"Things have become quite complicated, haven't they," Bianca said in between rehearsals. Despite no one really told them directly, the cast and crew were able to piece together what was happening. Ever since Samara's death, they got to see the talented Christopher Daaé and the charm that Fantôme clearly loved. They have also seen the competition between him and Nadir over her and . . .

"I'm still betting that Nadir is going to win over Fantôme," Monte said as he showed a ten dollar bill to everyone.

"If we're gamblin', I reckon that Christopher will win," Jackson said as he showed him a twenty dollar bill. "That is, if you're willin' to raise the stakes."

"Gentleman, there is no need to bet on this," Wendy said, but continued, "I bet Christopher too."

"Nadir has made her happy para diez años and you think a sudden old flame will swoop her off her feet that fast? My money's on Nadir," Bianca said as she showed her money.

"What are you doing," a voice said from behind them. They all turned around in fear and saw Madame Giry, who could be a lot scarier than Fantôme without even trying. She rubbed the bridge of her nose with her fingers as she said, "Please tell me that you aren't betting on Fantôme's love life, are you?"

"No," they all said unconvincingly as they hid the money in their pockets.

"You all mean well, but it's none of your business," Madame Giry said. "Besides, don't you have rehearsals to attend to?"

"We don't have to rehearse tonight," Meg said as she arrived on the scene. "We never really get that many breaks and tonight, we don't have to perform."

"Still, there is no time to be placing bets on who Er-. . . Fantôme will fall in love with."

"Mother, you and I both know who she's going to pick. It's his choice now."

"You honestly think he will leave her after all these years? He's a married man, Meg. He has to think about more than just his feelings."

"I understand, but I still believe that Christopher loves her and won't leave Erika and Diana so easily."

"I don't know how she has managed to get herself caught in this mess. She was always a careful woman who never liked leaving a trace."

"It wasn't her fault; it was Nadir's."

After a moment of silence, Madame Giry changed her attitude as she said, "All right, everyone. I'll leave you to your . . . bets, but don't let Fantôme know. She might be insulted by the gesture."

"No problema, Senora Giry," Bianca said. Madame Giry left their side and the four pulled out their money and argued who would be the better option. Even Meg put in twenty bucks in the pile. Who did she pick? Do I really need to tell you?

Madame Giry walked into Fantôme's office, surprised to see that it was unlocked since this was usually when Erika spent time behind the mirror. In order to keep her secret safe, she would always lock the door, hoping people would think she was busy, but not this time. Maybe she wasn't behind the mirror this time? Regardless, Madame Giry placed some finished paperwork on her desk, but before she could leave, she heard two sounds: a violin and a tenor voice. Though, they were muffled and someone wouldn't really be able to hear them unless the room was absolutely quiet, but she still heard it. Madame Giry walked closer to the mirror and the noises were getting louder. Yep, she was on the other side and she wasn't alone this time. She smiled as she left the two of them alone for the time being.

"You were a little flat on the F. You need to support your diaphragm," Erika said as she stopped playing the violin so she could correct him. "And those are sixteenth notes, not eighth."

"I'm sorry, but I guess I got a little carried away with the song. It's very beautiful," he said as he examined the sheet music.

"It is, isn't it, but you have a lot of rehearsing to do. You'll be performing in several hours. You don't have time to be distracted."

"You're right, I'm sorry . . . I'm just nervous about performing tonight."

"Why would you be nervous?"

"It's just . . . ,"

"The bet?"

He looked at her with surprise. "How did you-,"

"Lilliana told me about it. Apparently, she heard the whole thing and thought it was best that I should know. Grant it, I didn't want to hear anything she had to say, but that was something I needed to hear."

"So you know what this means to me?"

"Yes, I do, but it's your choice. I'm not forcing your hand. I'm just giving you a song to sing if you do decide to perform . . . if you choose to perform it."

