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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.

Chapter List
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Chapter 43

Marianne let her gaze drift to Olivier and Christine who were sitting on the opposite side of the dinner table from her and Raoul. The pair appeared to be caught up in a rather enjoyable conversation, oblivious to the grim disposition of their respective mates.

Raoul had been silent all through the evening, seemingly lost in his own dark thoughts and Marianne had finally surrendered to her despair, too tired to fight any longer. She picked on the food in her plate with her fork without appetite and a small sigh escaped her lips causing Raoul to raise his head and gaze upon her worriedly.

‘Where is Destler? Was I wrong to presume he would make an appearance tonight to defend the happiness of the woman he loves?’ he thought to himself. ‘Perhaps I made the gravest of mistakes in thinking he actually has any feelings in that cold, black heart of his. But no! The broken man I encountered today is no beast. His suffering has to be genuine or he never would have spared me a second glance, let alone allow me to leave his premises unscathed after our raw exchange.’

He put down his cutlery and his left hand covered Marianne’s pale fingers, squeezing her palm in an effort to make her see he was there for her.

The simple gesture seemingly jolted her from her bleak thoughts and her face twitched as she smiled at him, trying to appear brave and aloof.

Raoul’s eyes softened at her failed attempt, silently telling her that he wasn’t fooled by the cool façade she was putting on but smiling kindly in silent understanding.

His gesture remained unnoticed by their company but appeared to appease Marianne’s sorrow somewhat as she took hold of her fork and knife once again and took a small bite of her meal.

Satisfied, Raoul returned to his own dinner, sipping his wine with gusto as he contemplated what his course of action should be if Erik Destler wouldn’t come to claim what was his before the wedding ceremony the following day.

A few minutes passed and suddenly his thoughts were interrupted by the commotion that reached his ears from beyond the dining room doors.

Disrupted from their exchange, Olivier and Christine joined the hostess and her cousin, turning their attention to the door expectantly to find out what could be the reason for the raised voices that could be heard through the heavy oak, as well as the clutter of rapidly approaching footsteps.

Without warning, the door was flung open to reveal the intimidating figure of Erik Destler, closely followed by Gerard the butler who looked apologetically at his mistress over the rude interruption.

“Marianne!” Erik exhaled on a shaky breath urgently, striding swiftly over to where the Duchess was sitting, his burning gaze never shifting from her beloved face.

Before he could reach the woman who held his heart however, Olivier stopped him short, standing and blocking his path resolutely.

The Baron then turned to the butler who was shifting his weight uneasily from one foot to the other and dismissed the servant with a vexed look.

“Thank you Gerard, that will be all.” the Baron spoke gravely, turning his attention back to Erik who, for all the world, appeared to be ready to wring his neck.

The butler indeed closed the door behind him silently as he gave the curious foursome some privacy and returned to his chores, organizing the rest of the evening with his subordinates.

“Get out of my way!” the brooding man barked at the Baron, pushing him out of the way, effectively sidestepping him to reach Marianne where she sat next to Raoul.

“Erik… What are you doing here?” she asked him furrowing her brow in worry and turned to look at Olivier, biting her bottom lip frantically.

Erik remained speechless for a few moments, taking in the exquisite features of his beloved Marianne’s face. It was as if he hadn’t seen her in an eternity. He longed to hold her in his arms and never let her go. All the time he had spent away from her, he felt as if he had lost his other half. Now, right before him, was standing the woman to whom he had lost his heart. He suddenly realized that this was his last chance to keep her by his side for the rest of their lives. No one else present in that room really mattered; not even Christine. Feeling as if he were lost in a haze, in a last effort, he managed to keep his composure and, setting his shoulders, he took a few steps toward Marianne.

“I have missed you Marianne…” he whispered in a broken voice, not even registering how he had taken hold of her hands.

A sole tear ran down Marianne’s cheek, as she lost herself into the deep green that was his eyes. “Oh Erik…” was all she uttered as she held his hands as tightly as she could.

“We have to talk, Marianne. Come with me, I have to talk to you alone.” Erik felt a last ray of hope lighting his heart.

“Destler, explain yourself! Why are you here?” Olivier demanded.

“That is none of your business Baron.” he replied harshly. “I have never had to explain myself to anyone, let alone a sad, weak man such as yourself.” he replied scornfully and turned his attention back to Marianne.

