A/N: Alright, here's another chapter. Thanks a bunch to Erin, AMaskandanAngel, and Charity for the great reviews! You guys rock! Keep it up!

Christine de Nuit

Chapter 4: The Second Betrayal

It had been a week since Christine had forgiven Erik. As much as she loved spending time with him, she also found herself eagerly awaiting the Vicomte's visits as well. Raoul was quite fond of her, and made it a point to show his feelings for her every chance he got. Christine couldn't help but love him.

Christine smiled at the thought as she made her way to her dressing room. Rehearsals had gone well today. Her voice was ready for tomorrow night's performance. She couldn't wait. It was going to be spectacular! She loved the feeling of all eyes on her, as she sung her heart out on stage. And she looked forward to what would happen after the gala. Raoul had told her of a surprise, and she couldn't wait to discover what it was!

Once in her room, Christine quickly changed into a comfortable dress. Meg would be there any minute. Between rehearsals, lessons with Erik, and outings with Raoul, Christine had hardly spent any time with her best friend. She had truly missed her, and was eager to hear the latest gossip swirling throughout the ballet corps.

Just then there was a soft knock on the door.

"Come in!" Christine said softly.

The door opened and Meg snuck in. Gently closing the door, she ran over to embrace her friend.

"Oh Christine! It's been so long since we've had a talk!" Meg smiled knowingly.

"I know, dear Meg! I have been so busy with rehearsals and such… Now tell me the latest gossip! Is it true that the managers are dallying with the dancers?"

Christine listened attentively for a good ten minutes as Meg shared the latest news of the Opera house. Soon, however, her attention began to drift to her thoughts, and she couldn't help remembering the way Raoul's lips had lingered on her hand the day before.

"Now, Christine, you must tell me all about the Vicomte! There are many rumors going around about you two!" Meg leaned in, eagerly awaiting Christine's explanation.

"Oh Meg! He's simply wonderful!" Christine launched excitedly into the conversation, making sure to stop every few moments so Meg could sigh with jealousy.

"Christine! You were simply amazing tonight! Congratulations on your great triumph!" Raoul ran to catch up to her.

Christine smiled, turning to face him. She hardly even noticed his mentions of 'great triumphs' anymore.

"Oh, you're too kind, dear Raoul!" she blushed.

Raoul gazed into her brown eyes before taking her arm in his. "Come, my dear! It's time for your surprise! Keep you eyes closed, no peeking!"

Christine smiled anxiously. She couldn't wait to see what Raoul had in store for her.

After a period of walking, Christine felt the cool rush of air on her cheeks.

"Alright, Little Lotte! Open your eyes!"

Christine opened her eyes and looked around. They were on the roof of the Opera house, and she could see for miles. Paris looked so beautiful at night, the lights and stars shone brightly all around her. Glancing down, she gasped.

Raoul was on his knees. Taking his hand in hers, he placed a chaste kiss on her fingers. Pulling out a beautiful ring with a rather large stone upon it, he spoke with eloquence in addressing the woman before him.

"My dear Christine, where do I begin? I have loved you since the day I first laid eyes on you. As a child, I spent many a day by your side, imagining the future that lay ahead of us. After your father's death, I didn't know if we would ever meet again. As luck would have it, we would once again be reunited. I thank God every day for bringing you back into my life. You are truly the sweetest, most caring, and beautiful person I have ever had the pleasure of knowing, and I don't think I shall be able to live the rest of my life without you by my side. Please say you feel the same way, wanting to share one love, one lifetime together. Christine Daaé, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

Christine looked at him in utter shock. She couldn't move. Had he really just said that, or was her mind playing tricks on her?

Raoul shifted uncomfortably. She was taking an awful long time to answer.

"Christine? You don't have to answer me right now if you don't-"

"Oh, Raoul! I-I would love to!" Christine smiled shyly as he slipped the ring on her finger.

Standing up, Raoul grabbed her waist, twirling her around and around. She laughed as he set her down, pulling her in for a soft kiss.

Christine blinked as he pulled away. Surely she should feel something more when kissing her beloved. Wouldn't it be something more than just a feeling of kissing a brother? Looking into his eyes, she pushed the thought from her mind, allowing the excitement of her impending marriage to carry her away.