"Erika," he said with a sad tone. She knew this whole time and she wouldn't try to influence him to stay?

"It's for you to decide. I'm not going to make you choose like I did last time. This time, you have a choice to stay or go."

"And you're not . . . ,"

"I'm angry at Nadir for putting you up to this . . . but I'm not offended."

"How? I would be."

"Because . . . I robbed you of your choice last time. Now, I want to know who you will choose."

"But . . . ,"

"Well, I think we have had a long enough break. Let's get back to work."

A few hours before the performance, Nadir, Annabel, Darius, and Rachel discussed amongst each other at Nadir's spice shop. Usually, it would be open at this hour, but Nadir decided to not open the shop today. After all, this was a fateful day for all. Nadir would finally get his answer, Annabel and Darius would finally be able to end all of this madness, and Rachel can see where Christopher's heart truly lied. This has been a trifling week or so and soon, it would all be over. "So, you're going to use this poor girl to your plan," Darius asked.

"Yes. She will convince Christopher that she is the woman he truly loves. He seems to be a man easily influenced by the people he cares about, so I'm sure this will work," Nadir said.

"And if it doesn't," Annabel asked.

"Why do you keep questioning me? It's like you want the plan to fail," he said angrily.

"No, it's just Christopher will follow his heart. What if his heart is with Erika and leaves this poor girl hung to dry?"

"Then that's my answer, but I want to give him a nudge to our side. Will you do that for us, Rachel?"

"I . . . I don't think I have much of a choice," she said in a sad tone that only Darius and Annabel picked up.

"That's the spirit! Now, what shall we have for lunch, Annabel?"

"I'm not in the mood to cook," she said.

"Really? What's the matter? Did you eat something rotten?"

"No, it's just that I had a long night and so has Rachel. I'm just going to go home until the show."

"You don't even want to eat with us at a café," Darius asked.

"I'll make something for myself," she said.

"All right, then," Nadir said as he, Darius, and surprisingly Rachel headed toward the door, but were stopped.

"I would like to talk to Nadir privately before you all go," Annabel said. Darius and Rachel walked out the door while Nadir stayed behind to talk with Annabel.

"Did you change your mind after all," he said, but he soon saw her uneasiness. "What's wrong?"

"Nadir, you know I would do anything for you, right?"

"Of course. Ever since we met, you were onboard with my plan. You even offered your . . . services if necessary."

"Yeah, but have you ever wondered why I would help you out of all people? Many men have come inside my shop talking about their many ways of winning over a variety of girls, but you were different."

"I just thought that . . . (chuckle) I don't really know what I thought at the time."

"Well, it's because I . . . I . . . why did you stay by my side even after you learned about my . . . acquired tastes?"

"Well, you intrigued me. Sure, your cannibalistic nature frightened me at first, but you proved yourself to be a worthy member of the plan. I couldn't have gotten this far without you."

"That's all I was . . . a valuable member of the plan?"

"Well, I guess you're also one of my closest friends that I can share my deepest and darkest secrets to since I know yours."

"Anything else?"

"Why do you ask that?"

"Well, it's just that . . . if the bet ends up with Christopher being with Erika, I just wanted to let you know that . . . it wouldn't be that bad for you."

"What do you mean? It would mean that ten years of courting would all be for a waste. I mean, I set the stakes, but I'm . . . scared of losing," he said in a genuine scared tone, but she hugged him, something he was surprised she would do. She wasn't really an affectionate person at all.

"I know, but I want to know that you wouldn't be alone," she said as she looked into his eyes. Without a moment hesitation, she kissed him, which caused him to push her back.

"What the hell, Annabel?"

"Please, Nadir. You have been going after this girl for ten years now. When will you give up on her? I can't bear to see you in this much pain, especially when you don't have to be. Nadir . . . I love you," she said, practically in tears. He was shocked to see her like this.

"Seriously? For how long?"

"Several months now," she said, trying to calm down, but it wasn't working.