“You have a lot of nerve barging into my future wife’s house, only a day prior to our wedding and disturbing our family dinner. Leave at once!” the Baron cried furiously.

“Marianne will never become your wife. She does not love you.” Erik replied heatedly.

“I assume that is the reason why she is marrying me tomorrow morning.” Olivier replied ironically.

“You are mine Marianne. You swore to me you are mine, just as I am yours. You have my heart and you will always have it to do as you please.” Erik turned his gaze back to the love of his life, his eyes imploring for her confirmation.

Olivier approached the couple, unable to control his temper. However, Erik sensing his presence near them, yelled. “Take another step near us Baron and you will regret it!”

“Who do you think you are? Step away from her…”

“I thought I told you not to approach us Baron!” Erik let go of Marianne’s hands and put his arm protectively around her shoulders.

“Erik, I… All this time I was just trying to…” she didn’t have the time to finish her sentence, as Erik lifted his index finger to her lips.

“Shh, my love, I know everything, you do not have to explain anything; it is all over now. I will never allow anyone to separate us again.”

“But Erik! You don’t understand. Olivier…” Marianne shouted, unable to control her anguish.

“What my dear future bride is trying to say is…” Olivier intervened, watching Erik’s strong influence on Marianne. He knew he had to act as quickly as he could or he would lose the Duchess forever. However, in the most unexpected way, he faced Erik’s outburst.

“Stay where you are Baron! You have played with our lives long enough and I will not tolerate this kind of behavior any longer. I will speak to Marianne and then, if she wishes for me to go, I will gladly leave her in peace forever. Now, Baron, keep your mouth shut and do not even dare to interrupt me again.” Erik’s voice echoed in the large room.

Everyone in the room froze at his words. Christine, who was still sitting on her seat, couldn’t believe the scene evolving before her and she looked at her husband sitting at the opposite side of the table from her. Astonished, she noticed that Raoul didn’t appear as shocked at Erik’s presence as herself or even Marianne for that matter. Her husband was watching everything with a cool air about him, as if he had known from the very beginning the events which were about to transpire. All of a sudden, she came across the realization as to where her husband had been that very morning. It was all Raoul’s plan! Raoul of all people, had made an alliance with his old adversary! It couldn’t be! Frustration washed over her as she stood from her chair almost tipping it over.

“Erik, what’s the meaning of all this…” her voice bearably audible in the commotion.

Raoul turned his head slowly towards his wife and his gaze darkened as he watched his wife, who was obviously shaken by Erik’s intrusion.

Christine felt her husband’s eyes burning on her form.

“Christine, stay out of this.” Raoul coolly warned her.

“But Raoul…” she objected, her face beet-red from fury.

“It’s none of your business Christine! Now, sit down!” Raoul instructed his wife in a strict and steady tone. Christine couldn’t help but take her seat back at the table, a stunned look on her face, unable to hide her bewilderment at her husband’s behavior.

Olivier looked over to where his childhood friend was sitting, and searched for an explanation in his eyes. Could Raoul have played a part in this charade? And how could the Viscount possibly have been informed of his plan? The Baron was almost positive that Marianne was so afraid of him, that she wouldn’t even dare of thinking to confide in her cousin regarding their arrangement.

However, he had obviously been mistaken. Erik Destler was back into their lives and appeared to be determined to break Marianne free from his clutches. His blood boiled in his veins and, not even trying to hide his irritation, asked the Viscount.

“What is the meaning of all this Raoul? Why are you still sitting there so casually? What do you think you are doing? Shouldn’t you be helping me to keep this monster away from your cousin?” Olivier questioned his friend impatiently.

Leaving his seat, Raoul stood and walked towards Olivier. “I have been informed of your devious plan. How could you Olivier? I have always thought of you as an honest gentleman. You dare to threaten my cousin, my own cousin and you expect me to stand and watch you destroy her life?” For Raoul it was the first time since that night at the Opera Populaire in which he lost his temper.

“This is not what you imagined, is it Baron?” Erik smirked ironically, watching Olivier as his anger built up. Ignoring him, Erik turned to face Marianne, feeling as if time were running out on them. He had to say all that was hidden in his heart.

He took hold of her hands once more and spoke in a soft tone.

“I love you Marianne. You sauntered into my life and totally turned it around. I was torn up about what happened to me three years ago. I was nearly ready to give up on my life. You and only you gave me the hope that I needed to move on. I have been waiting for a woman like you to walk into my life and I feel so grateful for having you near me.” he took a deep breath, looking deep into her eyes, and managed to continue.

