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No Easy Way	By : secretlysecretly Category: M through R > The Phantom of the Opera > Het Views: 7568 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own The Phantom of the Opera, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

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Chapter 38

Olivier straightened his tie as he entered the Pinon mansion with a satisfied smirk on his face. His fantasy was finally becoming reality and he couldn’t help but feel smug in light of his union to the object of his affection. It had taken him a long time to accomplish his heart’s desire but in the end all of his efforts and long patience had proven worthwhile.

He reflected on that fateful night when he had faced Marianne regarding her last meeting with Erik Destler. She had obviously been shaken by the encounter, returning to her home shattered after the way her lover had confronted her. He almost laughed out loud when he was reminded of the way Destler had pressed Marianne on for an answer but he had felt so proud when his little girl had managed to retain her composure.

Indeed Marianne had proven trustworthy when, despite her evident sorrow, she had kept their little secret and remained wallowing in her own misery after Destler had walked away from her, disgust drawn on his face. Olivier had contemplated to leave her be after the way her despicable lover had maltreated her, but finally he had not been able to do so, gloating in his victory as soon as Marianne had returned to her home.

He had followed her to her estate less than a half hour later, triumphantly stating how proud she had made him, informing her that he knew he could finally trust her now that she had become so docile. When she had enquired as to why he was so joyful all of a sudden, Olivier had casually revealed to her that he had been watching her all along during her little walk in the forest and had bore witness to her run-in with her lover.

She had been surprised to say the least and her shock increased tenfold when he had informed her that Erik Destler was being watched twenty four hours a day, seven days a week. She had been devastated at the revelation, realizing she was ultimately trapped and there could be absolutely no escape from her loving fiancé. The report he had provided on Erik Destler’s actions following to their breakup had been enough to break Marianne’s spirit – or at least what had been left of her once vibrant outspoken personality and she had been compliant to his every whim ever since.

Olivier would have pitied the poor girl if he didn’t know any better. However, the simple truth of the matter was that women were not to be trusted, especially the sweet innocent Marianne Pinon who had whored herself to a monster and was now bearing his bastard child.

Once Olivier had found out about her involvement with the demon, he had seriously considered the option of discarding his obsession for the cheap harlot his childhood sweetheart had become. However, there could be no better bride for him under any circumstances. Marianne was of noble blood, had inherited a vast amount of wealth from her parents and would surely make a fitting mother for his children. After all, he could always keep up his affairs out of wedlock as while maintaining his impeccable image within his social circle.

Tonight would be hilarious. If Erik Destler dared to make an appearance, he would be ready for him. The engagement party was not only a social event in Olivier’s mind. It could turn out to be the ideal trap for the fiend if he even attempted to make a scene.

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Marianne sat in front of her vanity mirror, a forlorn look in her eyes as she stared at the image before her. There was no doubt in her mind she would receive innumerable compliments on her appearance this night. The crisp white gown she wore complemented beautifully her fair complexion and it hugged her curves delightfully. Beads were intricately sewn into the silky fabric, sparkling with every move she made. The cleavage was low-cut enough to accentuate her breasts elegantly and the corset she wore effectively camouflaged her imperceptibly round belly.

The skirt of the dress was absolutely striking as the crystals that started out densely embroidered on the corsage were sparsely positioned on the voluminous material which hugged her hips and then fell abundant over her legs. It was a gorgeous attire that could easily be mistaken for a wedding gown; one which Olivier had chosen for her himself, eager to show off his young fiancé’s beauty. She knew the image she presented was stunning, but the melancholy look in her eyes was discordant with her immaculate appearance.

She knew a woman was not supposed to be so gloomy on her engagement night, but she just couldn’t help herself. She had been acting cheerful for the past two weeks or so whenever she had company, but every time she found some time to herself, tears would well in her eyes in light of her future as Baroness Dervaux. She was aware of the fact that she was the envy of all unmarried women in Rouen, her future husband a much sought-after bachelor, but all of those women would never experience the abject pain that was piercing through her heart at this very moment.

Ever since she had been a little girl, she had been dreaming of falling in love and creating a family with a man who would effectively sweep her off her feet. At some point in her life she had almost given up on that dream, thinking that she was being overly romantic, wishing for something that would never happen. Alas, she had indeed fallen in love with a ravishing man who returned her feelings and would do anything to build a happy life for the two of them and their children, but she had lost everything in an instance.

