Although Erik didn't agree with Hannibal's reasoning for why Enigma couldn't know the true meaning of love (for one could hardly say that Erik had ever learned to love himself -- and yet, he loved Christine very much), the composer still agreed with Hannibal's assessment. She didn't know the true meaning. And it seemed less and less possible to bring her to the understanding - now more than ever.
When Hannibal posed his question, Erik frowned. "I tried fantasy, first. She saw completely through it. Then I staged my death before her. When I came to, she believed herself to be someone else - an 'Effie Nashton'. She acted as if she were a child, even younger than her years professed, and wholeheartedly denied her own actions as Enigma. She was never my prisoner; she'd agreed to come with me to work through how to deserve the love she's been given. But when I was sure there was nothing more I could do to reach her, I didn't try to stop her husband when he arrived."
He grimaced. "I am not pleased with the damage he left in payment for my kindness."