This one is still Satine's POV but next chapter will be Christian's ;)

I took great care in choosing my apparel that morning. I had not slept a minute, yet I had to look my best. I had not shed one tear yet today, but that would change very soon.

I scoured my closet and finally emerged from my dressing room wearing a tight gray dress complete with a black hat and veil. It looked as though I was going to a funeral, and in a sense I was, so I supposed it fit. I tried to perfect my make-up and look as beautiful for him as I could before I had to say goodbye to him forever.

Inside my heart is breaking

My make-up may be flaking

But my smile still stays on

I checked myself in the three-way mirror once more before setting off. Everyone seemed to be working in the main hall, putting last minute touches on the lighting and the curtains for opening tonight. I spotted Harold at the end of the rows of plushy red chairs, overseeing everything. I walked right down the center of the aisle and stopped level to him. Neither of us looked at each other but there was a silent exchange between us as I assumed my acting face and strode determinedly out the door.

I noticed gray clouds writhing beyond the windmill as I took the courtyard one step at a time. It became a bit harder when I got on the street between the club and his hotel. It took everything for me not to glance up to his window, from where I could feel his eyes burning into my hat.

The stairs were even harder. My legs felt like weights and my stomach started churning like the ominous clouds outside. Once I got in sight of his door it became almost impossible. But I somehow managed to summon my strength to open his door in a flourish. As I thought, he was standing in his window. He turned when he heard the door open and I was temporarily frozen in his doorway when I saw his expression. It was a face of deep concern and worry.

“What’s wrong?” he asked. I just wanted to get it over with.

“I’m staying with the Duke,” I said in a rush. His eyebrows came together in confusion.

“After I left you, the Duke came to see me and he offered me everything. Everything that I’ve ever dreamed of.” I forced a smile, like that was the best thing in the world. Christian seemed to be frozen too. But in shock.

“He has one condition; I must never see you again.” I forced myself not to flinch as I dealt the blow. There was a pause as my words sunk in. I thought I’d try to be a little sympathetic so I offered a mild, “I’m sorry.”

“What are you talking about?” He asked, already hurt.

“You knew who I was—“ I said as a weak explanation.

“What are you saying? But what about last night, what we said—“

I was afraid this would happen. I hurriedly interjected. “I don’t expect you to understand. The difference between you and I is that you can leave anytime you choose.” I was making this up as I went. Anything but the lowest blow to get him to let go of me. “But this is my home. The Moulin Rouge is my home.”

“No…” Those green eyes brimmed with hurt, worry, and a touch of jealousy. I had to turn away to stop myself from losing control. I looked up at the roof and the pages of script nailed there, breathing heavily.

“There must be something else… this can’t be real…” He was so upset that he was almost stuttering.

“There’s something the matter, tell me what it is.” I had had enough. I turned with my eyes on the floor, and attempted to bolt to the door. “Tell me what’s wrong! Tell me the truth!” He was right there, grabbing hold of me. I fought him, about to lose control. “Tell me the truth!” He forced me to look him in the eye.

“The truth?” I knew this was it. It was the only way I could save him. It would kill him to hear it. And it would kill me to say it.

“The truth is…” I steeled myself for the statement, looking him right in the face and putting on a slightly angry mask to hide my own hurt. “I am the Hindu courtesan,” I took a deep breath. “And I choose the Maharaja.”

His mouth opened slightly in shock and despair, staring at me as though I had just slapped him.

“That’s how the story really ends.” I managed to throw one last devastating look of pity and indifference at him before I left his apartment and down the stairs and out the door. I was not the only one crying; the sky was unleashing it’s own despair as it rained down on me. I quickly crossed the street before I collapsed. I had just made it into the courtyard when I heard it.

“SATINE!” It was the most heartbreaking cry of agony I had ever heard. It made me sob harder, almost tripping over my dress.

“SATIIIINE!” The second echoed around the courtyard, wrenching at my heart and tearing it into pieces. It took everything I had not to run to him and tell him I was lying and that I loved him.

“SAT—“ The third was cut off for whatever reason and I finally fell to the wet pavement, coughs and sobs wracking my body.

Everyday a little death.