10Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I don't own the Phantom of the Opera. It belongs to Gaston Leroux (original novel) and Andrew Lloyd Webber (musical rendition). Please buy the book or tickets to see the live performance (I know I will one day when I have enough money).
Ch.7: Masquerade
The New Year's masquerade ball was coming up at the Opera Populaire. Everyone was getting ready for the big night. None more so than Christine herself. She was sizing up her gown before someone knocked on her door.
"Come in!" She sang.
Raoul entered.
"Raoul!" She quickly put the dress away. She wanted to surprise him at the ball.
He went up to her and hugged her. "How's my fiancee?"
"Happy." Christine smiled. "And excited for the masquerade ball."
"As am I." Raoul sat her down on the chair while he kneeled. "Christine, I was wondering if this is a good time to talk?"
"Of course, Raoul. Though, what about?"
"...just talk to her about the Phantom. And listen to her. Really listen to her..." Olivier's voice echoed in Raoul's head.
"It's a sensitive subject, so if you're not comfortable talking about it. Let me know, and I'll stop."
Christine nodded. Though she had a feeling she knew what it was going to be.
"Christine, what do you know about the Phantom of the Opera?" Raoul slowly asked.
And she was right. Raoul was here to talk about the Phantom. But should she be honest with him? Actually, why is he even asking her about this in the first place? Ah whatever, she'll just answer.
"I know that he haunts the halls of this opera house. I know that—"
"Christine..." Raoul took her hands in his. "Please be honest with me. Now that we're engaged, we shouldn't hold secrets from each other."
"It's not easy for me to say, Raoul."
"Do you want me to go first then?"
Christine nodded. And Raoul took a deep breath.
"I always thought he was a menace. To the opera house and you. But thanks a good friend, I'm starting to open up my mind. And now? I believe there's more to this mysterious man. And I believe you're the one who can tell me more about him."
That was an answer Christine did not expect. But welcomed with an open heart. Now she feels a lot more comfortable talking about the Phantom.
"Well, Raoul. You're right, I do know more about the Phantom than anyone else here." Christine leans in close. "He was my Angel of Music."
"What?"
"I know, it's crazy. But it's true. He was the one who coached my singing here. The one who worked so hard to put me in the spotlight. And I always admired him for that."
"Is there anything else?"
Christine paused. "I've met him in person. And...oh, Raoul. I don't think I ever met a sorrier person."
Raoul looked down while Christine continued to talk. "He's been through so much. And never experienced kindness. Was never taught compassion."
"And why's that?"
"I can't say." Christine refuses to reveal the Phantom's disfigurement. "But know this. I don't want him hurting other people or be hurt by other people."
Raoul understood.
"As long as he doesn't try to hurt you. I'll be fine with leaving him alone." He stood up to leave. "Or even help him."
Olivier left her apartment to go to Erik's lair again. Tonight was the night before the masquerade ball. Before Erik unleashes his grand plan.
She makes her way down the cavernous maze and enters the lair. "Hello? Are you—whoa."
The entire place was a mess of sheet music, fabric, and ribbons. It looked like a tornado blew through the place.
Erik appeared out of the sea of cloth. His hair was unruly and the unmasked half of his face looked tired. But not angry.
Olivier made her way towards him. "What happened here?"
"I had to make my costume for tomorrow night," Erik explained. "And I'm afraid I'm a little out of practice when it comes to making men's outfits."
Olivier nodded. But you must be masterful when it comes to making wedding dresses. She thought.
An unseen ribbon snaked around her foot, causing her to stumble. Erik reached out to her. But not in time before she hit the floor.
"Are you alright?" He asked.
"Yeah, just bruised my knee." Olivier stood up. And winced. "Ouch."
"Can you walk?"
"I think so. Don't worry too much."
"I am worried," Erik said rather surprisingly. "If you can't walk, you can't dance. And if you can't dance, you can't go to the masquerade tomorrow night."
