Chapter 24 - An Apology

Maximo wanted to go to his apartment, although he was supposed to still live in the main mansion, he had his own place, a luxury space in one of the most colorful buildings in the center of the city.

He stayed in the family's main home only on special occasions, where he also had a large room equipped with everything he needed.

But that day he was not in the mood to immediately confront his father, he preferred to arrive first at a quiet place, take a shower and clear his mind, be smart and create a good strategy that would avoid the imminent argument with Maximilian.

However, as soon as the Rolls-Royce started, the driver informed him that his father was waiting for him in the main mansion urgently.

"Don't worry, Max, I'll support you. Emily murmured, noticing her brother's obvious tension, he could only nod in response.

They arrived at the imposing mansion of the Collins and as instructed by the butler as soon as they entered the front door, Maximo went to his father's office, who was already waiting for him.

Why all the rush? What was its urgency? Maximilian knew that his children were arriving from a trip, because he himself forced them to do so. Couldn't he have the decency to let them rest at least?

Máximo knocked on the door of the office cautiously, next to him, was his sister, Emily, who seemed convinced to fight for her father to dissolve the engagement that forced her brother to marry whom he considered a little thing.

"Go ahead..." The shout was heard on the other side.

Maximo and Emily entered, watching their father very concentrated behind the desk, signing documents.

"Here we are, father," Maximus announced, as Maximilian looked up, frowning.

"Welcome..." murmured the man, leaning back in his seat. Maximo and Emily advanced to their desk. "Emily, I need you to leave us alone, I have an important matter to discuss with your brother.

"But Dad, I need to talk to you too, there's a matter we need to deal with..." The girl complained, stopping in her tracks.

"Later..." Maximilian growled, concentrating all his attention on his son.

"Dad, it's important, it's about Max's engagement, I..." Emily insisted, with a conciliatory tone, so as not to make her father angry.

"Leave us, Emily!" Is it so hard to obey an order?! Maximilian said in response, with great authority.

"No, it's just that..." Máximo gave his sister a meaningful look, signaling her to leave. "Okay, I'm sorry, father. - murmured the young woman full of helplessness, to turn around and leave.

"Father?" Why did you send for me? Máximo asked cautiously, taking a seat in front of the desk.

"I spoke to Mrs. Sinclair this morning..." She replied bluntly.

"He called you, didn't he?" “Máximo took office.

"No, I called her, assumed that the Sinclair heir must have already been chosen, as she told me he would, on the last day of the trip, and therefore one of my sons must be engaged. Maximilian gave Maximo a stern look, with which he told him everything.

"Regarding that..." Máximo tried to explain himself, but his father wouldn't let him speak.

"Wasn't the order I gave you clear?" Do you think you're a man and therefore think that I no longer have authority over you?

"No, Dad, it's just that...

"Were my threats not clear enough or did you think they were just talk?" Maximilian asked with a certain tone of rudeness. "You rejected the girl.

"Yes..." Máximo blurted out with great conviction. "I rejected it because it was not suitable, father, the young woman chosen is the daughter of the Sinclair who was banished, the girl was a pauper...

Maximo said with great confidence, expecting some expression of displeasure or surprise from his father, however, Maximilian got up furious, slapping his hand on the desk.

"I don't care who she is or where they got the girl!" He said angrily. "They could have brought it from the dump itself, and you had to accept it!" Wasn't that the order I gave you?!

"Yes, father. Máximo answered, with his jaw clenched.

"As long as the chosen one is a Sinclair and is chosen by Mrs. Margaret, both you and your sister had the duty to accept that marriage. Maximilian growled between his teeth, casting a fierce look at his son.

"Yes, father... But it's already done, I've already rejected it. Máximo got up from his seat, in a sudden fit of rage and helplessness.

"Is that your answer?" Is this how you want to play, Maximo? Maximilian stared at him; his eyes narrowed.

- What can I do?! I have already rejected it; I cannot retract it; You know I never do. Maximus murmured, trembling with rage.

"You will...!" “Maximilian ordered. "You will retract right now, or I will carry out my threats." Just like that girl's father, you will live in exile and poverty. But that's not all... I'll make sure to sink you so deep that even your last name won't help you survive.

Maximilian enunciated his words maliciously flashing in his dark eyes. Although his appearance was that of an elegant and attractive man despite his age, tall and white-skinned, with a couple of strands of gray hair that gave him an interesting air, inside he was ruthless and voracious.

