I do not own any of the characters from The Phantom of the Opera, although I do rather enjoy borrowing them from time to time.

A/N Sorry about the delay, but gosh darn it work is just getting in the way of everything! I guess I can only promise one to two chapters a week now :( This chapter has not been proof read, so please forgive the mistakes I just didn't want to delay the update any longer. Hey everyone CarolROI has a great story out there called Stronger; it is soooo good, take a moment and check it out. Ok back to my poor pitiful begging for seven more reviews for Broken Sparrow, I really want to surpass that 500 mark, so if any new readers haven't read it could you please go and review a few chapters, please….God how pathetic am I getting? Oh well I'm a review whore, what can I say?

Here is the next chapter. Enjoy!

Author – ToryD

Beta – Potosynthesis (Where are you?)

Choices

Chapter 10

Erik paced the exclusive grand salon on the fifth floor of Saks Fifth Avenue restlessly as he awaited Christine's arrival. Glancing at his watch he saw that she was a few minutes past due, not surprising due to the immense traffic in the city at this hour. As he continued his pacing, he contemplated the life-changing events of the coming evening. His thoughts were consumed with the woman who in a few short hours would become his bride. All of his careful planning was about to pay off, he was finally going to have the thing that had eluded him all of his miserable life thus far. He was about to at last have someone to call his very own. At the telling sound of the elevators arrival, he turned and watched as she walked towards him with a slight smile gracing her lips that did not quite reach her beautiful eyes. He did not quite know why but his heart gave a small lurch at the sadness reflected in her beautiful eyes. As he walked towards her, he held out his hand to her.

Christine saw Erik as soon as she exited the elevator. Walking towards him, she felt the familiar rush of anticipation that she had come to expect when in his presence. "I'm sorry I'm late." She apologized in a breathy whisper as she took his offered hand.

Erik returned her smile as he took her hand and lifted it to his lips to once again claim her as his own. "Come, they are waiting for us." He said in a smooth voice as he tucked her hand in the crook of his arm and led her to the private showroom that had been set up especially for her.

"Who is waiting?" She questioned him with a bewildered look.

Erik merely gave her a knowing smile as he escorted her into the showroom.

Monica, the top personal shopper at Saks had been working furiously all afternoon in order to prepare for their most important customer. Adjusting the cuffs to her stylish suit, she crossed the room to greet the dynamic Erik Desmond and his fiancée, Christine. "Mr. Desmond, Ms. Daae, welcome to Saks. We have made several selections for your approval this evening." She said as she motioned for them to take a seat in the elegant room. "Chantal" she called to her assistant who rushed forward with Champaign and an imported cheese and fruit tray. Monica smiled approvingly as she turned to face her guest. "Shall we begin?" she inquired of the mysterious half-masked man and the beautiful young woman at his side.

Christine looked quizzically at Erik who merely nodded his head in ascension. "Erik, what is…" her questions were halted by Erik's finger laid gently upon her soft lips.

"Just sit back an enjoy, Christine." Was all he said as several models began to emerge from the curtained back room.

Christine gasped in awe at the stunning gowns being modeled before her. As she had never indulged in such luxury, she did not know how to act within the confines of this private showing. Looking to Erik for guidance, he seemed to automatically know her unease.

Taking her hand gently in his he gave her a reassuring squeeze as he leaned over to whisper lightly in her ear. "Just let me know which ones you like the most."

She felt a shiver of some unknown emotion shoot through her at the feel of his whispered breath on her cheek. Smiling she nodded as she looked into his commanding gaze.

Monica, who was privy to the most delicious gossip that flowed abundantly throughout New York's high society, was pleased to see that all of the vicious rumors about this couple were indeed false. They were not one of the countless couples that were brought together by the need to further monetary gains or to establish a much sought after position within the exclusive upper class echelon of the city. No, she thought to herself with a satisfied smile, this couple had a deep-seated connection that was evident to all those who had the privilege to be in their company. "Mr. Desmond, Ms. Daae first we have Susan in a off the shoulder ivory Versace with a hand beaded bodice."

Christine's eyes widened at the beauty of the dress being modeled before her. She marveled at the kindness of Erik to take the time to arrange this on her behalf.

