fall to the floor.

"So, this is Christine. This is the woman that left Erik heartbroken, and destroyed his spirit." Corrine thought as she studied the woman who was making her way over to Erik.

She wasn't much taller than herself, and by the looks of things, she was to have a little one in a month or so.

Corrine slipped unnoticed out of the room.

"What are you doing here?" Erik asked darkly.

"I came back to you. I missed you so much," she said as she tried to embrace him.

Erik pushed her away from him.

"Where is your husband? Does he know you are here."

Christine grimaced at the mention of her husband.

"Erik, my life hasn't turned out the way I thought it would."

Erik laughed and said sarcastically "Oh, do tell."

"Erik, I realize that I hurt you deeply."

"That's a gross understatement Madame."

Christine flinched at the coldness of his voice.

"My life is miserable. Don't you care that my hu... that Raoul has a mistress? I just found out yesterday. When I confronted him about it, he admitted that he has had a relationship with her ever since we got home from the honeymoon."

" You have yet to say anything to make me feel sorry for you."

"Raoul told me that when I kissed you, he lost his trust in me."

Erik laughed sadistically.

"Welcome to my world Christine."

"What do you mean?" she asked defensively.

"Did you ever stop to think how your relationship with that fop hurt me? No, I suppose not. You haven't changed at all have you Christine? You run to me for guidance, but to him for love and protection. I wished I'd seen long ago how selfish you were. Perhaps the old saying is true; Love is blind. Yes, Christine, you are and always will be a spoiled child that had to have things your way and on your terms. You leave one man hanging while you obviously had feelings for another. If you've come here looking for my pity, you won't find it. Go home Christine, your Angel of music no longer exists. You found your way here alone, so I'm sure you'll find your way back."

Erik turned to walk away from her.

"He's marrying her. He kicked me out of the house. I have no where to go," Christine cried after him.

"That's not any of my concern Madame. Please leave and never come back."

"You'll be sorry Erik. Go ahead stay here in your lonely desolate prison. Die alone, I don't care anymore," Christine yelled angrily

Erik spun around. "Who said I'm lonely? You don't know what's been going on around here do you? Have you ever thought that maybe I found someone who doesn't leave me at the sight of some rich man's charms and attractive looks? I have found someone Christine, and she loves me for WHO I am, NOT what I am. What now Madame high and mighty? Maybe I wish to marry this girl? She respects me more than you ever did. She doesn't NEED me to be her Angel, but she wants ME, ERIK. She accepts the person who I am, not just a made up fantasy of who she THINKS I am. You are treading on dangerous ground. Madame, I won't ask you again to leave."

Christine sobbed uncontrollably as she left the underground lair.