Maximus stood motionless for a moment, tense by his father's words, aware that Maximilian had the capacity to carry out his threats and that his bright future was at risk.

"Now..." Maximilian picked up the receiver of the phone he had on his desk and handed it to his son, sure that Maximo would obey. "You will call Mrs. Sinclair, apologize to her and her granddaughter, and even show her some courtesy. Understood?

One of Maximo's clenched fists reached out to take the receiver that his father offered him. Anger and rage consumed him inside. He felt humiliated, selling his freedom because of the Sinclair’s. If Margaret Sinclair hadn't suddenly shown up with her father, none of this would be happening.

But it would be her granddaughter who would pay the price. Máximo knew that this forced marriage would not be a bed of roses... Not when he didn't even want to be with that young woman, but all he wanted was to run away from her.

Máximo put the horn to his ear, he had it pressed so tightly that he could feel how the plastic cracked in the palm of his hand, Maximiliano was in charge of dialing the number.

There were only a couple of clatters before they answered.

"Sinclair family mansion, how can I help you?" A man's voice was heard on the other end of the line.

“This is Máximo Collins. Could I contact Mrs. Sinclair? It is urgent.

"One moment, please.

*

Margaret and Isabella were having tea together in the spacious living room of the Sinclair mansion when Gregor walked in with a cordless phone in his hand, covering the microphone.

"Mrs. Sinclair, excuse the intrusion, Mr. Maxim Collins is on the line and says it is urgent. The man murmured in Margaret's ear.

"Oh! I didn't expect him to call so soon..." He looked arrogantly at Isabella, who almost choked at the sound of Maximo's name. "I thought it would take him longer to accept and that he would fight more with his father. It seems that you had more character, when he pretends to be a man of strong temper. Margaret commented to Isabella before picking up the phone. - Good afternoon, this is Margaret Sinclair.

"Mrs. Sinclair..." Maximo replied on the other end of the line. “I'm Máximo Collins.

"Yes?"

"I called her because..." She paused, inhaling deeply. "I wanted to apologize."

“I hear it.

"I am sorry that I refused to marry your granddaughter, Isabella Sinclair, and I want to retract it... I'd like to apologize to her too and make up for them somehow..." Maximo murmured on the other end of the line.

"Oh, and how do you intend to compensate us, Mr. Collins?"

"I should like to give you a little reception, tomorrow night, for both families, at the Collins mansion. There I am...

"Yes?"

"I will propose to Isabella Sinclair myself, in front of everyone. Máximo blurted out suddenly, feeling his throat burn just by saying it.

"That seems to me a good gesture on your part, Mr. Collins, thank you. Margaret answered, holding back an ironic laugh that she wished to let out, for a lady does not do that.

- Well... I am waiting for you. Máximo concluded, almost not knowing how to say goodbye to the awkward conversation.

“It will be a pleasure. Margaret hung up and handed the phone to Gregor, who was still a few feet away, waiting.

"What...?" What happened? Isabella stammered, nervously, her pulse racing.

- What had to happen happened... I told you that Maximo would accept the marriage, and he began to crawl. Margaret crooned, taking another sip of her tea. Isabella had never seen her like this before; She seemed content.

“What does that mean? Isabella insisted, feeling that her grandmother had not given her a clear answer.

“It means that, all the more reason, tomorrow we will have to go shopping. Get ready because your engagement party with Máximo will take place. Margaret announced, leaving Isabella stunned.

*

Máximo hung up the call and returned the phone to his father, who had already changed his expression of anger to one of complete satisfaction.

"Very well, the idea of the reception was excellent, but you have to call your mother to travel immediately and be present. Maximilian commented, as if nothing had happened.

"Do what you want..." Maximo grumbled, turning to leave the office.

"Maximum!" “His father called him.

"Yes?"

“Start organizing your marriage. Tomorrow we will fine-tune the details with Mrs. Sinclair. I want you to get married in five days.

Máximo could only nod. Although he tried to contain all his anger, he ended up slamming the door loudly as he left his father's office. He pulled his cell phone out of his jacket pocket and dialed a very familiar number.

"Hello?" “They answered.

"Diego?" I need you to travel back as soon as possible.

“Why? Did something happen?

"I'm getting married, and I need you to be my best man."