When Erik had proposed marriage to her, she had been the happiest woman on the face of the earth. The thought of spending the rest of her life by Erik’s side, raising his children, giving him the family he had been deprived of all through his life had made her perfectly content. However, she had been compelled to destroy that dream, seeing it crumble before her eyes when she had been forced to hurt the man she so dearly loved, under the weight of Olivier’s threats.

When she had last seen Erik in the forest, his spiteful words and the irony in which he regarded her had been enough to shatter her heart into a million pieces. She had never expected Erik to have the capacity for such cruelty towards her; however she knew she had been worthy of it. Her heart ached when she thought of the broken man and the fierce way in which he had regarded her following to their breakup.

Her hand traveled to her belly, protectively stroking the slight swell there and tears flooded her eyes as she thought of the baby that was growing inside of her. The baby that would never know its father; the little child who would undoubtedly be scrutinized by her future husband.

She knew she would love this child with all her heart, regardless of the deformity it might inherit from its father. It was all she had left of Erik Destler and although she felt hollow knowing the man who held her heart hated her after the way she had ended their relationship, she had to go on for the sake of the innocent life she would bear into this world.

She wiped the tears from her eyes and set her shoulders determinedly as she stood from her seat before the vanity mirror and prepared herself for the long night that lay ahead. As she opened the door and slowly descended the stairs, she absentmindedly thought that this must be what condemned men are feeling when they are being led to their death. She stood before the door which led to the ballroom and took a deep breath before taking the doorknob in her palm, turning it slowly.

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Two hours later, Marianne thought she would scream from the sheer effort she put into smiling cordially to the members of the Rouen elite who had gathered to celebrate the engagement of Baron Dervaux to Duchess Pinon. Everyone around her appeared to be enjoying themselves, obviously happy to see the Duchess finally settled with a man worthy of her. The handsome couple made quite an impression that night and Marianne was certain Olivier would be appeased by the event’s turnout.

Olivier was boasting like an idiot by her side, showing off her engagement ring to their acquaintances, smiling broadly every time someone mentioned how long overdue their union had been. She sighed inwardly and looked away, only to stiffen when she noticed a pair of azure eyes staring openly at her. Her face was drained of color when she saw the man her heart ached for walk toward her and Olivier with Corine Souris by his side.

As the couple walked to them, Marianne noticed Corine appeared ecstatic as she hang herself on Erik’s arm, greeting everyone they passed on the way, occasionally stopping to chat with some of her friends. Erik on his part appeared to be totally oblivious to the crowd that surrounded them, his eyes fixed on her own as he advanced on the couple. When they finally reached Olivier and Marianne, Erik turned his attention to the Baron smiling curtly. Immediately, Marianne felt Corine’s arms entwine around her shoulders, the young woman pulling her into a tight embrace.

“Oh Marianne, I am genuinely happy for you! You must be thrilled to finally be marrying your childhood sweetheart!” Letting go of Marianne, she turned to Olivier with a wide smile on her lips. “And you Olivier, make sure to take good care of Marianne! She is such a lovely...”

Marianne heard no more of Corine’s ramblings as Erik took her hand in his palms and bowed curtly before her. In a haze, she felt his lips touch her cold flesh cordially and heard him wish her happiness by her beloved’s side. She felt like crying when she saw him turn his attention back to Olivier, shaking his hand in a congratulatory manner while Corine kept babbling about how nice it was to see such a handsome couple finally decide to bind their fates in marriage.

Erik seemed somewhat distant as he suffered the ramblings of his partner and glanced at the crowd around them. A passing attendant offered them champagne and they each took a flute of the golden liquid in their hands.

Erik cleared his throat and raised his glass in an elegant manner, offering a toast for the affianced couple. “May you live a long, prosperous life with each-other and create a perfect family together. I wish you all happiness!” he toasted and downed his champagne in one gulp.

Olivier gloated foolishly by her side, leaning in to touch a soft kiss on her lips. She tried to pull away but, joking about his timid bride-to-be, her fiancé leaned in again claiming her mouth with his openly before their guests. Everyone around them laughed jovially; all except the tall, brooding man who wore a mask which hid his disdain at the sight before him.

As soon as Olivier let go of her, Marianne’s eyes shot out to where Erik was standing but a few moments ago to see him lead Corine away onto the makeshift dance-floor for a waltz. As the couple swirled around lost in the rhythm and seemingly each-other, Marianne couldn’t help but feel a wave of resentment wash over her. ‘Is that it then? Was our affair so trivial to him that he managed to forget all about me in less than two weeks? I am heart-broken at our breakup and he has already found my replacement?’