That surprised Olivier. "You never said anything about me attending."
"You said you would help me. I thought you'd attend for my benefit." Erik was confused. "Are you really not attending?"
Now Olivier felt bad. "Actually on second thought, yes, I'll be attending."
"Good," Erik said in relief. He went back to whatever he was working on. "Now I feel that my chances of messing up have decreased."
Olivier walked over—more carefully this time—to see what Erik was working on. He was finishing an elaborate-looking mask. It resembled a skull but was so much more ornamented.
"Is that your mask for tomorrow night?" She asked.
"Yes. Do you like it?" He continued to work. "It took me a long time."
"I do. But I don't think I'll like it as much I'll like your new opera." Olivier looked around for the sheet score of Don Juan Triumphant. "Where is it?"
"Safely hidden and packaged. I'm planning on revealing it tomorrow night."
That excited Olivier. "How?"
Erik picked up a red cape and threw it over himself. "By appearing before the audience when they least expect me. Then get Christine to my side. And introduce my opera before them—"
"—You're going to try and make a big scene?" Olivier grimaced.
"Yes. I've been gone for six months, if I don't do this, I'll be forgotten."
Olivier shook her head. "You're far from forgotten. You're a bad memory and if you do that, you'll be remembered again...as a nightmare."
Erik looked at her in dismay. "Alright, then Miss Koenig. Tell me, what should I do?"
Pursing her lips, Olivier made her way towards Erik. She took the mask out of his hand and put it to her face. "Attend as a regular guest. No one would recognize you with this on. Even Christine."
Erik crossed his arms and nodded attentively. Olivier walked around the lair, pretending as if it's a ballroom.
"When Christine's unaccompanied, you politely go up to her and ask for a dance. Like this:" She mimicked a man asking a lady for a dance. "And be gentle with her. REALLY GENTLE with her. Alright?"
"Alright..." Erik seemed to be trying hard to picture all of that. "But I highly doubt Christine would be unaccompanied at all. She'll most likely be prancing around with that fiance of hers."
"I guess that's where I come in," Olivier suggested. "Don't worry. Just keep your temper, and stick to my plan. And Christine will realize who you're really are: a man with many layers. Many good layers of course...once you get past the surface."
That caught Erik off-guard. "Thank you..."
He began cleaning up the mess on the floor. Being silent as he did. Olivier eventually decided to take her leave.
"I should go now. If I'm attending the masquerade tomorrow night, I need to start looking for suitable outfits. Especially since my father tore most of my..." She trailed off. "I should go."
"Wait." Erik stood up again. "Come with me."
He didn't offer any more explanation as he led Olivier down the cavernous halls. They reached a private den filled with beautiful dresses. All of them probably designed for Christine.
Erik pulled out a deep blue evening dress with gold lining. It had a deep square neckline and sleeves that went up to the forearms.
"It's not exactly the most formal, but it is the most finished piece in here." Erik removed it from the mannequin and folded it. "You and Christine are around the same size so I'm sure it should fit you just fine."
Olivier didn't what to say when he handed her the folded dress. She never wore something like this her whole life. Even her mother's old dresses couldn't compare. And Erik called this informal?
She held it tightly against her chest. "Thank you. Thank you, my friend."
The night of the masquerade ball finally came. Guests from all over attended. Ranging from the opera house singers to their most dedicated audience and donors.
It was a sight to behold. So many colours, sparkles, and of course, masks!
Everywhere someone looked, a different mask greeted them. This truly was a way to celebrate the Opera Populaire's New Year!
Amongst the flutter of dresses and tuxes emerged Christine. Looking lovelier than ever in her floating pink dress. Like an Angel.
And next to her was Raoul. He also looks amazing in his tailored suit which resembled an army officer's uniform. The two of them were excitedly whispering to each other.
"Think of this as a secret engagement," Christine smiled as she clutched the necklace which held her ring. "Just look at your future bride!"
