Chapter 26: Reviewing The Situation

Evangeline's POV

After rehearsal ended, I stormed out of the house and into my dressing room, absolutely pissed off. If Robert had asked me nicely to be his date to the gala, then I would have considered it. At least, after consulting with Erik to see if he was going.

My thoughts suddenly turned to Erik as I realized that he could have been watching.

Oh no, what if he thinks there's something going on with us? What if he wanted to ask me to the gala but saw Robert instead?

I started to pace back and forth as I started to think of how to break the news to Erik.

"But wait a second, the two of us aren't in a romantic relationship. At least, Erik doesn't seem to want one. Why am I being stressed over something like this? It's not like he's asking me to marry him. It's just one party." I thought out loud as I opened the mirror and traveled down the lair.

Erik's POV

While I was sitting in the Louis-Phillipe room, finishing the sketches of the outline and details of the costume I was going to wear, I heard the sound of moving water which signified that my love had come home.

As I placed my drawing pad and charcoal down, I rid my hands of any residue left from my drawing and practically ran to where she stood. But as I approached her, I couldn't help but notice the stress and anger hidden in the depths of her chocolate eyes.

"Hey, Erik." Evangeline said in a tired tone.

Never had I heard her sound so defeated. I rushed to her side as I led her to the room that I had just left.

"What is the matter, Evangeline?" I asked worried. I already knew about the blackmail, but if I find that anyone else tried to hurt her then no one will be able to save them from my wrath.

"Nothing. Just tired, that's all." She sighed as she joined me in the Louis-Phillipe room. She took my spot on the chaise lounge as I moved to the arm chair that sat at the opposite side of the room, taking my charcoal and notepad with me. We sat in comfortable silence for about ten minutes or so as I took in her beauty.

Her elbow was propped up on the armrest as her hand cupped her chin, her eyes slightly hooded in fatigue as the rest of her body sat upright in a graceful S shape. It was so perfect that I took out the charcoal and notepad and began to draw her.

As I sat drawing her figure, she spoke.

"What're you doodling?" She asked, curiosity evident in her eyes as she walked to where I sat.

I quickly hid my masterpiece as I placed my costume idea over it.

"Oh, this?" I asked nonchalant, "Just a sketch of what I am wearing to the gala."

I noticed her flinch at the mention of the event that was fast approaching.

"What is it? What's troubling you?"

She said nothing at first. Instead, she noticed that I had put my mask back on and began to fuss.

"Erik, you need to leave the mask alone for a while. It's irritating your skin and your face needs to breathe."

I still wasn't comfortable with my face being exposed, but said nothing as her fingers softly brushed my face as she gingerly took my mask off. As soon as she began to place the mask on the table next to the chair, I gently grabbed her hand and stood up.

"Evangeline, you are avoiding the question. Please, tell me. What is the matter?"

She sighed as I let go of her. Then, she took her seat on the chaise lounge.

Evangeline's POV

I sat back down as I tried to find a way to break the news to him.

"Um, Erik? You know that necklace you just gave me?"

"Yes. Why?"

"Well, I might have lost it."

It wasn't a lie. I did lose it, but I just didn't say how. I have a feeling that if I told him that Robert had it, he would overreact. Besides, despite my anger towards my boss at the moment, I wouldn't want to risk Erik's safety for a piece of jewelry.

But what I did not expect was Erik saying, "I know. I saw everything."

My eyes widened as he sat next to me.

"You know?"

"Yes. And I also know about the blackmail."

I felt my blood freeze in my veins.

"Erik, is that why you're planning to go to the gala?" I asked, growing worrisome.

"To be honest," He answered, "I was going to go regardless. But seeing as he has said such slander, I will have to go to defend the honor of the one I lo- I mean, my best friend."

I was silent as I registered what he said as well as that little slip-up in his sentence. It almost sounded like he was gonna say 'The one I love', but I couldn't tell.

Not that I would be opposed to him loving me. I mean, I have kind of started to develop feelings for him too. I just don't know if it's that brotherly, friend-zoned love or the romantic kind.

I'm not even sure if I'm ready to love someone else like that again. Especially with what my ex had put me through. And Erik doesn't even know about that. No one really knew about my past relationship other than my parents.

"Evangeline?" Erik nudged me.

"Huh? Oh, sorry, Erik. I wandered in my own little world."

He gave a slight chuckle as I got up from the couch.

"You're not mad?" I asked.

"Oh no, I am furious at that sniveling buffoon. But I know that you will ask me to not hurt the boy. However, that doesn't mean that I am not going to do handle it. "

I suddenly thought of the many ways that Erik would "handle" the situation and all of them ended up with one hurt and the other being dragged away.

"What do you mean by "handle" it? What are you planning to do?"

At that he just laughed and replied, "That, my dear, is for me to know and for you to find out. Although, to ease your troubled mind, I promise that no one shall be harmed in any way."

I gave a sigh of relief as I hugged him and walked into the kitchen to make dinner.

A/N: Hello my fellow Phantom Phans! Did y'all miss me? 😊

First off, I want to say thank you for 28.1k views and for 1.9k votes. You guys are the best people ever!!!! 😘

For those who are not aware, there is a competition going on to see who could make the best fan art for this story and the winner will be given a special shout-out and have one of their pieces of artwork to be this story's new book cover. So far, no one has sent anything, neither on Twitter or here on Wattpad as of yet and the deadline is quickly approaching.

Therefore, I am extending the deadline from September 16th to December 25th (Christmas) and will announce the Top Three on the 30th and the Overall Winner on New Year's Day.

If you are still interested, then here are the rules with a little modification:

1. This contest is open to everyone.

2. You can post any type of artwork you like (such as silhouettes, character headshots, scenes from the story, character ships, etc), so long as it is NOT inappropriate. So, no highly sensitive content or anything that might seem pornographic.

3. All entries should be sent to me via Twitter (twitter.com/BroadwayBaby970), via Facebook(facebook.com/thepar9700) or via Wattpad PM's all under the hashtag #TPARFanArt

4. You are allowed to post the minimum of one to the maximum of 5 pieces of artwork to either Wattpad, Facebook or Twitter, but not to all three.

5. All entries should be in by December 25th in which there will be a poll to determine who will be part of the Top Three Best Artists.

6. I will announce the Top Three on the 30th and the overall Winner will be announced on the 1st of January.

7. All entries need to be YOUR OWN ARTWORK so NO PLAGIARIZING ALLOWED

8. The Top Three will be given a special shoutout, have their artwork posted on Facebook, Twitter, and Wattpad, and the overall Winner will have one of their artworks displayed as this book's cover art.

9. Violation to any of the set rules above(i.e: sending inappropriate artwork, posting more than five entries, suspected plagiarism) shall result in IMMEDIATE DISQUALIFICATION.

Good luck and Have fun! 💖

So! What is Erik going to do at the gala?

Will he keep his word?

Will Evangeline resolve her conflict?

Vote, Comment, and Share and I'll see y'all next time!

M'kay, Bye! 😋