Another week went by and Erik and Christine were spending quite a bit of time behind closed doors. Erik hadn't heard back from Nadir and although he wasn't surprised, it didn't stop him from feeling sad. However, he couldn't stall any longer. After much deliberation between him and Christine, they agreed on an attorney to help them with Christine's divorce and potential custody dilemma.
His name was Nicholas Lannister and had an office in New York City. He had a very good reputation and had always been very considerate to the couple. The three of them were discussing the case in Erik's office.
"I understand your concern, Mr. Y but Madame de Chagny…."
Erik looked to be in pain. "Could you not call her that? I realize it is her name but, for obvious reasons, I would prefer you address her as Ms. Daae."
He smiled. "Of course. As I was going to say, her child is not the Vicomte's. There is no custody issue."
"But I worry for Christine's reputation."
"Sir…." He closed his file. "She wants the marriage over. She doesn't want his money or title…."
"He has no money." Erik said curtly.
"Erik, please. Let the man finish. Go on, Nicholas."
"You file for divorce and if he contests, the only thing he would gain is keeping you in a marriage that has served neither one of you any good."
Christine rubbed her hands together. "He could contest, because he doesn't want me to move on."
"Only one way to find out."
"What happens if he contests, Lannister? Surely, no judge could allow someone to bound to another person they aren't committed to of their own free will." Erik gave a look to Christine and shrugged. "I know that now."
Christine kissed his cheek. "You knew that then too."
Nicholas arched his brow. "Eventually, Ms. Daae would have her freedom, but the courts could take their time and although he isn't in the money so to speak, I'm sure his family's name would pressure the courts to indulge him a bit. Americans love nobility. We seem to always be fascinated by titles."
Erik hit his hand on the desk. "Damn, him! My Punjab lasso would be much needed at this moment."
"Your what, Sir?"
Christine placed her hand on Erik's chest. "Angel…."
Erik whispered, "I'm sorry". "Nothing, just a bad joke."
"I say, you file for the divorce Madame, on grounds of desertion and see what comes of it."
Christine nodded. "And Gustave…. There is no way he could take him from me, correct?"
"Not legally. Of course, he will play that card and your name will be…Tarnished." He bowed his head. "Forgive me, Madame."
"I don't care about that." She said with conviction.
"Christine…." Erik protested.
"It's my life, Erik and I won't apologize for it. Not when it is a result of our love and it's our child. So, I'm in the papers for a while, so what?"
"You may never be hired anywhere else but an amusement park. Is that what you want?"
She turned to him and stroked his unmasked cheek. "I know what my merit has gotten me. All I want now is to live my life with my family. Besides, I am sure the Master of Ceremonies, himself, could create a lavish backstory and the public will flock to hear me."
"Here, in this park but out there…" He motioned with his hand and she took it in hers and brought it to her heart.
"I don't need them. Just us." She then looked up at Nicholas. "Is that the worst of it? My reputation?"
Nicholas ruffled the paperwork a bit more. "That's all from the courts perspective, Ms. Daae."
Erik sighed. "I wanted so much for you."
She kissed him tenderly. "And all I want is my freedom, to love whom I choose and be happy. I think that's a grand life, Erik. Don't you agree?"
He interlocked his hands with hers. "I learned long ago to never go against what you want."
She then looked at Erik and smiled as she stood up. "Nicholas, draw up my divorce papers, I will sign them at once."
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Erik, Gustave and Christine were in their new home, playing Blind's Man Bluff and somehow Christine was the one wearing the blindfold. She tried to chase after her men, but they were making it rather difficult.
"You two should be ashamed of yourselves! This is not fair! I can't compete with geniuses. I mean really, whatever happened to being a gentleman, Erik and Gustave…. You laugh all you want young man, but I am your mother and you will need me before the night is over, I can guarantee it!" She laughed when she realized neither Erik nor Gustave were going to give in.
Erik couldn't contain his happiness. "Gustave, maybe we should go a little easy on her, after all it is getting close to dinner time and at this rate, we could be here till way past your bedtime." He laughed.
"Oh you!" Christine tried to reach for him but he as too fast and suddenly Christine felt overheated but ignored her body telling her that she was exerting herself. In an attempt to try and catch Gustave off guard, she moved to the left but lost her balance and ended up falling onto a chair.
"Christine!"
"Mother are you alright?"
Erik was at her side in an instant and pulled off the blindfold, when he noticed she was dripping in sweat.
"Angel, what's wrong?"
"I… Don't know. Erik, I was hot and suddenly I got lightheaded and…."
"You didn't go to the doctor, did you?"
"Erik don't start now. I tried but Dr. Webber wouldn't take me any sooner and we had to speak with Nicholas…."
He carried her to the coach and told Gustave to get a cold, wet towel.
"Erik, I'm fine…"
"Hush. You told me you went to the doctor and everything was fine." He sounded furious.
"Erik, I have an appointment for tomorrow. I swear it. I just didn't want to reschedule with Nicholas. Please don't be upset."
"You fight so hard for our happiness, yet you let your health go and think that won't effect it?"
She looked at him with panic in her eyes. "Angel, that was never my intention. I only wanted to move us forward."
Gustave came back with the towel and Erik placed it on Christine's forehead.
"Gustave, I want you to stay here and make sure your mother rests. I'll be back with a doctor."
"Erik, it's late!"
He rose to his feet and put on his mask.
"Make sure she is comfortable and that she remains on that couch."
"Erik! You can't leave without kissing me goodbye." She lifted her head and bit on her lip, hoping that would coax him to come to her and get him to forgive her. She didn't like it when he was cross.
He turned around and came back to her side. He dropped to one knee and kissed her lips.
"I love you but that doesn't mean I'm not very angry with you right now. But first…. First the doctor."
A/N: Can you imagine Erik, all angry and grumpy but he still kisses Christine. He just wants to be mad for a while. I have a feeling it won't last. LOL