Her thoughts were interrupted as she heard Olivier whisper in her ear with a hint of mirth lacing his voice. “I see your lover has already gotten over you my dear. Could that be a sign of your shortcomings in bed? Perhaps I should rethink our current arrangements then?” She turned her head to see his eyes glinting mockingly at her.

Beside herself with bitterness, she dared to trigger his anger. “May I be excused Olivier? I’m not feeling very well all of a sudden.”

“Certainly dearest. After all, I know you won’t be wandering off… You have nowhere to turn to anymore, do you now?” he scoffed and watched with amusement as she stalked off to the balcony.

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Once alone, she disappeared into an alcove where she hoped she would remain unseen and allowed her tears to flow freely on her cheeks. The pain in her heart was immense as she pondered on the way Erik had regarded her with such… indifference. How could he be so callous as to court another so soon after their breakup? Had he ever truly loved her? No! There could be no love in his heart if he was so prompt in finding her replacement. And to think she had believed him! To think she had fallen for his act! She had been nothing but a plaything to him! A pastime until another woman would catch his eye.

Her vision became blurry as she let go and her tears finally ran freely on her cheeks. Suddenly she heard footsteps behind her and stepped further into the alcove that kept her concealed from prying eyes. She quickly wiped her cheeks dry and turned to peer in the direction of the noise, only to find Erik standing on the balcony alone, the right side of his face visible to her.

The white of his mask glowed in the pale moonlight as he raised his head to the sky and looked at the stars that shone above. As Marianne watched him, he lowered his head and touched his hand to his forehead as if he were suffering from a headache. Deciding she wouldn’t stand for this any longer, she let her temper boil over and stepped out of her hiding place to walk over to him.

“What are you doing here?” she demanded from him and noticed his shoulders immediately tense when he heard her voice call out to him. When she realized he wasn’t about to answer her question, she pressed him further. “I asked you something Erik. Why are you here tonight?”

He casually turned to her, speaking in a calm voice. “I received an invitation to the joyous occasion Mademoiselle de Duchess. I thought your fiancé had informed you of the fact.”

“Olivier invited you to the engagement?” she asked, dumbfounded for a moment. What reason could Olivier possibly have for inviting his adversary to their engagement? Was it only because he wished to bring her more pain or did he have something else in mind? Suddenly afraid, she looked around to find they were all alone on the verandah. She moved towards the wide screen doors to go back into the ballroom again, but Erik stepped in front of her, effectively blocking her path.

“Not so fast Mademoiselle. I never had the chance to congratulate you in person for your excellent choice in a husband.”

“Erik, not again… please…” she tried to stop him short, but seemingly he was determined to hurt her once more.

“Come now Mademoiselle. You don’t have to be so shy after all that has transpired between us. Won’t you allow me the joy of wishing you all the happiness in the world? To wish you for your marriage to flourish and for your handsome fiancé to grant you with many beautiful children?” he sneered as he advanced on her like a panther.

Marianne felt a wave of panic wash over her as Erik approached her dangerously and she had to step back to avoid any contact with him. When he had cornered her back to the alcove she had emerged from minutes earlier he stopped moving altogether, staring at her intently. “What is the matter Mademoiselle? Cat got your tongue? Wouldn’t it be appropriate for you to thank me for my wishes? Any self-respecting noble would follow the simple conventions of your high society.”

His words struck a cord in her and suddenly she was unable to control her exasperation any longer. “Thank you Erik! Should I expect a similar invitation from you soon?” she confronted him.

“What the hell are you talking about?” he asked, taken aback by her query.

“I am talking about Corine Souris Erik! I am talking about the scornful way you regarded me the other day only to show up at my engagement with another woman by your side, less than two weeks following to our breakup.”

“You don’t know what you are talking about Marianne.” he shrugged her off, turning to step away from her.

Beside herself with fury, Marianne caught his arm and turned him so that he would look at her again. “Do I now? You were openly flirting with her before my eyes! You dare to escort her in my home when less than a week ago you confronted me about marrying another man! I see you wasted no time in finding my replacement Monsieur Destler!” she almost shouted in his face before he caught her upper arms in an iron grasp and pushed her so that her back was pressed against the wall behind her.

“You must be mad! You have no right to ask me to be faithful to what we once had Marianne! You yourself broke up with me because you wanted nothing to do with a monster such as myself and now you have the nerve to demand of me to mourn the memory of our love affair? I am free to do what I shall Marianne! I am free to court Corine Souris or any other woman I find agreeable to my tastes.”