“I know we belong to different worlds, but since you came into my life, everything has changed for me. I thought I would not love again, I thought I wouldn’t be able to since my heart was hurt so much. I have never known I could feel this strongly about someone, but you have proven me wrong. You came along and I became fearless. You make me want to see the sunrise every day, to know it’s another day where I can maybe have you by my side. I think about you day and night. Your touch caresses me with tenderness and your kisses keep the flame in my heart alive in hope that some day you and I will be together.

What we have seems so natural, as if we have known each other for years. Please, let me make you happy for the rest of our lives. I keep dwelling on the past and what everyone else has done to me. You are the only one who has been able to see past this mask and accept me unconditionally. Your words couldn’t be false; I can see it in your beautiful eyes that you truly love me. But now I am with you, I have you and I just can’t believe you could ever hurt me, at least intentionally. I know now that you drove me away for my own well being and I love you even more for your sacrifice.

You have captured my heart with your simplicity. I had never thought I could love someone so much, but I was wrong. We are meant for each other and no one can change that. I love you Marianne, I love you with all my heart.

You are like a dream I never thought would ever come true for me. I feel your presence everywhere beside me, your smell, your laughter echoing in my ears. When I hear your voice, I smile; my heart explodes in joy when I know you are thinking of me.

Show me again the loving, caring woman I had in my arms and tell me you will love me until the end of time. I just want to be loved and have someone to love in return. I need to have you by my side; my best friend, my soul mate, my lover. You are the one whom I have been searching for all my life Marianne, and now that I have found you, I cannot let you go.

I need you Marianne and I will love you as long as the sun keeps shining. Be mine. I do not care about myself, I am ready to do whatever it takes to make you happy, I promise. You are my life, I am nothing without you by my side. I cannot live without you. You are my life, my breath and my only love. I love you Marianne.”

Marianne’s tears ran freely down her cheeks, as she felt her heart constrict in her chest. She had never expected to hear something like the words he was speaking in her life and now, despite all that had transpired between them, Erik was there, before her, trying to convince her of his love for her. What could she possibly say to this broken man? She raised her hand and caressed his unmasked cheek.

Erik’s heart skipped a beat when he felt her little hand on his face, her eyes full of tears.

“How could I ever stop loving you Erik?” Marianne whispered softly as she allowed her sobs to escape her throat, collapsing into his arms.

Erik enclosed her in his embrace and let out a sigh of relief as he felt her arms pulling him closer to her in quiet desperation.

“Everything will be alright my love. I will make sure of it. I will never leave you ever again. I love you so much.” he whispered tenderly in her ear. “We will be together forever.”

Marianne’s remaining guests were regarding them silently, none of them able to utter a single word at the scene playing out before them. Raoul felt relieved as he confirmed that his visit to the Destler mansion had had the desirable effect.

Christine on the other hand, had her sullen gaze fixed on the couple. She couldn’t believe that Erik had confessed his love and devotion to Marianne instead of her! He couldn’t possibly desire a life with Marianne, rather than a true woman such as herself.

She looked at her husband once more; his serene expression convincing her that he had spoken to Erik, helping him in disrupting Marianne’s and Olivier’s wedding with his intervention. ‘Raoul, you fool!’ she thought to herself, biting her bottom lip in anger until she tasted blood in her mouth. ‘This cannot be happening.’

Erik and Marianne were pulled from their dreamy state rather abruptly, as they heard the sound of clapping behind them.

“Bravo Monsieur, such an outstanding performance. I see all those years at the Opera Populaire had a positive effect on you!” Olivier’s ironic comment made Erik cast his rigid glance upon him.

However, the Baron wasn’t discouraged by Erik’s reaction to his comment; instead, he approached the couple and, as he tried to pull Marianne away from Erik’s embrace, the latter managed to draw her reluctant form back from Olivier’s grasp.

“I am warning you Baron. Do not ever approach Marianne again!” Erik yelled furiously.

“Or what Destler? Marianne! Come over here immediately!” Olivier ordered. “You surely understand what the consequences of your ill manners will be, don’t you?”

“It is true then… You discovered the truth regarding my identity and you are threatening Marianne into marrying you? That is so pathetic Baron, even for you…” Erik’s voice trailed off with evident disdain.