Raoul smiled back but was a little confused. "Why hide it? It's an engagement, not a crime. And besides, our closest friend already knows. Why not everyone else?"
Christine sighed. "Please, understand."
"I'm trying to."
"How about we do not fight tonight?"
"Ok. Let's get about and enjoy the night!" Raoul whisked them away onto the dance floor.
On the other side of the ballroom, entered another guest. It was Olivier. Wearing the dress Erik lent to her. And a mask he quickly fabricated last night. Her medium blonde hair was down and straight. Since she has no idea how to go about styling it.
She stumbled across the floor, trying hard to get used to the atmosphere. Several times, she bumped into people who were either dancing or making small talk. They'd berate her endlessly.
"My dear! Do you have two left feet?" Carlotta Giudicelli shrieked when Olivier accidentally fell into her. "You almost made me spill my drink!"
"I'm sorry," Olivier said without looking at Carlotta. Instead she lifted her foot to adjust her heel. "I'm just not used to these yet."
This time, Piangi shrieked. "Mademoiselle! Have you no shame? Showing your ankles at a place like this?"
"You may have the appearance of a lady, but you don't have the manners of one!" Carlotta smirked. "Were you raised solely by your father?"
Olivier's eyes flashed behind her mask. "Don't speak as if you know about my upbringing."
"I speak what I wish to speak." Carlotta also turned serious. "I'm the Prima Donna of this opera house."
"Christine Daae is the true Prima Donna," Olivier answered confidently.
"How dare you—" Carlotta grabbed Olivier's arm. But suddenly, she was also grabbed by the arm.
A man dressed in red and wearing a skull mask gripped Carlotta's free arm tightly. Though his face was hidden, the three people could feel his intimidation.
"Leave her be, Signora." His voice imitated thunder.
Olivier calmed down. She knew this was Erik. Carlotta and Piangi on the other hand panicked. Carlotta tried to pull herself out of Erik's grip but he was strong.
He squeezed tightly. "Go. Now."
Then he let go. And Carlotta and Piangi quickly scurried away. Leaving Olivier alone with Erik. He turned to face her.
"Is it really the shoes? Or the bruise?"
Olivier shrugged. "A bit of both. But of all the people I bumped into tonight, they were the rudest of all. I'm so glad Christine's rising to take her place soon."
She stumbled again. Erik tentatively let her hang onto his elbow to keep balance. It helped a little. But she was still wobbling.
"I completely agree." Erik scanned the room. "Speaking of which, where is she? And...that fiance of hers."
"Raoul and Christine are probably dancing somewhere," Olivier stressed on Raoul's name. "We should split up. That way, we can cover more ground."
"But aren't you the one separating them?" Erik asked.
"Yes. But we need to find them first." Olivier argued. "Since you're walking on non-heels. You go over to the far end. I'm staying in this area."
Erik looked at Olivier and saw how badly she was shaking despite holding onto him. Her in heels was like a toddler trying to walk for the first time.
"Alright. I'm going. Take care of yourself."
He walked to the other side of the room, trying to look for Christine and Raoul. Olivier put her hands on the food table, trying to look elegant.
The two scoured the entire dance floor. Trying to identify the faces of their romantic interests. But to no avail.
Suddenly, the music changed. And the couples all paused, so they can adjust to the new song. At that moment, both Olivier and Erik caught sight of Raoul and Christine. They were dancing near the middle of the court.
Erik and Olivier immediately began making their way towards them.
This dance everyone was dancing is a bit strange. All the couples would switch partners every couple of bars. So whenever the two think they're getting closer, they'd be snatched by some random person to dance.
"Excuse me! Pardon me, whoa—" Olivier is taken by the waist by a stranger.
The next couple of bars finished playing. And she was finally let go. She quickly scanned around for Christine and Raoul.
