Thank you everyone for the warm birthday wishes! Can't believe I'm 25. I joined this app on my birthday exactly 11 years ago! To think I've been writing since I was 14 is crazy.

Side note, wanted to use the 'This Is It' version of this song for this chapter but I just love this specific performance so much (and Siedah's in it so I'm biased lol)

Enjoy! Don't forget to comment & vote ❤️

~ShoamEmily

~

26th of November, 2008
Michael is 50, Angela is 44, and Jake is 45

Michael: Dr. Moore's office was quiet as Angela and I waited for him to come in.

"Mike, stop that." she said, placing her left hand on my leg that was bouncing.

"Where is he? He was supposed to be here five minutes ago." I murmured.

My wife sighed, "He's probably held up with other patients. Relax, he'll be here soon."

Five more minutes passed by before the doctor walked in. He shook both of our hands and sat down.

"So, I went over everything you told me," Dr. Moore smiled slightly. "And unfortunately, I can't recommend that you go through with performing again, Michael."

My face fell. "What? At all?"

"No, not at all, but ten shows is a lot... I honestly believe you physically won't be able to handle it. Your brain is still healing from it all."

"How many shows, then?" Angela interjected.

"I can maybe approve a maximum of three shows, if Michael agrees to take it easy until then, and to come see me once every two weeks."

Three shows? That's nothing.

"How about five shows? Please, Dr. Moore." I pleaded.

Angela hit my knee slightly with the back of her hand, her rings scraping me a bit. She shot me a warning look.

The doctor shook his head. "I'm sorry, Michael. Three shows."

Closing my eyes, I took in a deep breath. You promised Angela.

"Fine. Three shows, I'll let my manager know." I said.

Angela grabbed my hand and intertwined our fingers.

"Alright. I'll ask my assistant to schedule our appointments in advance. She'll email those to you," Dr. Moore smiled. "When exactly is this tour?"

"In the summer, probably in Europe."

"Sounds good. We'll see each other in two weeks, yeah?"

We said our goodbyes, and Angela and I headed back to the car.

Taking my phone out, I texted Raymone Bain to come over as soon as possible.

~

Raymone paced back and forth in front of my desk. I just told her the news.

"Three shows, Michael? That's not even considered a tour. Might as well call off the entire thing." she sighed.

"Maybe you should." Angela, who insisted on joining us, mumbled under her breath, but loud enough to be heard.

"Excuse me?"

"You heard me."

My manager stopped in her tracks. "I wasn't talking to you."

"Bain, watch it." I warned.

"No, Michael, let her say what she has to say. I'm intrigued." Angela raised an eyebrow.

"He has to do these shows, okay? He's been out of the game for too long. No one wants to see the King of Pop sitting around doing nothing." Raymone told her.

"Nothing? He's a husband and father, in case you forgot. That isn't nothing. And three shows is something. It's more than enough." my wife snapped.

"Do you even know who you married?" Raymone rolled her eyes. "He's the King of Pop, for God's sake! The greatest entertainer of all time! Three shows is nothing compared to what he's done."

Angela scoffed. "I know exactly who I married, Bain. But he has a family now, and he was bedridden in a coma for seven months, with machines breathing for him. Mind you, that coma happened because he was under too much stress."

"Stress that had nothing to do with him performing. Funny, he was actually focusing on his family at the time." my manager snickered.

"You little bi-"

"Enough," I cut Angela off before she could say anything else. Knowing her temper, this would not end well. "Bain, I'm doing three shows, and that's final. Let the AEG people know, please."

"Michael-" Raymone started.

"You heard him, didn't you?" Angela growled.

"Yes I did," Raymone crossed her arms angrily. "Alright. I'll go tell them personally and get a new contract for you to sign."

"Thank you." I told her and stood up to shake her hand.

She grabbed her bag, then left without asking me to show her out this time.

The minute she was gone, Angela wrapped her arms around me from behind.

"I'm glad that was settled," she chuckled. "She's a character, huh?"

"Jeez, Ange." I huffed.

"What? She started it."

"Seriously?"

"Whatever," her hands traveled down to my pants. "The way you put her in her place was so hot, Mike..."

She unbuckled my belt, then opened the zipper before grabbing me through my briefs.

Damn it, and I thought I might be able to convince her to apologize to Raymone.

I inhaled sharply when she started rubbing. "This isn't going to work, Angela."

"It seems to be working just fine..." she whispered.

Angela shoved her hand inside my briefs suddenly. She grabbed me and started sliding her hand up and down.

I tried holding in my groans, feeling myself getting hard as she worked wonders.

Don't give in to her.

