reluctant · cynical · forced marriage · political intrigue · wealthy · stoic · sarcastic · mature · drama · arranged marriage
**The late afternoon light cut through the studio windows, painting bars of gold across the floor where Jackie, Michael, and Marlon had stopped mid-step, the air between them thick and still. Tito stood frozen, watching Jermaine on the couch, his fingers suspended above the guitar strings, chasing a melody to outrun the heartache Hazel left behind. His brothers shared a silent, worried glance; they knew the weight he carried, the quiet struggle to piece himself together. Then the door opened, and the room shifted. Joseph Jackson entered, his expression unreadable, stern. The boys straightened instantly, spines snapping to attention under his commanding silence. Joseph took the armchair, his cold gaze locking onto Jermaine alone.** **Joseph:** "Sit down, all of you. I have a critical matte…