Erik was having no better luck. He was able to avoid two occasions where a lady would try to take him but he quickly ran off. But it was getting difficult.
"Damn this dance." He said under his breath.
The music entered a new phrase again. Everyone switched partners. Christine and Raoul—who were just dancing with other partners—reunited again.
They spun across the floor, close to Erik and Olivier. Erik pushed his way through to get to them.
"Dance with me!" A strange lady wearing a rather revealing gown suddenly grabbed onto Erik's arm.
He saw Christine and Raoul spinning away. This is not good.
Thinking fast, Erik saw Olivier in front of him and grabbed her arm. He freed himself from the strange lady's grip and pulled Olivier towards him for the dance.
"Eyes on them," he instructed as he guided them via dance towards Christine and Raoul.
"I'm trying." Olivier struggled to keep her eyes on the happy pair while keeping herself in balance.
Erik held her closer than what would be deemed appropriate. But if he didn't, she'd surely fall. This music phrase seemed to be longer than the previous ones. To their disappointment.
Olivier nearly stumbles again. Erik pulled her up flawlessly. "Are your shoes really that bad?"
"That and I'm a pretty bad dancer. Or at least, for the woman's part anyway. My father only taught me how to dance the man's role. So this is new to me."
Erik didn't say anything. He kept searching for Christine and Raoul, but he's not spending as much time looking for them anymore. If this phrase is going to be long, might as well enjoy it.
As the music continued, Erik silently taught Olivier how to dance properly. With every trip, every accidental toe-step, every mistimed twirl, he'd correct her by pulling her in the proper position.
Olivier appreciated that. "Thanks."
"Now, perhaps you won't step on your next partner's foot," Erik said solemnly.
The music changed and the pair let go to switch partners. Olivier turned around to grab onto the hand of...
"Raoul!" She exclaimed. She quickly turned her head around to see Erik take Christine's hand.
Raoul peered at Olivier's mask. "My goodness, Olivier? Is that you?"
The music started. This time, it was completely different music. Which meant a different dance. Which meant no more partner switching.
Raoul gently took Olivier by the waist and hand. He looked astonished.
"Your mask, your hair, your dress...you look..."
Olivier looked down. Feeling a bit insecure. "I know, I know. I look out of place—"
"—Beautiful." Raoul finished. "I'm not joking, you're beautiful tonight."
And that erased all of Olivier's insecurities away. She smiled warmly. Raoul smiled back.
On the other side, Christine was dancing with her mysterious red-suited partner. At first, she was a little intimidated by his presence and mask.
But after feeling how gentle his touch was, she relaxed. And now, she has a feeling that she knows who this man is.
Right as she started suspecting that, the man looked at her and winked. Christine held back a gasp.
"Are you the...?" She didn't need to finish.
Erik nodded.
Well this is a surprise for Christine. She didn't expect the Phantom to be attending this masquerade. Or to be just another guest either!
The way he approached her and held her right now, it's so...gentle. Almost takes away the cold-murderous aura she felt awhile back. And suddenly, she feels safe in his arms.
Over at Raoul and Olivier, they started a conversation while dancing.
"I didn't you were attending. You could've said something to me or Christine."
"Well, I didn't plan on attending, to be honest. But here I am anyway. And I don't regret it."
Olivier fought hard not to stumble this time. It was easier to dance now, but the pain in her feet from the heels was threatening to ruin that.
After a quick twirl, Olivier winced. Raoul noticed that. "Are you hurt?"
"No, it's just my shoes."
"Right. You're not used to wearing heels." Raoul looked around to make sure no one was dancing too close to them. Then he lowered his voice. "Want to take them off?"
"What? But won't someone see?"
Raoul shook his head and led them to the edge of the dance floor. He encouraged her to kick off the heels. Though a bit self-conscious, Olivier did so. Her feet practically sighed in relief.
She put her shoes under the food table where it's safely hidden. Then resumed dancing with Raoul.