"Come on, Michael... Do I need to get down on my knees, too?"

Just the image of that made me weak.

"Shit, Angie-"

"Yeah?" my wife questioned innocently. "I'm listening."

My breaths got heavier, and I was getting close. "Faster, baby..."

"What was that? I didn't hear you, Mike."

"Faster, Angie, please." I desperately begged.

She seemed satisfied because she picked up her pace. I cursed under my breath as I twitched in her hand.

"Angela, I'm gonna-"

I almost lost my balance releasing it all.

"Not going to work, hmm?" she placed a kiss on my back.

She took her hand out of my pants, grabbing a tissue from my desk to clean it. I hurried to zip myself up and rolled my eyes at her.

"Can you at least call her to apologize, babe?" I said.

"Depends," my wife smirked. "Are you gonna join me in the shower before the kids come back?"

Without hesitation, I grabbed her by her cute butt, lifting her up. She giggled and wrapped her legs around me.

Angela kissed me, "I love you, Michael. Thank you for keeping your promise."

"I love you more, Ange." I said, finally taking her to our bedroom.

~

Angela: Eric and I were doing his homework together when Jake called.

Michael and I sat down with my son a few days ago, finally figuring out the problem. He claimed Lily really was ignoring him, which surprised me.

So my husband talked to her, too. But my daughter simply said that she wasn't interested in playing with her twin brother lately.

"But she won't even talk to me, mommy." Eric was on the verge of tears when I explained the situation.

I sighed, telling him she's probably just going through something and to let her be for a while.

Honestly, it broke my heart, my kids were inseparable since the day they were born. I then realized it was bound to happen eventually since they were two very different people.

If we ignore the fact that Lily seemed like she wanted nothing to do with Jake after he left, while Eric talked to him every few days.

I was sure my daughter was just as upset as I was.

"It's your daddy, do you want to talk to him?" I asked my son, showing him the phone.

He looked up from his homework. "Can we finish this first?"

"Sure, just let me tell him," I nodded, answering. "Jake, hi. Can we call later? Eric and I are in the middle of homework."

"Yeah, just... Did you get a chance to talk to him? And Lily?" Jake said.

"Yup. They're fine, Jake. Don't worry about it. Eric will call later tonight."

I hung up before he could say anything else, not wanting to deal with him.

~

5th of December, 2008
Michael is 50, Angela is 44, and Jake is 45

Angela: I watched as Britney was having the last touch-ups done to her makeup, her legs bouncing up and down.

She looked so nervous, it was really cute. Her beautiful white dress flowed down her body, while her light brown hair was held halfway up in a crown of braids.

"Angela," she turned to me. "Can you go see how the guys are doing? Please."

"Of course, Brit." I smiled.

I left the room and made my way to where Luciano and his groomsmen were getting ready.

Just as I knocked on the door, I could hear another pair of heels coming my way.

"Angela?" Rosa's voice said.

Inhaling deeply, I turned around. Luciano told me he invited her, but I was hoping to avoid seeing her at all.

We haven't talked since that awful day when she revealed to the world the truth about Michael and I. I've been trying so hard to forget it, because everything bad happened on that day.

My brother and sister weren't talking that much either, as far as I knew. Still, it was important for Luciano to have his entire family at his wedding.

"Angela, say something." Rosa begged.

I crossed my arms over my chest. "I have nothing to say to you, Rosa."

"Please. It's been too long."

"And whose fault is that, exactly? Certainly not mine."

She opened her mouth to say something else before Eric came running down the hall.

"Mommy!" he hugged me. "Grandpa said it's starting soon. Where's uncle Luci?"

"Oh, my... Eric, you're so big." Rosa gasped.

"Auntie Rosa?"

I scrunched my nose and turned to my son, "Baby, go back to your grandparents. You'll see uncle Luci soon."

He did as I said, making me look at my sister again.

"Just leave my family alone tonight, Rosa. I want to enjoy my baby brother's wedding in peace."

With that, I opened the door to Luciano's room.

Some alcohol bottles were opened around the room as his groomsmen finished getting their tuxedos on.

Michael sat in the corner of the room with an entertained look on his face, his sunglasses hiding his eyes.

Damn, he looks so good in his tux.

I haven't seen him all day since we were both so busy.

"Angela!" my brother gasped. "What are you doing here?! You're supposed to be helping Brit, the ceremony's starting in 15 minutes!"

"Luci, calm down... She sent me to check up on you." I said.

"Oh..."

"Yeah, and I guess she knew why. How much did you drink?"

He put his hands up in surrender, "Nothing, I swear. It was the guys."