“Get out of my house now! And take that daft escort of yours with you!” she hissed between clenched teeth.

“I will leave when I damn well please! I told you before Marianne. No one will tell me what to do and when to do it, do you hear?” he challenged her, pressing his body flush against hers, effectively pinning her to the wall behind her.

Marianne, desperate to find some way to vent her anger, raised her hand to slap him but he caught her arm millimeters before her palm made contact with his uncovered cheek, pulling her to him until their faces were inches away, their breaths mingling in the crisp night air.

She thought he was going to kiss her and prepared herself for the feel of his lips against her own, but suddenly Erik let go of her pushing her away from him as if her touch had scorched his skin.

“Don’t try my patience Marianne.” were his last words as he turned his back and stomped away from her and into the ballroom again.

She stood there for a few minutes trying to collect her senses and finally took in a few calming breaths before she decided to step back into the grand ballroom to face the crowd once more. When she searched Erik’s tall dark form, he was nowhere to be seen. She saw Sophie Virago standing among her family and approached her, trying to smile pleasantly.

“Sophie, I haven’t seen Corine in a while. Where has she disappeared off to?” she enquired casually.

“Oh, her escort, Monsieur Destler was not feeling very well and they left but a few minutes ago. Olivier was looking for you. Better track him down before someone tries to steal him away!” she offered playfully, turning her attention back to her brother who said something to her at that moment.

Marianne walked back to where she had left Olivier some time ago, thinking up a believable story to appease his irritation if she found him in a foul mood. Apparently though, her fiancé was finally feeling secure regarding her affection to Erik Destler. As soon as he saw her approach him, he extended his hand out to her, inviting her to come to him. When she reached him on shaky legs, he put one of his arms around her shoulders, gently touching his lips upon her forehead.

“Did you miss me my love?” he asked, not expecting her answer as he turned his attention back to the conversation he was having with one of his business associates.

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For the first time over three years, Erik felt the rage in him shimmering, threatening to boil over and drive him over the edge. He tried to keep the murderous fury that consumed him at bay and, reaching Corine Souris, he murmured an excuse about feeling ill and in need of leaving the social gathering. The gullible maiden fussed over his condition in a worrisome manner and insisted on leaving the engagement party with him, wanting to make sure he would be alright.

They walked together towards Olivier Dervaux and Corine once again expressed her heartfelt wishes for happiness to the happy couple. While Corine enquired as to where Marianne had scurried off to, jokingly warning Olivier not to let her out of his sights now that she had finally agreed to marry him in such short notice, Erik seriously contemplated the option of strangling the jovial Baron who was heartily laughing at Corine’s comments. He in turn offered his grievance at having to leave the lovely festivities so soon and, offering his arm to Mademoiselle Souris, led her out of the grand ballroom.

Soon they were in his carriage and Erik managed to avoid idle conversation feigning a headache until finally they reached the Souris estate and he heaved a sigh of relief as he exited the vehicle, cordially helping Corine out of the carriage and walking her to the grand entrance.

Corine thanked him for escorting her to the party and expressed her wish to see him soon, but he shrugged her off curtly, mumbling something vague about looking forward to their next meeting under his breath.

Apparently disappointed that he wouldn’t set an actual date, Corine stood there for a few seconds, idly straightening invisible creases on the voluminous skirt of her gown. Instead of taking advantage of the silence which engulfed them however, Erik opted for the easy way out, before he was bound to do something he would regret later. Taking her fingers in his hand, he bowed his head curtly and turned on his heel, quickly boarding his carriage and instructing his driver to take him back to his mansion. True, his encounter with Marianne had left him agitated, wanting nothing more than to feel her lips softly caressing his, but he would never be so foolish as to impose his passions on the plain Corine, even if that meant his suffering would increase.

Reaching his mansion he stepped out of the carriage and, knowing he would not be able to find sleep that night, walked over to the stables instead of entering the house. He prepared his horse himself, trying to relieve some of his tension through the task, but as soon as he was finished and mounted the black stallion realized it would take a long, hard ride to clear his troubled mind.

Pushing his heels into the stallion’s sides somewhat roughly, he held on tightly as the strong animal rode off into the night. The air that was blowing through his hair in addition to the wild pace of his horse helped to relax him somewhat and, as soon as he reached the clearing which separated his estate from Marianne’s and saw the festive lights glimmering in the distance, he pulled on the reins in his hands, pulling the stallion into an easy trot.

