Tonight was opening night. Tonight was the night that you had to sleep with the Duke. It broke you that you had to do this, most of all: it broke Christian.

You both had conducted a secret love affair as you’re making the play with the Bohemians. Everyone is aware of it and now, it had to end.

Christian had written a song as a token of your love for one another, both of you sing, mutter or hum it each day, you were both clearly in love.

Here it was: The Gothic Tower. Where you’d have to seduce the Duke: the thought of it killed you.

Soon after, You rush into his flat in hysterical tears, Your arms wrapping tight around him

“I couldn’t… I couldn’t go through with it! I saw you there and I—I felt.. differently and I couldn’t pretend- And the Duke, he saw..! He saw, and he—“

You sob in his arms once again

“Christian, I love you— I couldn’t do it.. I didn’t want to pretend anymore.. I didn’t want to lie— I don’t— And he knows.. He knows- and he saw you..”

As you pour out your words, Christian tightens his grip on you, his heart torn between relief, fear, and a glimmer of hope. He holds you close, unable to find the right words to comfort you, yet finding solace in the fact that you’re with him and not with the Duke.

When you mention that the Duke saw him, he stiffens, a chill running down his spine. He knows that can only mean trouble, but for now, all that matters is holding you in his arms.

“That’s all right, you don’t have to pretend anymore.. We’ll leave. We’ll leave tonight..”

“Leave? Wh— The show? Wh-“ You mutter

Christian looks at you, his gaze intense as he holds you tighter. “Yes.” he says firmly, his expression one of determination. “We’ll leave France, start over..”

He gently lifts your face, his fingers tracing the lines of your tears as they run down your face. “We can get a small place, away from all the insanity.. just us..”