"All of you better be ready in 10 minutes," I pointed at Luciano's groomsmen, looking at his best man last. "You especially, Tony. You're first up in line with Kim."

All three of them saluted, then burst out laughing. My husband chuckled from his corner of the room, making me give him a look.

Jesus, I'm surrounded by frat boys. I guess I can't expect much from Luci's college friends.

Michael stood up from his seat and came over to me. "Hey, Angie. You're so beautiful, baby."

I smiled, reaching up to fix his purple tie as he leaned to peck my lips. I felt his hands travel down to my ass, bringing me closer as he deepened the kiss.

Luciano's friends whistled and hollered. I tried breaking away, but Michael didn't let me.

My brother nudged my shoulder, "Sis, we have to finish up, remember?"

I felt my cheeks turn hot when my husband let me go.

"Come on, man," Tony pulled Luciano away from us. "The grownups want to talk."

Rolling my eyes, I took Michael to the side.

"You ready? Are you all warmed up?" I asked, thinking how nervous he might be.

Last week, he finally agreed to sing for Luciano and Britney's first dance. I've been hearing him practice around the house all week.

He nodded, "I'm always ready. Siedah should meet us at the venue..."

My husband kept talking but I wasn't listening. Some of his front curls fell effortlessly on his face; he looked so good with his curly hair.

And that tux...

"Angie," he snapped me out of my thoughts, pulling me to him by my ass again. "Did you hear what I said?"

"No..." I admitted.

He bit his lip. "Your parents offered to take the kids tonight."

"Remind me to thank them later."

I was about to kiss him again, but a knock on the door was heard.

Kim came in, "Angela, Britney wants all of us back in there."

After placing a small kiss on Michael's lips, I hugged my brother tightly.

"Just breathe, Luci. Everything is going as planned, you're gonna do great."

"Thanks, Ange. Ti amo (I love you)."

"Me too." I told him.

Quickly, Kim and I went back and finished getting ready ourselves.

~

My arm was linked with Michael's as we walked down the aisle behind Kim and Tony.

Luciano was already standing at the altar.

"He is so nervous..." my husband whispered in my ear.

"I know. I still can't believe he's actually doing it." I whispered back.

We reached the top of the aisle and I found my place next to Kim.

The church was so beautifully decorated, I reminded myself to compliment Britney later.

After the groomsmen and bridesmaids, it was the children's turn.

I melted a little inside as Prince, Eric, and Blanket walked together, wearing their tuxedos. They quickly joined Michael.

Next were Rose and Jared, carefully walking with the cushions that held the rings.

The guests awed at them. They searched for a familiar face, instantly finding mine. Everyone laughed as my babies ran up to me and hid behind my legs.

"Good job, guys." I cooed.

Then, Lily and Paris came in with their baskets, mindlessly throwing flower petals on the aisle. My two girls looked so beautiful in their matching lilac dresses.

Finally, it was Britney's turn. I glanced at Luciano who took in a deep breath. He had tears in his eyes as he watched her, his mouth opened a bit.

My own eyes burned with tears as I thought about my baby brother finally finding his happiness.

The two of them embraced when Britney reached him, and I heard Luciano say "I love you".

I felt someone's eyes on me, quickly finding Michael's brown ones. He was smiling widely.

"You okay?" he mouthed.

Nodding, I wiped my tears away.

The priest started the ceremony, making the tears come back as Luciano and Britney said their vows.

Britney thanked me when I handed her the rings and they exchanged them, saying "I do".

"With the power vested in me by God through the Holy Spirit, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride." the priest announced.

My brother kissed his new wife, making me cry harder. I'm so proud of him.

~

After the ceremony, everyone headed to the venue. I parted ways with Michael so I could go to the bathroom quickly before the reception started.

I finished my business and washed my hands, deciding to fix my makeup a bit.

Kim came out of a different stall, smiling at me.

"Angela," she said. "Your kids, they're amazing. I'm glad I finally got a chance to meet them... The way your twins ran up to you, it was so adorable."

"Thank you."

"So, um, the older twins, Lily and Eric? They're not Michael's, right?"

I nodded, "Biologically, no, but he is their dad. I was married before him. My last husband, uh, passed away five years ago. Why?"

"Oh, just wondering. They look like someone I know, that's all. But it's probably not him." Kim explained.

"Probably," I sighed and finished up with my makeup. "Sorry, Kim, but I promised Michael to meet Siedah Garret before they sing."

"Of course, don't worry. I'll see you later." she told me.

I found Michael talking to my parents, all three of them sipping on champagne. Rose was pulling on his hand, whining that she's hungry.

Adam was standing a few feet away from them, keeping a close eye on my husband, just in case any of the guests decided to be a little too friendly.

