This was my very first fan fiction ever in the history of life, and it is now completely edited and rewritten! YAY! The same story as the original is being told, of course, but I think the changes were definitely for the better, and I hope you all feel the same. This story is completely based on/inspired by the 2004 movie version of Phantom of the Opera, and I wanted to write a fic where they stayed as close to those characters as possible (i.e. soft, gentle, timid Christine and *mostly* soft Erik), but with growth throughout. I really hope returning readers like the new version, and of course that new readers also enjoy. The rating is T to start, but will change to M as the story goes on. There will be lots of angst, fluff, drama, and shameless E/C goodness. As always, don't hesitate to let me know what you think. Any feedback is welcome and encouraged. :)

Summary: 2004 film inspired: What might have happened if the Phantom had not received the kiss that caused him to let Christine go free? How will Christine adjust to a life with a man who built their relationship on deception? Will she be able to resist the undeniable attraction between them?

Thanks so much for reading! I really hope you enjoy, and please, don't forget to review!

~No Backward Glances~

Chapter 1

"You try my patience. Make your choice."

The man tightened the rope that was connected to her fiancé's throat to emphasize his statement, his eyes tortured and wild, and her heart broke for him, and for herself.

Her racing heart slowed as she moved her gaze to Raoul, tears dripping down her face, and it was then that she knew what she had to do. Christine knew deep in her soul that she would not, could not let her fiancé die for her. She felt that, since she had an undeniable connection to this other man—her Angel, the Phantom—it simply would not be right for Raoul to die, not for her. Not at all.

Her choice was made.

Christine took a shuddering breath, mouthed the words "I love you" to Raoul, and gave him a small, sad smile. She walked through the shallow water to the Phantom, gazing into his piercing, ocean eyes all the while, feeling unafraid for once. She had made her decision, and she was confident that it was right. His eyes only widened as she gently took the rope from his hand, dropped it into the water, and then placed her hand in its place in his, warm and rough.

"I choose you," she whispered shakily.

She watched as he stared at her with parted lips, until an unfathomable expression formed on his face, stemming confusion, awe, and…love, most of all. It made her wounded heart squeeze, and that confused her. For an immeasurable moment, they simply stood there, staring, Raoul's labored breathing sounding in the background.

As if remembering himself, he closed his mouth, swallowing, obviously trying to hold himself together, but she saw how his eyes filled with tears of gratitude, of disbelief…of triumph.

She gasped when he grabbed her free hand with sudden urgency, finding the ring that she had been holding since he'd returned it to her. He took it, placed it on the third finger of her left hand, and then placed an excited kiss on that hand, holding it as if it were precious, fragile. She could tell that this moment meant everything to him, and it meant a lot to her, too.

The eagerness he exuded nearly broke her then and there, but she kept her composure somehow. She lifted her free hand and cupped the perfect side of his face, her breath hitching when he closed his eyes and leaned into her touch. When his eyes opened again and found hers, Christine's throat closed up. The look he gave her in that moment…it was as if he were a blind man seeing the sun for the first time. She knew that whatever happened in their new life together, at least she would be adored.

"M-may I say goodbye?" Christine asked hesitantly, glancing at Raoul quickly. After a moment, the man nodded and walked through the water, away from them, giving them a moment alone. She was surprised but grateful, and Christine ran over to Raoul and untied him.

The second he was free of the ropes they embraced, and she could feel the sobs breaking through his chest. Tears were already falling freely down her cheeks.

"Why…" she heard Raoul whisper hoarsely. "You should have let him kill me. I cannot live without you, Christine." His words only made her cry harder, but she found the strength to pull away from their embrace and look him in his heartbroken, tired eyes.

"And I would not be able to live knowing that I am at fault for your death," she said intensely, trying to make him understand. He let out a heavy breath, his head hanging, unable to look at her for a moment.

"Raoul? Please, do you understand?"

Finally, Raoul looked up and nodded once. "I…I can understand your reasoning. But how I am I supposed to go on, knowing that you are being held captive?" His voice quivered, threatening tears once again.

Christine took his face in her hands gently and said, "I chose this, Raoul. Please, just imagine me happy. Know that I am taken care of." He did not look convinced. "He…he will not hurt me," she added. "I am sure of it."

Raoul shook his head, about to protest, but they were interrupted.

"Christine," the Phantom's voice boomed from across the room. "We must go."

She took Raoul in her arms once more, placing a lingering kiss on his cheek, and whispered in his ear, "There will never be a day when I won't think of you."

They both cried in each others arms for a moment until they felt the gate behind Raoul start to open.

"You may take the boat," the man said to Raoul, never taking his eyes off Christine. He then beckoned to her with his hand, "Come, Christine."

She wiped away the remainder of her tears, trying to give an assuring smile to Raoul but only managing a sad, wistful glance. "Goodbye, Raoul," she whispered. His heartbroken, lifeless expression was difficult for Christine to see a second longer, so she turned and walked through the water, towards the Phantom, the man…towards her new life.