"How does that feel?" He asked playfully.
"Almost as good the feeling I'd get if I remove this corset too."
Raoul laughed. They kept dancing. Olivier looked from the corner of her eye to see Erik and Christine near the centre of the room. Christine seemed very relaxed around him.
Almost like she's enjoying herself. And Erik...doesn't seem to be pretending to be gentle anymore. Olivier smiled, this is good.
She refocused on Raoul. "So, um. Have you and Christine talked? About the Phantom?"
"Yes, we did. Two days ago, actually." Raoul recalled their conversation. "You were right Olivier, she knows more about him than I thought she did. And I think, even I'm starting to understand why he is the way he is. But it still doesn't right the wrongs he did."
"Of course not. But you have to agree, he's not a monster."
"Perhaps..." Raoul looked down.
"He has feelings too. Surely, you've noticed the things he'd do for, um, Christine." Olivier was being careful now. "He holds her in grand light. You know that."
"But she doesn't have feelings for him. She pities him." Raoul argued.
She had feelings for her Angel of Music. She pities the man that he turned out to be. Olivier thought. But how is she supposed to make that clear to Raoul?
"Raoul. What have you done for Christine, recently?"
"...What are you saying?"
"You're patronizing the Opera Populaire, that's good and all. But about Christine's career as a singer? Have you been helping her in that department?"
"I've been giving her emotional support. So she could perform without fear here. What do you want me to do? Write a song for her to sing? Teach her vocal exercises? Make her the leading lady of..." Raoul sees what Olivier was implying.
She didn't think he loves Christine enough to help her directly in her singing career. Whereas the Phantom did.
That greatly offended Raoul. He let go of Olivier and attempted to walk towards the centre of the dance room. Crying Christine's name.
"Christine! Christine!"
Christine and Erik heard Raoul's shouts. The former attempted to respond to them. But the latter was visibly upset at the sound of them.
He didn't let Christine go. By now, most of the dance couples stopped to see what the commotion was. Raoul tries to make his way towards Christine.
Erik became angry at the sight of that. He pulled Christine back hard. That shocked the guests.
"Don't be so rough with her, Phantom!" Raoul shouted in warning.
Andre and Firmin rushed into the scene. "That's the Phantom? He's back?"
Erik turned the two managers and then to the entire company. Christine's wrist was still tight in his hand.
"Why so silent, everyone? Do you think I had left you for good?" Erik asked mockingly. He reached under his suit coat. "I have written you an opera."
And out came a bound manuscript of papers. On the cover was the title, 'Don Juan Triumphant.' Olivier bit her lip, this was not the way she hoped to see the finished score.
Erik threw the sheet music at Andre, who attempted to catch it. He smirked in amusement at that.
"I suggest that you comply with my instructions since they'll be clear. Remember, there are worse things than a broken chandelier."
He pointed the ceiling, reminding everyone of the tragic incident during Il Muto. Everyone looked to the ceiling.
While they did, Erik turned to Christine. Her eyes were filled with confusion, fear, and pity. Slowly, she attempted to reach out to him with her free hand. Erik was about to let her touch him, but then he caught sight of something dangling around her neck.
It was her engagement ring. From Raoul.
He angrily rips it off of her. "Your chains are still mine! You will sing for me!"
And with that, Erik disappears from the ballroom. In a bright flash of fire. The crowd begins panicking and screaming. Christine tries to keep herself from being washed away by the scurrying guests.
Raoul keeps shouting her name as he tries to make his way to her again. But with everyone running about, it was even more difficult now. He turned to Olivier, who was stood still as a statue.
"Did you just see what happened?" Raoul shouted at her.
Olivier weakly nodded.
"Does that seem like a gesture of love to you? Because to me, that seemed more like obsession!"
Olivier snapped. Tears flooded her eyes.
