MJ IMAGINES (World with Applehead) ON GOING

Gift of the Heart pt.3

Afterward, the two of you didn't head home just yet, though the silence between you felt different now.

There were still discussions to be had with the doctors and Michael's lawyers about how you both wanted to proceed, especially after the sudden shift in plans. The room felt quieter now, more serious, as papers were laid out on the table once again. Michael spoke briefly with his team, asking them to pause the contract for the time being.

"Mr. Jackson, we understand that you'd like to approach this differently," one of his lawyers said carefully, sliding the prepared contract forward, "but we still strongly recommend maintaining certain safety measures, especially after the baby is born."

Michael shook his head gently, his voice calm but firm.

"This isn't about a contract anymore," he said. "We'll have this baby on our terms... not because of paperwork, but because of love. We'll figure it out together." He paused, glancing at you before adding, "As a matter of fact, I'd like to terminate it."

You tried not to get emotional in front of everyone, but his words tugged at something deep inside you. Your eyes stung slightly as you looked down at your hands. You were grateful he understood your side, that he wasn't treating this like a transaction. Whatever happened between the two of you, you knew he would be there.

After the initial decision, Michael insisted on taking care of you for the next several days. The embryo transfer wasn't a major procedure, but there were still precautions to keep in mind, and he committed himself fully. He wanted to make sure you were comfortable, that you rested, that you didn't worry. It wasn't him being dramatic. It was simply his gentle, attentive nature.
Without needing to say much more, the two of you silently agreed to move forward together.

The tension that filled the room earlier slowly faded, replaced by something softer... something uncertain, yet hopeful.
Maybe it was finally time to go home. To rest, to breathe, and to let everything that had just happened settle in.

"Since we didn't proceed with our initial plan, I guess I'll just go home now," you said, reaching for your bag as you prepared to leave.

"I know the discussion about our initial plan is done," Michael replied, a small, coy smile forming on his lips, "but there's still a conversation for the two of us."

You felt a quiet sense of relief. After all the tension earlier, it finally seemed like you could breathe again.

"Yeah, you're right. I forgot we still need to talk about... that," you said, letting out a soft laugh.

"Stay with me," Michael said. His voice was gentle, yet there was a seriousness behind it that made you pause.

"Just until we get things straightened out," he added.

You hesitated for only a moment before nodding. The idea of resting, of not having to think too much tonight, sounded comforting. And somehow, staying with him felt easier than going home alone.

The two of you drove back to Neverland. When you arrived, the maids had already prepared your room just across from Michael's. He let you settle in first, assuring you that you would talk properly in the morning.

Time passed, and soon it was 11:00 in the evening. Your body was tired, but your mind refused to rest. You shifted several times, trying to find a comfortable position, but sleep wouldn't come.

Your mind was wandering everywhere until it landed on the thought of Michael. Since the conversation, something between you had changed. Maybe it was the intensity of the day, maybe the vulnerability you both shared, but the feeling you had tried so hard to bury was slowly rising to the surface. You had hidden it to protect your friendship, convincing yourself it was safer that way. Yet now, it felt like it was slipping beyond your control.