Erik and Christine: Loves Secret (A Phantom of the Opera Story)

Chapter 30

Later on, that evening, Ralph, Emily, and Christine are dining together in the dining room.

"How was your day today?" asked Christine.

"It was wonderful. The woods looked absolutely beautiful," Emily replied. Ralph nods in agreement since he has food in his mouth.

"That's good," said Christine.

A servant approaches Christine with a letter in his hand. "Excuse miss Daae. A letter from Monsieur De Changy," he said.

Christine smiles then takes the letter away from the servant. After she takes it from him, the servant leaves. Once she has the letter in her hand, she opens the envelope and begins to read it. As she reads it, Emily and Ralph watch but glance at each other as they wait to hear what it says. Even Erik, hiding in the shadows and came to check on Christine is intrigued by what Raoul has to say. However, after reading a few lines, the look on Christine's face concerns Erik. He whispers, "Something's wrong." Even Emily and Ralph notice that something has happened.

Ralph puts down his silverware and asks, "Christine...What is it?"

"What's wrong?" asks Emily.

"It's Raoul.," Christine stuttered. "He...I don't know how to say it."

"Is it bad?" asked Emily.

"Read it to us," begged Ralph.

Christine opens the letter once more and says, "Dear Lotte, I know I promised many things to you. But think I should move our wedding to late November. I realize that it's not what you and I wanted, but Mr. Taylor (one of my biggest investors) made a BIG proposition. I will be in Italy for a few days, then return home to you. I promise that this will be the last thing I will do with my business partners. I love you and miss you very much. And I promise that I will come straight back to you and everything will be different. Love Raoul."

Everyone stares at Christine as they are sad and shocked at how Raoul had broken another promise. They wonder if she is alright. Emily glances at Ralph as she notices from the corner of her eyes that he is furious. "Ralph," Emily whispered.

"I cannot believe this!" shouts Ralph.

"Oh Christine," sighs Erik as he stares at Christine.

"Christine? Are you ok?" asks Emily.

"I'm not sure," Christine replied as she puts the letter down.

Ralph stands up and says, "Look, I know that my son can do and say things that he just doesn't comprehend. But –"

"Sir, Emily. I have to tell you something. Something very important," Christine interrupted.

Ralph and Emily glance at each other then turn to Christine. "Of course, Christine," said Emily.

Christine takes a deep breath then says, "I'm not sure how to say it. So I'm just going to say it. I'm sorry but your son has broken many promises to me, and I can't be with someone who doesn't keep their promise. I hate to say this, but it's the truth. I don't love him anymore. I thought I did, but ever since he broke every promise and hurt me, I feel like the man I love disappeared."

"I'm so sorry Christine," said Emily.

"Christine...I think...I think you're making the right decision," Ralph said as he mumbled on what he wanted to say.

Christine stares at Ralph, confused by his statement and asks, "Really?"

"Yes," Ralph replies. "My son is putting his career before you, which he should not. He should spend more time with you. If he truly loves you."