"I don't know! I don't know, ok! What's love? What's obsession? What's the difference between those two? Those are things only you'd know. Because you've been receiving love all your life from your family! I haven't!" Olivier removed her mask to wipe her face. "You were the first one who showed me kindness. So I was hoping that you'd also be the one who'll show me love."
Raoul was taken aback. He didn't know how much Olivier was holding back from him. He softens himself and moves towards her.
"Oh, Olivier, I'm sorry. I—"
But Olivier took off. She grabbed her shoes from under the food table and ran away. Raoul was left standing confused and guilty.
With a heavy heart, he turned back around and pushed through the guests towards Christine. She sighed in relief upon seeing him.
"Did he hurt you?" Raoul helped her to her feet.
"No. He just took my ring." Christine looked at him intently. "I saw you shouting at a woman over there. Who was she?"
Raoul's face fell. He didn't want to think about his recent argument with Olivier. So he answered.
"Just some woman. She was looking for her partner."
The masquerade kept going on after that little fiasco. Everyone tried to enjoy themselves again but it was impossible. The Phantom's back and he's back with a vengeance.
The party ended late into the night.
All the guests returned home. Raoul walks Christine to her dressing room. But instead of bidding him farewell, Christine invites him inside.
"I think we should talk some more...about the Phantom." She explained.
Raoul nodded.
Back at her apartment, Olivier changed out of her dress hours ago. She was back in her men's breeches and tunic. And her hair was tied up, prepared to be covered by her toupee.
Tonight had been a disaster.
"We were so close..." She lied on her bed. "Erik, all you had to do was hold your temper in."
Olivier flipped around, frustrated at the turn of events. But her frustrations soon faded into guilt.
"No, it's my fault. I was too direct with Raoul. If I didn't say what I said, he wouldn't have shouted Christine's name. And none of that would've happened."
She got out of bed and grabbed a winter coat off her hangar. Putting on her toupee and boots, Olivier prepared to go back outside.
"Might as well return the dress to him." She said while grabbing the folded dress and mask.
She headed out the door.
The night air was cold and snow was falling. But Olivier didn't mind. She walked towards the Opera Populaire and navigated the underground tunnels with ease.
Once at Erik's lair, she called out to him.
"Hello?"
Erik turned around in his organ chair. He was back in his usual clothing again. White shirt, dark pants, and mask. This time, he removed the jacket. He looked upset.
"What are you doing here?" He seethed.
Olivier held out the folded dress. "Returning this. I won't have much need of it anyways."
"Well neither do I." Erik turned away from her. "Throw it away if you really don't need it."
"Erik, I'm sorry about tonight. I know it's partially my fault but you have some of the blame too!"
"I don't want to hear this now. And especially from you."
"No. You will hear this now and from me." Olivier made her way over. "You need to make up to Christine for what you've done tonight."
"I've given her the leading role in my opera!"
"You honestly think she cares about that? You literally said to her face: 'Your chains are still mine. You will sing for me.' What are you? Her servant master?"
Erik sighed loudly. "I was angry."
"So was I, when you said that! It was supposed to be a moment of realization for her. Now you've gone and made her more afraid."
"Why do you care?" Erik stood up. "This is pointless. I might as well do this myself. So you go on and leave me."
"I can't!" Olivier shouted. "Have you forgotten? You said you'd kill me if I failed again! So, of course, I'm trying my best to help you! My life's on the line here!"
Erik tightened his jaw. He squeezed his fists.
"No. I have not."
For a second, Olivier was scared that he'd attack her or something. But then his demeanour softened. He raked his fingers through his hair.
"Do you care for Raoul, Olivier?" He slowly asked.
"With all my heart."
"And Christine?"
"She's also very important to me."
"Yet you're working with me to break them up." Erik walked closer. "If I'm to believe you're doing your best to help me. I need to know what means more to you. Your friendship with Raoul and Christine, or your desire for romance with just Raoul."
Olivier was silent.