"Annabel, I do care for you . . . but I'm sorry to say that I don't feel the same way."

"But . . . I did all of this for you. You were so sweet to me even when your heart wanted someone else. Despite all that, you never felt . . . anything for me?"

"I'm sorry, Annabel, but . . . I'm not the man for you. I'm sure there is a guy out there for you, but I'm not him," he said as he left the spice shop. She was now in a sobbing mess. The man she loved rejected her. She was sure that he would have some feelings for her, but he said he felt none. She felt as if her heart was torn in two and there was nothing she could do now.

Nadir closed the door and started to walk to the café, accompanied by Darius and Rachel. "So, what did she have to say," Darius asked out of curiosity.

"She said . . . she wanted to give me a shave before the show, but I declined."

"That was all? You were in there for an awfully long time," Rachel said, catching on to his lie. She had an idea what Annabel told him.

"Were we? I didn't really notice," he said.

Rachel looked at him and noticed some red on the side of his lips. Was that lipstick? "Uh, Nadir, what is that on the side of your lips," she asked as she pointed. He looked at her in confusion, but as soon as they passed by a shop with mirrors, he looked into one and saw the lipstick.

"Dammit," he said under his breath.

"So, there was more than just a shave?"

Nadir was caught in his lie and couldn't find any way around it. "Fine! She said she . . . loved me."

Darius looked in shock as he said, "Are you serious, master?"

"Yes, but I didn't want to tell you because . . . I don't feel the same way for her."

"Oh, you could have told me that before I told her that she should admit her feelings," Rachel said.

"Wait, you knew and you didn't even tell me?!"

"She's a friend and I don't tell secrets, especially to their crushes. Besides, she has been a wreck about all of this and I thought that if she told her feelings toward you, she would feel much better and I was hoping you would feel . . . something for her."

"Well, it didn't work, I'm sorry to disappoint you, but she's a strong woman. I'm sure she'll be okay."

A few bottles of gin later and Annabel was drunk. Sadly, that's what it took to get her just drunk. She hasn't been drinking as much as she normally would ever since she came to Coney Island, but one thing was still true: it took a few bottles to get her at least drunk. She couldn't remember how many bottles it took to make her pass out. She had a very high tolerance for alcohol ever since she learned that alcohol could help her forget, but it never lasted, now did it? Those memories she tried to forget always came back to her; watching her parents die right in front of her for cannibalistic crimes, a judge raping a woman, that same judge raping her, and finally, the death of her one true love. She couldn't figure out how she has lasted this long without killing herself, but she has and it was all thanks to alcohol.

"I see you're binging again," a feminine voice said at the door. Annabel couldn't see who it was since her chair was facing the wall away from the door and hoped it was Rachel, but that voice had an English accent.

"Go away! I don't want to hear anything from you," she said angrily.

"You know, alcohol can kill you, right? That much consumption is not good for your liver," Lilliana said.

"I don't care. I've been drinking since I was ten and it hasn't killed me yet."

"No, but you know why I'm here, right?"

"You're going to tell me that I'm going to die if I help Nadir?"

"Actually, no. Tonight, you're going to make some stupid choices that will lead to your death."

"God, can you ever leave me alone? It's like the Grim Reaper is looming over my shoulder when I'm around you," she said as she got up from her chair and walked to get another bottle of gin.

"You have no idea how right you are," Lilliana said under her breath. "Look, the reason I'm telling you this is that I don't want you to die. Once you do, I have to go back to London."

"There's no place like London, right," she said as she started to drink from the bottle.

"No, there isn't, but I don't want to go back, so the longer you live, the longer I can stay here with Katia."

"Why would my life matter that much to you?"

"Honestly, it doesn't, but if you stay home tonight, you can live another fourteen years. Please, Annabel, listen to-," she said, but felt a razor slice through her throat.

"Just shut up for once!"