Looking out into the distance, he let his mind wander back to Marianne. Ever since she had broken up with him, he had not allowed himself to dream of her touch or the feel of her lips against his, choosing to wallow in his misery instead, opting for the familiar sensation of self-pity. It was much easier for him to try and hate her for the way she had misled him into believing there could be a future for them. Whenever unbidden images of her adorable face would spring to his mind, he would viciously try to stomp them down, venting his anger and hurt on his music or some tedious chore that would help him empty his brain of the dangerous notions. If that didn’t help, he would turn to alcohol, drowning his pain in brandy, slowly drinking himself into blessed oblivion.

He couldn’t do that tonight though. His ride had only led him back to where it had all started and somehow he knew alcohol would do nothing to numb the ache in his heart this time. Seeing Marianne so radiant next to the Baron who was soon to become her lawfully wedded husband had only intensified his yearning for her.

This should have been their night! She should have been standing next to him tonight, accepting her friends’ wishes for a happy life by the side of the man she loved; him, not that pompous dundee who only cared for himself and, according to Marianne viewed women as nothing more than property to be purchased. Why? Why had she made such a choice? He could swear she had meant it each and every time the words “I love you” sprang from her lips and yet the memory only taunted him now that she had left him for her precious Baron.

He could sympathize with her fear of any children of his bearing the hideous deformity of their father’s face but still, the way she had ended things between them didn’t make any sense to him whatsoever. One day she had been so open to him; her every touch, her words, her gaze, declarations of her love for him and then… nothing. She had ended their affair as simply as that, telling him it had all been a lie; a frivolous passion for his flesh.

It had to be a lie! Marianne was an honorable woman, a virgin when he had met her, who had given up control of her senses when her love for him had blinded her to social propriety. No woman with a hollow heart such as the one she claimed to have would have fussed over a wounded beast the way she had done when Raoul’s blade had pierced his shoulder. According to Vincent, she had stayed with him until he had regained his senses, denying any form of rest until she had made sure he would be alright. No! This woman wasn’t the heartless crone she had tried to pass herself off as; this was the woman he had fallen in love with, the woman who defied everything and everyone to protect the man she cared about.

She had told him she wanted a family of her own, perfect children she would raise with her perfect husband. He could understand that, he had been trying to understand it for the past two weeks or he knew he would go insane. However, he knew Olivier Dervaux was far from perfect; at least in Marianne’s eyes. Why then choose him? If she wanted someone with a normal face to be the father of her children, Marianne could have had anyone from a wide variety of suitors. Why Olivier? What had happened that night when Raoul de Chagny had challenged him to a duel? Had he forced Marianne to marry his friend in order to make sure she would be free of the beast who once haunted the Opera Populaire? Would he demand that the Baron and his wife move to Paris to protect his cousin from the monster next?

Why would Marianne follow such orders if the fop had indeed meddled into business that was not his own though? His lover was outspoken, free in spirit and infuriatingly willful when she put her mind to it. What could Raoul possibly have said to convince his cousin to break off her short-lived engagement to the Phantom?

He couldn’t put his finger on it but now that he thought about it clearly, something had to be wrong. His encounter with Marianne tonight pointed towards that syllogism quite plainly. Why would she be so infuriated by his apparent attachment to Corine Souris otherwise? She must harbor feelings for him to be so jealous of the bland maiden…

Yes! Marianne was hiding something but, for the life of him, he couldn’t fathom what would make her conceal the truth from him… All he knew was that he had to do something! He had to make her open up to him before she tied her life to the Baron. Only fifteen days remained before the wedding. Fifteen days that separated him from the eternal darkness he faced without Marianne Pinon in his life. He would have to act fast. He would have to resort to desperate measures to make sure he could save her from the hell of a loveless marriage.

Erik Destler was too refined to force the woman who was the light of his life admit she had lied to him. Only the Phantom could be so cruel as to break his lover’s resolve to sacrifice the love they shared for whatever frivolous reason. Desperate times called for desperate measures and Erik Destler was nothing if not desperate.

Perhaps it was time for the Phantom to take one last bow before the curtain was drawn on the play of his life forever and he faced the peril of eternal abyss as all was lost to him.

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A/N: We would like to thank you very much for taking the time to leave your reviews! We really appreciate the feedback. We certainly know that it would be a good idea to have Marianne tell everything to Erik, and then Erik could just as easily kill Olivier, but the plot wouldn't end up to be so dramatic and we love to call ourselves drama queens... Just be patient, as the story is coming to its end. We have already promised a happy ending. Everyone will get what they deserve!

Please, don't forget to tell us what you think! Thank you for reading and reviewing!
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No Easy Way