Eventually, the silence was getting to Erik and he decided to leave. That's when Olivier finally answered.
"I want happiness for all of us."
With that answer, Erik made up his mind. You amaze me, Olivier Koenig...
He went up to a large chest and unlocked it. Reaching inside, he took out a violin. It was the same violin Olivier's father smashed months ago.
Now it was repaired. And improved.
"I fixed it awhile back," Erik explained as he walked back over with the violin and a matching case. "Took me some time since I needed to get the proper parts. Here."
He handed her the violin. Olivier gingerly took it. Erik looked away.
"If it was that precious to you. Don't let anything happen to it ever again."
Olivier quietly thanked him, put the violin inside the case, and then left.
You're not a monster, Erik. Your feelings for Christine are real. You're not good at expressing them but they're real. It's NOT an obsession...
Raoul and Christine have been talking for a long time after the masquerade. They've finally concluded their talk about the Phantom.
"Olivier's involved with him more than we know." Christine finalized. "All of the times when she'd tell me or you that he's not a bad man? Do you think he's making her do that?"
"I've been suspecting that ever since the night before Il Muto," Raoul revealed. "She's definitely working for him."
"But why? Why would she try to break us up? It's not like Olivier at all."
"No, it's not," Raoul recalled Olivier's outburst at the masquerade. "But there are still things we don't know about her either. But despite that, I think the only way she'd be working for him is if her life's under threat."
Christine covered her mouth. "The Phantom's threatened her?"
"Most likely."
He paced around the room. Christine sat on her chair, looking disappointed. "I asked her a couple of days ago if the Phantom's hurt her. But she said he's fine. Just how many secrets has she been hiding from me?"
"She didn't want you to worry."
"But I am so worried about her..." Christine rested her forehead against her hand. "She's far away from home. She's never lived alone. She's still struggling with her identity. And now this? My problems are tiny in comparison."
"Then my problems are even smaller," Raoul took out a chair and sat in front of Christine. "Tell me, what you really feel about the Phantom?"
Christine shook her head but Raoul kept insisting. "We need to stop going in circles. Tell me Christine."
"I'm torn." She said in a soft voice. "I feel torn between him and you..."
Raoul nodded and breathed deeply. A part of him expected this answer. But it didn't make it any easier to hear. Christine kept talking.
"I know that his crimes are unforgivable. But I can't help feeling sorry for him! He was there for me when you, or father, or anyone else couldn't be. He was there! And I want to be there for him. I want to help him."
She anxiously waited for Raoul to say something. But he just kept looking around the room, doing what he can to avoid eye contact with her.
Christine knew she couldn't take back what she said now. "Do you what you have to, Raoul. I deserve it."
"What do you mean?" Raoul looked confused. "We're still engaged, aren't we? Don't think that this little obstacle will destroy it."
"But I—"
"—I still have feelings for you, Christine. I hope you do too."
"I do."
"Then unless we stop harbouring those feelings for each other, I'm not breaking this off. I'm not."
Christine understood. Her feelings for Raoul were still here. But her feelings for the Phantom were growing fast. And sooner or later, it'll catch up and overwhelm her.
Review responses~
Kro99: Thanks for changing your username. I appreciate that! :)
A/N. I apologize for the long update. As of right now, all I can say is: updates are going to be slow. New chapters will come but you will be waiting for like a month or more.
I'm sorry if this will deter you from the story. But I'm not going to lie or sugarcoat it. Updates will be slow. So if you want to drop this story I won't stop you. But if you want to keep reading, I kindly ask you to be patient.
Again, I'm so sorry about this. I have other priorities right now. Both in life and writing.
Nonetheless, I hope for the readers who are still here, you've enjoyed this new chapter and the story so far. And are willing to wait for a month and couple of days for updates.
See you all next time (Yes, I'll be coming back. If I'm going on hiatus, I'd be saying that right here)
:)
- MiraLake