It was finally time for the show. Christopher was in his dressing room, making sure his outfit that Erika provided him fitted well and looked great, and it did; one of her many talents that he admired. He was very nervous. As far as he knew, he was going to perform, but he had . . . doubts. What was the best choice for him? Whose heart would be broken and whose would be spared? Why was so stupid enough to even agree to the bet? He knew it was all for Nadir's ego, but he still said yes to it. He knew that someone was going to get hurt no matter who he chooses to be with. However . . . he needed closure himself.

"Ten minutes, Mr. Daaé," Jackson said as he passed by the dressing room. The door was still open in case any visitors wanted to wish him luck, but so far, the only people that came in were a couple of stagehands helping him into his outfit.

"Thank you," he said loudly, but with a shaky voice. Sweat was pouring down to his face and he kept wiping it, but more and more kept coming down. In mere moments, he would be on stage, the crowd will hush, and he would sing like he once did long ago.

"So, this is it," Rachel's voice said from the doorway.

"Rachel," he said happily as he got up from the chair to hug her. "I've been looking everywhere for you! Where have you been?"

"I've been with Annabel Lee this whole time," she said.

"Seriously? Are you all right," he said with worry.

"I'm fine. It's just . . . do you really believe this is the best for you?"

"What do you mean," he asked. He didn't want to hint to her about the bet, fearing that it would hurt her.

"I mean, you finally are able to perform for Fantôme, I mean, Erika, but is this really what you want?"

"S-So you know."

She nodded her head. "Yes and a lot more than you think, but don't act so innocent. You did too. If it were any other woman, I would have been hurt, but she is your Angel of Music."

"I'm sorry, Rachel. I should have told you from the beginning-,"

"It's all right, darling; I understand. I just want to let you know that . . . I'm not going to stop you."

"Really," he asked in shock.

"Yes. There are people out there expecting a show, but if you leave now, your reputation could be in jeopardy."

"You do know that there are only a few people going to watch this right?"

"Who? Critics? Theater buffs? Reporters?"

"None of those, actually; only a few people that Erika invited. If I leave now, my reputation won't be ruined. In fact, I bet they'll understand."

"Oh, I didn't know that," she said as she was about to leave, but he grabbed her hand and stopped her.

"Rachel, please understand that no matter what I do tonight, I will always love you."

She smiled as tears filled her eyes. "I know, Christopher and I will always love you. I may not have been the perfect wife that you dreamed of, but I want you to promise me that you will do what your heart tells you to."

"I promise," he said.

She was about to leave, but stopped to say, "You look very handsome tonight. You remind me of that handsome boy I cheered for and snuck into your dressing room to see."

He smiled. "And you will always be that same beautiful woman I admired from the opera boxes with a bright smile on her face."

Christopher walked to the closed curtains and awaited the cue. This was it. He finally made his choice, but was nervous to see the people he loved. "And now, ladies and gentleman, we have a treat for you all! For tonight and tonight only, we are the lucky few that get to see this amazing performer sing like an angel! Now, may I present to you: Christopher Daaé," Meg said through the curtains. As he parted, he could see everyone: the Girys in front, the cast and crew, the Phantasma cast and crew, and in Box 5 was Mister Y, or Erik, Diana, and Erika. She was surprised to see him and looked like she was about to cry. However, he heard the orchestra play from beneath him. He took a deep breath and sang:

Who knows when love beings

Who knows what makes it start

One day, it's simply there

Alive, inside your heart

It slips into your thoughts

It infiltrates your soul

It takes you by surprise and then seizes full control

Love gives you pleasure and love brings you pain

And yet, when both are gone

Love will still remain

While singing, Christopher could see that Nadir was also a member of the audience. He looked very dissatisfied to see him, but he thought he saw . . . he didn't know exactly. His face didn't seem to be one of anger. It definitely had defeat, but there was something more.

