I Just Can't Stop Loving You | Michael Jackson

Chapter 154-Cheryl Portor's Dream Comes True

"Really, Athena?!" Michael sounded exasperated, knowing all too well the effect her playful antics had on him, "You can't keep disappearing like this. I'm going to send out a search party next time!"

"I love you," Athena repeated innocently, hoping it would get her out of trouble.

Cheryl could see the corners of Athena's lips twitching, trying hard not to break into a grin. She knew that Athena was enjoying pushing Michael's buttons, reveling in the playful banter between them. As the conversation continued, Cheryl couldn't help but admire the easy dynamic between Athena and Michael. It was clear that their love was not only deep but also filled with laughter and joy.

"Alright, alright," Michael said with a hint of surrender in his voice, "Just promise me you won't give me a heart attack with your disappearing acts, okay? Because I don't think my heart can take it! You know how much I worry about you."

Athena beamed with triumph at successfully diffusing the situation, sharing a secret grin with Cheryl as she listened in on the conversation. "See, Cheryl? Works like a charm every time," she whispered with a wink.

Cheryl chuckled softly at Athena's playful antics, admiring the way she effortlessly handled Michael's concerns with a mix of love and mischief.

"Mikey, baby?" Athena smiled innocently again.

"Oh, no," Michael shook his head from the other end of the phone, though he was desperately trying to stay mad, "You're not off the hook that easily!"

"Baby," Athena smiled softly, "I love you." she muttered.

Michael sighed with contentment, "You win this time, Mrs. Jackson," he conceded with a hint of laughter in his tone, "I love you too. And the next time you make me panic about your location, I am sending a search party after you!"

Athena chuckled, knowing she had won this round of their playful banter, "Deal, Mr. Jackson," she replied with a smile, feeling the warmth of his love even from miles away, "I promise not to give you any more heart attacks.....at least for today."

"Alright, baby. Now tell me where you are," Michael sighed, "Please."

"I'm filming that collaboration with Cheryl in her car," Athena answered, "So we're driving around."

Cheryl couldn't help but silently admire how adorable their banter was. When the phone call ended, she turned to the pop star with a grin, "You two are impossibly adorable together!"

"He keeps me in line," Athena laughed, "Even when I constantly pull the disappearing act."

"Oh, I'm sure you keep him on his toes too!" Cheryl teased as she continued to drive down the winding road. The sun had dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of pink and orange, casting a warm glow over the landscape.

Athena chuckled at Cheryl's remark. "Oh, you have no idea," she replied with a wink. "But that's what keeps things interesting, right?"

An hour later, and Cheryl was screaming in laughter and shock.

"How did you just do the hardest vocal exercise I have without a problem?!"

"Years and years and years," Athena paused, "Of practice and singing on stages."

"Okay, you ready to sing for real?" Cheryl asked, "I found a song online that you actually wrote, but another artist sang it."

"Yeah, I stuck to songwriting for a while there." Athena nodded, pulling her legs up to sit crisscross on the passenger seat, "Oh, is it okay if I sit like this?"