“Erik, please don’t…” Marianne tried to calm him, but Erik smiled scornfully at the infuriated man before him who sneered at Marianne’s attempt to appease his impeding anger.

“You dare call me pathetic Monsieur?” he scoffed. “You, who has lived his life hiding from humanity and almost killed a man to steal his fiancé away from him?”

“I will not explain myself to you Baron. If I have done wrong, I have paid gravely for it but now that life has granted me the glorious gift of love in the face of Marianne, I will not let you come between us and play your sick games.”

“The simple fact remains Phantom that Marianne has accepted my hand in marriage and that she is bound to spend the rest of her life by my side.”

“She doesn’t love you! You have forced her into this engagement using her feelings for me against us but I will not allow you to play with her emotions ever again. This stops right here.”

“You forget yourself Phantom. Marianne is a Duchess and even a commoner such as yourself should know that a true lady would never go back on her word on such matters.”

At his words, Marianne broke free from Erik’s arms and marched over to Olivier, standing defiantly before him. “You forced me into this engagement! You knew from the very start that I love Erik, yet you had to satisfy your sick ego and have me for yourself although I know that you never truly loved me!” she cried indignantly.

“Shut your mouth whore!” Olivier yelled, grinding his teeth wrathfully and grabbing her wrist, moved her out of the way carelessly.

Before she realized what was happening Marianne lost her balance and fell on her knees painfully. Olivier was over her in an instant, raising his hand to strike her, but Erik rushed over to her side immediately, stopping the Baron with a tenacious grip on his forearm.

“Don’t you dare!” he muttered ominously under his breath and from the corner of his eye saw that Raoul had also stood from his seat at the table, alarmed at the scene playing out before him.

“Olivier, control yourself!” the Viscount warned his old friend, holding him back as Erik helped Marianne to stand on her feet.

“Get away from me you traitor!” Olivier barked out, pulling free of Raoul’s grasp and managing to regain his composure. “This charade has gone on long enough.” he hissed between clenched teeth. “Leave this instant!”

“You are in no position to give orders Baron. If you ever dare to lay a finger on her, I swear I will kill you with my own bare hands.” Erik growled.

“I shall call the authorities immediately and inform them of your true identity. Make no mistake about it Monsieur le Phantome; Marianne is going to be my wife and when you are rotting in prison, I want you to remember that I will be raising your bastard child.”

For a second, Erik felt dizziness overtake him and furious anger flooded his senses. He turned to Marianne with a hurt look reflected in his eyes and asked in a broken voice “Is this true?”

“Erik… I…”

“Is this true?!?” he demanded again, his voice gruff with despair.

“Erik, please…” she begged him, hot tears staining her cheeks.

“How could you do this to me? To us? You never believed in me…” he whispered mournfully.

Before Marianne had a chance to reply, Erik heard Olivier’s sneering laughter behind him. He made to turn to him but Marianne caressed his uncovered cheek tenderly and whispered. “Erik, I did it all for you.”

“I told you to shut your mouth you harlot!” Olivier screamed, marching over to the couple and grabbing her wrist painfully again, but Erik immediately stopped him, clutching his wrist and breaking the bone with a sickening sound.

“I warned you never to touch her again.” he snarled viciously and set his shoulders menacingly, reveling at the Baron’s cries of pain.

He then turned to Marianne, stroking her hair lovingly. “Are you alright?” he muttered tenderly to which Marianne replied simply by nodding her head in the affirmative. She leaned into his touch and Erik felt his heart soar at the contact, but suddenly saw her eyes fill with dread as she cried.

“Watch out!”

He turned abruptly to find Olivier Dervaux advancing on him with a menacing look in his eyes, holding a dagger in his uninjured hand.

He pushed Marianne away from him in an instant to get her out of harm’s way and tried to pry the knife out of the enraged man’s grasp, but to no avail. The two men struggled for what seemed like hours, until Erik managed to take hold of the Baron’s wrist and moved it southwards to make him drop it from his fingers.

“Raoul please! Do something!” Marianne cried desperately, and indeed the Viscount ran over to where Olivier and Erik were each struggling to wield control over each-other.

Before he could reach them however, a pained cry filled the air and blood was spilled on the white marble floor.

“Erik! NO!” Marianne screamed as darkness filled her senses and she fainted in her cousin’s arms.

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A/N: Thank you so much for taking the time to review! What do you think of the cliffie this time?
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No Easy Way