In the course of the next few weeks Erik's health improved greatly under Christine's tender care, his soul healing up as fast as his body. When he was completely recovered, they set off on a trip which took them to a new beginning in England, where no one knew their disturbed past. The next years saw their love grow and as they lived with their children - a spirited boy and a little dark-haired beauty of a girl - in the big secluded mansion bought with the money Erik had saved over the years, the few friends they had always called them with a touch of envy the happiest couple they'd seen. Christine would often sing to the accompaniment of Erik's music at the small parties they gave and everyone would agree the music they made together was born in heaven.

When Christine died at the age of sixty-three, Erik took her body back to Paris and granted Raoul the right to arrange for her funeral and put his surname on her grave. That was the only thing he could do for the unlucky man who had won, and lost Christine's love. His last gift to the angel who brought him back to life was a single red rose, on which with a black ribbon was tied the ring she had worn for the last twenty years as a symbol of their love. Then he returned back to England and to their children, now young people of considerable beauty and honourable character.

Meg Giry watched as Raoul took the little music box away from the auction. She knew his story. She wondered why he had bought the little piece of art. Afterwards, as he laid it gently on Christine's grave, he wondered the same thing himself.

Years had eased the pain off but a sad sigh still escaped his lips at the sight of the rose and the ring, a final testament to a love that transcended everything he had ever witnessed.