Love never dies

Love never falters

Once it has spoken, love is yours

Love never fades

Love never alters

Hearts may get broken

Love endures

He looked up to Box 5 again, but noticed something was off. Where was Erika? Wasn't she up there a second ago? All he could see was Diana and Erik. Where was she?

Love never dies

Love will continue

Love keeps on beating when you are gone

Love never dies

Once it is in you

Life may be fleeting

Love lives on

Life may be fleeting

Love lives on

The song was supposed to end there, but he heard a violin continue to play. At first, he thought it was one of the musicians, but even they looked confused to who was playing the violin. He looked around, but saw that Erika was walking onstage, violin in hand. She played it as beautifully as ever, but this time, she sang as well:

Say you'll share with me one love, one lifetime

Lead me, save me from my solitude

Say you want me with you here, beside you

Anywhere you go let me go too

Christopher, that's all I ask of you

With those words, she stopped playing her violin and everyone cheered. Even Nadir cheered, along with some tears falling down his cheek. Christopher bowed, but as he gestured for Erika to bow too, she had disappeared. Well, she was always great at that, but did she really have to leave at a moment like this?

Christopher walked back to the dressing room, exhausted, but in a way, happy. He finally knew who he loved more: Erika. She was the woman who made him into the man today and nothing could change that. He was the first person to truly love her and he was her one true love. He loved her so much that he would have searched the entire world for her if she didn't wish for him to not to. She was the woman who put all her feelings aside to make him happy and he was finally able to do the same for her.

"Father, you sang so well," Diana said as she entered the dressing room and hugged him.

"Thank you, Diana," he said as he kissed her forehead. "Where's your mother?"

"The last time I saw her, she was actually in tears."

"In tears?"

"Of joy, I presume," she said, but they both heard footsteps heading to the dressing room. Soon, they saw that masked woman with tear streaks on her cheek and mask. "Told you."

"I'm so proud of you," she said with a shaky voice.

"I'll go get the Girys! I'm sure they would want to celebrate," Diana said as she left the room.

"Oh, do be careful," Erika said with worry. However, she walked to Christopher and handed him a rose tied with a black ribbon. "So, you've finally chosen."

"Yes," he said as he took the rose and sniffed it, but he set the rose down as he suddenly gave her a kiss. Usually, she would have tried to break the kiss, but this time, she wasn't going to part. She wanted to stay like this forever. She finally knew that his heart was with hers and they couldn't be apart. The kiss would have lasted for a while, but they heard a knock at the door.

"Excuse me for intruding, but I wanted to congratulate Mr. Daaé," Nadir said as he entered the room.

"Nadir, will you keep your word and stop your pursuit of me," Erika said.

"My lady, you know I will always love you, but I clearly see that you two have a love that can't be compared. I saw how passionately he sang your song and it sounded like it written for you. He sang with so much emotion that even I was brought to tears. From this day forward, I promise to stop my pursuit of you."

"I'm glad to hear," Madame Giry said as she entered the dressing room. "Congratulations, Christopher," she said as she hugged him.

"Thank you, Madame Giry," he said with a smile.

"Where's Diana," Erika asked with worry. "She said she was going to find you two."

"I haven't seen her. Maybe Meg has," she said, but they all heard someone walk to the dressing room. Soon, they saw Meg, but she had a disgruntled look on her face. She had a hand over the bump on her head. "My goodness, darling! Are you all right," Madame Giry asked with absolute worry.

"I don't know. I was just minding my own business, but someone bumped me on the head and I fell unconscious. When I woke up, I had this note in my hand," Meg said as she showed the note. Everyone tried to take the note from her hand, but only Erika was successful, but what she read terrified her more than any torture she had ever endured.

If you want to see your little darling ever again, come to the pier. Nadir, Erika, and Christopher better come or else I will slit her throat there. I want to see their faces when I spill out my guts . . . or someone else's. Also, no police. If there are any, I will not hesitate to kill all of you!