Monica watched Christine closely as she tried to gage the taste of her newest customer, for Mr. Desmond had informed her that he wanted to surprise his fiancé with a complete new wardrobe. The surprise aspect of the request had her somewhat worried, for she had to try to discern the young woman's taste from their short time together this evening. Mr. Desmond was adamant that the wardrobe must be delivered to the private plane by 7:00AM tomorrow morning. Pulling herself from her frantic thoughts, she concentrated on the task at hand. "Next we have Morgan, wearing a white silk Carolina Herrera with a sweetheart neckline accented with seed pearls." Pausing she observed that Christine did not appear to be as enthralled with this more embellished look. "Ah, here is my personal favorite; Lisa is in a simple ivory silk organza with a delicate high draped neckline and a plunging matching drape in the back done by Vera Wang."

Christine gasped as she saw the exquisite dress. Grabbing Erik's arm unconsciously as she looked in awe at the gorgeous design. "Oh Erik, it is so beautiful." She said in an admiring whisper.

Erik could not take his eyes off of Christine as she looked upon the dress of her dreams. "Hmm, yes beautiful," he said in a voice that flowed like silk over her skin as he gazed adoringly upon her.

Monica knew that though there were still several dresses to be seen that this was the dress that would be ultimately chosen. Well it appears that the future Mrs. Desmond has simple, elegant and classic taste. Smiling to herself, she was already mentally selecting from the most exquisite fashions to complete her young customer's new wardrobe.

Erik was quite surprised to find himself totally absorbed by this feminine process. While his past mistresses had often dragged him to similar proceedings, he had always found himself bored beyond all comprehension. But with Christine sitting by his side he found that he could not imagine a place on this earth that he would rather be.

Christine felt Erik's eyes on her. Turning she saw that he seemed to be deep in thought with a surprised look on his half-masked face. Smiling she wondered what had caused such a look of astonishment. "Erik," she called to him softly.

Erik hearing her call his name so sweetly caused a shiver run down his spine. Not taking his eyes from hers he lifted her hand that he still held to his lips to place a soft gentle kiss on this inside of her palm.

Drawing in a sharp breath Christine felt her pulse begin to race at the sweet seductive caress of Erik's lips.

Monica could have sworn that the temperature in the room had just gone up several degrees as she observed the electric chemistry between Erik and Christine. Clearing her throat, she tried to remind the distracted couple that they had an audience.

Christine felt a blush rise to her cheeks, as she was shaken from her all encompassing desire.

Erik, who was never one to condone any type of affection in public felt embarrassed for his lack of control. Shaking his head in wonder he had to laugh at himself, for his passion for Christine was surely more powerful than any other emotion he had ever experienced.

"Ms. Daae, if you would care to accompany me to the dressing room we could try on several of your selections." Monica informed Christine in a professional tone.

As Christine rose from the antique sofa Erik stood to assist her. "I'll wait for you here." He said in a quiet tone.

"I'll try not to be to long." Christine called over her shoulder as Monica led her away from the man who was causing such a strange range of emotions in her.

As soon as Monica had Christine safely in the dressing area, Chantal approached Mr. Desmond. "The jeweler has arrived and is waiting for you in the office Mr. Desmond." She said with a smile. "If you will follow me."

"Yes, thank you." Erik said as he was led towards a set of double doors.

Robert Saunders, who had been Mr. Desmond's private jeweler for many years felt somewhat nervous for he had never met the mysterious man in person before. As the doors opened, Robert snapped to attention as though he were a lowly private and Erik a commanding officer. "Mr. Desmond, sir it is an honor to finally meet you." He said in a less than confident tone.

Erik nodded at the nervous older man. "The honor is mine. Now what have you brought me tonight?" Erik questioned as he took the chair that had been set out for him.

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Christine stared out of Erik's private helicopter as it glided through the cold dark night. As she watched the lights of the city fade, she wondered what Erik was up to, for he seemed to be extremely pleased with himself. Turning to face him, she once again tried to pry some information from her secretive fiancé. "Erik," she called to him in a soft shy tone. "Are we going to some place special tonight?"

Erik raised an eyebrow at her quizzical nature. "I though you might like to see my home." He said as he watched her carefully for her reaction.

"Oh, you have another home in addition to the pent house." She said absently as she digested the information. "Can I ask you a question?" She said in a cunning little tone.

