𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒕𝒆𝒓 ⅩⅩⅧ

Giselle couldn't stop smiling as she walked down the grand hallways of Neverland, searching for Michael. The moment still felt surreal-her mother, the woman who had been so against this relationship, was actually coming. She needed to tell him.

She found Michael outside near the stables, talking with Marlon and a few other guys. He stood tall, dressed in all black, his curls falling perfectly over his face as he nodded at whatever Marlon was saying. But the second he saw her approaching, his whole expression softened.

"Hey, baby," he greeted, his voice low and smooth.

She didn't even say anything. She just walked straight into him, wrapping her arms around his waist and hugging him tightly.

Michael chuckled, surprised, but immediately held her back, resting his chin on the top of her head. "Mmm, what's this for?"

Giselle pulled back slightly, looking up at him with a huge grin. "She's coming."

Michael raised an eyebrow. "Who's coming?"

"My mom."

His expression shifted completely. His lips parted slightly, eyes widening as if he wasn't sure he heard her correctly. "Wait... Tina?"

Giselle nodded, unable to contain her excitement. "Yes! She just called me. She said she's coming tomorrow morning."

Michael stared at her for a moment, taking it all in. Then, a slow smirk spread across his lips. "Well, I'll be damned."

Marlon, who had been eavesdropping, whistled. "Man, I thought that woman was never gonna come around."

Michael shook his head, still looking at Giselle in disbelief. "What changed her mind?"

"She said she wants to see me happy," Giselle whispered. "And... I think she finally understands that you make me happy."

Michael exhaled, then gently cupped her face, rubbing his thumb along her cheek. "You know, I was ready to marry you with or without her approval."

Giselle smiled. "I know. But this... this just makes it feel even more complete."

Michael leaned down and pressed a soft, lingering kiss to her lips. "Then I'm happy too, baby."

She melted into his touch, feeling a weight she hadn't even realized was there finally lift off her shoulders.

Her mother was coming. She was marrying the love of her life.

Everything was falling into place.

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The night before the wedding, Neverland Ranch was buzzing with excitement. Everyone had turned in early, knowing tomorrow would be a long, emotional day. The house was calm, quiet, and filled with anticipation.

Giselle lay in her bed, staring up at the ceiling, her heart racing. Tomorrow, she would wake up as someone's wife. As Michael's wife. It felt surreal-like a dream she was scared to wake up from.

A gentle knock at her bedroom door made her jolt upright. Before she could even say anything, the door cracked open, and a familiar silhouette stepped inside.

"Michael," she whispered, sitting up quickly. "You're not supposed to be here."

Michael smirked, closing the door behind him. "You really think I was gonna sleep without seeing you?"

Giselle sighed but couldn't fight the smile spreading on her face. "It's bad luck."

Michael leaned against the door, arms crossed, watching her with that intense, smoldering gaze. "I don't believe in luck, baby. I believe in us."

She shook her head, biting her lip as he made his way over to the bed.

"I just wanted to see you," he murmured, slipping under the covers with her like he had done a hundred times before. "Just one last time before everything changes."

Giselle melted into his warmth as he pulled her against him. His scent-cinnamon, a hint of his cologne, and something uniquely Michael-wrapped around her like a comforting embrace.

"I can't believe we made it," she whispered, tracing lazy circles on his chest.

Michael tilted her chin up, forcing her to look at him. His eyes searched hers, filled with something deep, something unspoken.

"You scared?" he asked.

"A little."

He smiled softly. "Me too."

Giselle exhaled, pressing her forehead against his. "But I'm ready."

Michael slid his fingers under her chin, tilting her lips up to his. The kiss was slow, deep, and full of meaning.

"I love you, Gigi," he murmured against her lips.

"I love you more," she whispered back, threading her fingers through his curls.

His hand slid down to her waist, pulling her closer, his breath warm against her neck. "Let me hold you tonight."

Giselle nodded, curling into his chest. "Stay with me."

Michael kissed the top of her head. "Always."

And just like that, they spent their last night as an unmarried couple, wrapped in each other's arms, savoring the quiet before the biggest day of their lives.

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The first rays of sunlight peeked through the curtains of Neverland Ranch, casting a golden glow over the estate. The air buzzed with excitement, a mix of nerves and anticipation filling the halls.

Giselle woke up to the sound of knocking on her door, followed by Solange's excited voice.

"Wake up, bride-to-be!"

Giselle stretched, feeling the empty spot beside her where Michael had snuck out before sunrise. She smiled to herself, her heart fluttering. Today's the day.

The door burst open, and Solange, Aaliyah, and Janet rushed in, carrying coffee, fresh fruit, and a tray of pastries.

"How does it feel?" Aaliyah asked, grinning.

Giselle rubbed her eyes. "Like I'm dreaming."

"Well, wake up, 'cause it's real," Janet said, plopping down on the bed. "We have a lot to do."

Hair, makeup, the dress-everything had to be perfect.

Solange grabbed Giselle's hands. "Mom's downstairs, waiting for you."

Giselle's heart skipped a beat. Tina came.

"She actually came?" she asked, blinking in disbelief.

Solange nodded. "She's here, Gigi. And she wants to see you."

Giselle swallowed hard. It was one thing to invite her-it was another for her to actually show up.

"Go talk to her," Aaliyah encouraged. "We'll start setting up your dress and everything."

Giselle took a deep breath and nodded. Today is going to be perfect.

-

Meanwhile, across the house, Michael was already up, pacing the room.

Marlon sat on the couch, watching him with an amused smirk. "You keep pacing like that, you're gonna wear a hole in the floor."

Michael shot him a look. "I'm just- I want everything to go smoothly."

LaToya, sitting at the vanity fixing her makeup, laughed. "It will. But you need to sit down before you give yourself a heart attack."

Michael sighed, running a hand through his curls. "I just want her to be happy."

"You make her happy, Mike," Marlon reassured. "Now, let's get you looking sharp for your big day."

Michael nodded, finally sitting as his stylist came in to get him dressed.

-

Tina sat at the dining table, nervously stirring her coffee.

Giselle walked in, her heart pounding. Seeing her mother there, in the middle of Neverland, felt surreal.

"Tina," Katherine greeted warmly, placing a gentle hand on hers. "I'm glad you came."

Tina looked up, locking eyes with Giselle. "I wouldn't miss my daughter's wedding."

A wave of emotions hit Giselle as she stepped forward and hugged her mother tightly.

"Thank you for coming," she whispered.

Tina sighed, squeezing her back. "I just want you to be happy, baby."

Katherine smiled, watching the moment unfold. "Now, come on, let's eat before the madness starts."

The room filled with laughter and warmth, a rare moment of peace before the whirlwind of the wedding preparations began.

-

Upstairs, the wedding planner arrived, directing everyone.

The florists were setting up the venue.The catering team was preparing the reception.The hair and makeup artists had arrived.

Giselle sat in front of the mirror as the glam team got to work.

Michael, now in his crisp white tuxedo, stood in front of the mirror, taking deep breaths.

It was happening.

In just a few hours, he and Giselle would finally become husband and wife.