"Come on, Rose. Let's go find your brother and get you two some food." dad picked her up.

In the corner of my eye, I spotted Eric who was talking to Rosa. My blood boiled as I made my way over to them.

"Rosa," I mumbled. "Didn't I tell you something?"

I stood in front of my son, shielding him from her.

"Mommy, I just wanted to say 'hi'..." he said from behind me.

Turning to him, I took his hand. "I know you meant well, Eric. But I don't want you to talk to her, okay?"

He nodded, and I rolled my eyes at my sister before leaving her there.

"Why can't we talk to auntie Rosa?" Eric questioned.

"Because she did a lot of bad stuff." I told him as we made our way back to Michael.

My son saw his siblings sitting at our table and asked if he can go.

"Of course, baby."

"Hey, I saw that," my husband wrapped his arm around my waist. He held out his champagne glass for me to take. "Here."

"Thanks." I took a sip.

"Just enjoy yourself tonight, Angie." his fingers caressed my lower back.

"I will, I promise."

If Rosa stays away from my kids.

I was so annoyed with her just being here, then she had to go and talk to Eric.

"Then stop thinking about your sister," Michael kissed my cheek. "Now, Siedah is waiting for us. Let's go."

He took me to one of the back rooms near the little stage.

Siedah Garret opened the door with a wide grin. Without warning, she pulled me into a hug.

"Angela, it's so good to finally meet you," she said. "When Michael called a week ago, all he could do is talk about you. Now I see why."

"Thank you, Siedah. Unfortunately, I haven't really heard anything about you..."

Michael smiled at the two of us, "My fault entirely. We got caught up with preparing for this wedding."

Siedah waved him off.

"So, are you excited? I bet this isn't the first time you'll see him perform." she winked.

"Actually, it is..." I admitted.

"What? How-"

"Angie's not really a fan," my husband chuckled. "Or at least, she wasn't. She's been influenced, though."

I hit his shoulder lightly, making Siedah laugh. "Alright, I should get ready. The bride and groom will be here in a few minutes..."

I hurried to say my goodbyes and let them do their thing.

"Have fun." I placed a kiss on Michael's cheek. He thanked me by kissing me ever so slightly.

~

My dad walked onto the stage, grabbing one of the microphones.

He cleared his throat. "Hello everyone, it's my pleasure to welcome you all to our youngest son's wedding. The bride and groom have a special surprise for you tonight. So, without further ado, please welcome Mr. and Mrs. Brown for their first dance as husband and wife."

The guests around us clapped and I joined in. Luciano held Britney's hand so tight, it was the cutest thing.

He really did look like the happiest guy in the world.

Suddenly, the entire place went dark. Some people gasped, but I knew what was coming.

The band started playing the familiar first few notes of 'I Just Can't Stop Loving You'.

"Each time the wind blows, I hear your voice so,
I call your name
Whispers at morning, our love is dawning
Heaven's glad you came..."

Michael sang as the lights slowly turned on, the spotlight hitting him. His voice was so smooth.

"No fucking way!" someone shrieked behind me and I chuckled. They have no idea what's coming.

Luciano and Britney started dancing, swaying from side to side.

My husband continued singing while looking directly at me and I was sure my cheeks burned red.

Siedah joined him for the rest of the song. I watched as they literally exploded on stage, their chemistry undeniably good.

I guess I have been missing out... He is so amazing.

Then it dawned on me; was I actually keeping him from doing what he loves? Was I being selfish for not wanting him to go back to performing like he used to?

"Daddy!" Rose's little voice made me come back.

Michael was walking towards our table, still singing. He sat next to me and wrapped his free arm around my shoulders.

Oh, no, what is he doing?

"At night when the stars shine
I pray in you I'll find
A love so true..."

It was Siedah's part again. My husband leaned to whisper in my ear, "Help me out with this next part?"

I looked at him like he was crazy, yet he kept on going.

"You know how I feel, I won't stop until
I hear your voice saying, 'I do'..." he put the microphone to my mouth.

"I do." I whispered.

Everyone in the venue went crazy. My hands went up to cover my cheeks and hide my embarrassment.

Michael smiled brightly, placed a quick kiss on my temple, then stood up to go back to Siedah.

My mom who was sitting on my other side, laughed. "See? Acting like newlyweds."

"Mamma, stop..." I blushed even more.

Dad showed up, offering mom to dance, and she agreed. Other guests started getting up as well.

I just sat there, watching my husband as he finished the song, admiring him.

This is the Michael everyone kept telling me about. He looks so happy performing, too...

And in that moment, all I could wish for was that his shows go well.