𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧! - 𝐌𝐢𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐞𝐥 𝐉𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐎𝐧𝐞-𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐬

「 ✦ Heartstrings & Rings ✦ 」

—

Meanwhile, Michael is wrapping up an exhausting day at the studio. He's been working tirelessly, and all he can think about is coming home to you and recharging with a quick nap before you return from your shopping spree. He smiles to himself, thinking of how you'll undoubtedly strut through the living room later, showing off your new outfits like you always do, and how he'll cheer for every single one. It's a tradition he cherishes, one that brings a sense of normalcy to his otherwise hectic life.

The house is quiet when he arrives. He heads straight for your shared bedroom, tossing his jacket onto a chair as he pulls off his shoes, already anticipating the comfort of your shared bed.

But as he approaches, something catches his eye. There, on the cozy sheets, are your wedding band and engagement ring, glinting in the sunlight like tiny, heart-wrenching beacons.

His breath catches in his throat, and for a moment, the world feels like it's crumbling beneath his feet. He stares at the rings, his mind racing. Why would you leave them here? Why did you take them off? The thoughts claws at him, panic quickly seeping into his chest.

His heart pounds as he walks closer, sitting on the edge of the bed and picking up the rings with trembling hands. What does this mean? His thoughts spiral as he turns them over in his palm, his vision starting to blur. The weight of them feels like the weight of his worst fears—fear that he's failed you, that he hasn't been the husband you deserve. Is this how you're telling him? Is this how you're leaving him?

His chest tightens, and it becomes harder to breathe. He clutches the rings, pressing them against his chest as if holding them close would somehow keep you from slipping away. Tears fog his vision, spilling down his cheeks as his mind continues to spiral. How could he not have seen this coming? He thought things were perfect, that your marriage was growing stronger with each passing day. But apparently, he was wrong. He wasn't good enough. He should have been more attentive, more loving, more... everything.

God, I can't lose her, he thinks, his tears falling freely now, dripping onto his shirt as his whole body shakes. The love he feels for you is so deep, so consuming, and the thought of losing it—of losing you—makes his heart feel like it's being torn apart.

He's so lost in his thoughts that he doesn't even hear the door open. He doesn't notice when you step inside, your arms laden with shopping bags and a soft smile on your face.

That smile drops instantly when you see him. His shoulders are hunched, his back trembling with silent sobs, and you can't even see his face because he's holding his head in his hands. Your heart clenches in panic as you lose your grip on all the bags and let them fall to the floor. You rush to his side.

"Michael? Michael, what's wrong?" Your voice is filled with worry, your hands immediately cupping his tear-streaked face as you stand in front of him. You feel the wetness of his tears on your palms, your heart squeezing painfully at the sight of him like this—so vulnerable, so broken.

But his eyes... they don't even meet yours. He looks past you, still holding something tightly in his hand. Your voice shakes as you plead with him. "Please, talk to me. What's going on?"

He pulls your hands away gently but doesn't speak. Instead, he drops to his knees, wrapping his arms around your legs, holding onto you like you're his lifeline. His voice cracks, pleading as he presses his forehead against your thighs. "Please... please don't do this. I'll be better, I promise. Just... Please don't leave me."

You freeze, confusion flooding your senses. What on earth is he talking about? You feel his grip on you tighten, his body trembling against yours as his desperate words continue to spill out. "I'll be more attentive, more loving... whatever you need. Just please, don't leave. Don't file for divorce."