Erik tried to hide his smile as he watched her try to gather information. "Of course." He said with indulgence.

"Will I be wearing the dress that you purchased tonight?" She asked in a quizzical voice.

"Perhaps," Erik informed her in a noncommittal tone.

Frowning Christine tried to reign in her annoyance. "I thought you said that you would answer my question." She said somewhat curtly

Erik leaned back in his soft leather seat and eyed her appreciatively. "As I recall Christine, I said that you may ask me a question. I did not however say that I was obliged to answer." He said in a smooth voice that caused her blood pressure to rise.

"Erik!" She cried in frustration causing Erik to chuckle at her expense.

"Oh Christine, life with you will prove to be quite an adventure." He said in a confident tone that made her look up into his green eyes. Pointing out the right window, he directed her gaze towards the large mansion below. "Look Christine, there is your new home."

Christine turned away from Erik's mesmerizing gaze to look at the large three-story brick mansion below. Her breath caught in her throat at the sheer size of Erik's home. "Oh Erik, your home is beautiful." She said in awe as she looked at the secluded mansion ablaze in lights.

"Our home Christine." He corrected her gently.

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Darius hearing the approach of Mr. Desmond's helicopter walked towards the door to welcome his employer with his future bride. He had been working franticly all afternoon and early evening to prepare for the surprise wedding that was to take place within the hour. He was grateful for the vast influence of the Desmond name, for without it he would never had been able to produce such an event in such a short amount of time. Seeing Nadir as he passed the study, he informed him of Mr. Desmond's arrival. "Mr. Kahn, we are scheduled to begin in fifty-five minutes. Mr. Desmond and Ms. Daae are just now arriving."

Nadir nodded his head at the distinguished butler. "Thanks Darius, I'll let Meg and Marie know that Christine has arrived." He said as he put down the contract he was reviewing. As he walked towards the secluded guest room that Darius had set up for Christine's bridal party, he wondered how Christine was going to take to the surprise that Erik had in store for her this evening. Hell he wondered how he was going to get through the next three weeks with Erik's mother.

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Erik held Christine's hand as they walked toward the mansion's front entrance. Pausing, he looked down at her beautiful face. "Christine," he called to her gently.

Christine stopped to glance up at him questioningly.

Erik felt as nervous as a schoolboy on his first date as he tried to find the words to tell Christine how he felt. "I…um…I" He tensed as he struggled to speak.

Christine smiled at his obvious uneasiness, reaching up she placed her hand on his uncovered cheek in a light caress trying to ease some of his agitation.

Closing his eyes, he savored her touch. Turning his head, he lifted his hand to lightly grasp hers and kissed the inside of her palm. "Christine, I know that our relationship may not have started off in a conventional manner. But I want you to know that I will do all in my power to make you happy." He said in such a sincere tone that it brought tears to her eyes.

Smiling she reached up to kiss his lips lightly. "Thank you Erik, I too will promise to try to make you happy." Christine did not know who was more surprised by her declaration, she or Erik, for she meant every word to the very depth of her soul.

Erik stood in awed silence for a short moment as he tried to comprehend what Christine had just said. Lifting a trembling hand, he brushed a stray curl away from her face. "You have truly made me a happy man Christine." He whispered with such reverence that she once again felt an overwhelming connection to him.

As they looked deeply into each other's eyes they both felt as though they had forged a bond that would remain unbroken throughout the years to come. Erik leaned down and took her lips in a kiss that promised her all that he was and would be.

Christine felt as though she had found the one person she was destined to join with. Giving herself up to his kiss, she felt as though the entire world lay at their feet. An all-encompassing sense of freedom and joy filled her as she felt the promise of a future with this man, who for some unknown reason had stolen her heart without her even knowing it.

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A/N Ok now I am going to up the rating to an M, I hope we don't lose any readers but I think that this story is needing a more racy edge. Next up wedding, a little honeymoon action, Cara and Simone find out, oh yeah! Hey not that anyone cares but if you read Broken Sparrow you know that I was a big fan of American Idol, well guess where Bradley and I will be tonight? You guessed it we will be at the concert in Richmond! Oh well just a little personal info no one cares about. Please let me know what you think in the reviews. Thanks!