Chapter 28 I Have a Plan

No one expected it, nor did the press know until the time came, the two most prestigious and wealthy families in the country, the Collins and the Sinclair’s, would unite through marriage.

How was this event possible when everyone thought that both families were rivals?

The church bells rang, the guests were arriving and were accommodated in their respective seats, the cream of society attended the wedding of the year.

Máximo waited in one of the halls of the church, dressed in his custom-made Brioni suit, attractive and elegant, the groom paced from one side to the other, nervous.

A bang sounded at the entrance, "So fast? Is it time yet?" asked Máximo, as he went to the door to open it, in front of him, his friend Diego, who was waiting for him.

"Maximum!" Diego extended his hand to greet each other, they shook each other, and his friend invited him in.

"I thought you wouldn't make it." Maximus murmured under his breath.

- I'm sorry, but lately my boss has left me with all the work, I'm quite overwhelmed. It's difficult... But now I understand why you hadn't come back there. I still can't believe it, we're in church and I still can't believe it. Are you really getting married? Diego continued as he entered the room.

“Yes. - Máximo nodded, pursing his lips in a line, very seriously.

"And who is the lucky one?" Diego turned on his heels, noticing his friend's expression of disgust.

"Haven't they told you?" Surely the press will already be making a history of the bride. - Máximo replied between his teeth.

“No, I still don't know anything. From the airport I went straight to the hotel, I only had time to shower, and I arrived directly here. Diego commented, surprised.

“Isabella Sinclair. Máximo announced, lowering his gaze, and clenching his jaw, as if he disliked just pronouncing that name.

"What?" Diego looked at him incredulously.

“Yes, no one believes it, a Sinclair with a Collins. Maximo growled, beginning to walk from side to side, running his hand over the back of his neck, visibly tense.

"Wait... You said Isabella... Isabella Sinclair. Diego took a step forward, his face paling slightly.

“Yes, why? Máximo asked, surprised by his attitude. "Do you know her?"

There was a moment of silence, and Diego stepped back, trying to regain his composure.

I knew her, yes... But I couldn't reveal that without mentioning who I was or where I really came from. He had no choice but to swallow his words or risk it all. He could not act impulsively; he had to calm down and think of a quick solution, because losing Isabella was not part of his plan either.

"No... No... I still don't think you're going to marry a Sinclair, aren't they rivals? They have companies that are always competing. Diego explained, visibly nervous.

"That's right, or at least it was... But that's not all. Isabella is the daughter of the exiled heir of the Sinclair’s, a homeless woman who had nothing to do with the family until recently..." Máximo explained, walking thoughtfully down the hallway.

Maximo's words caused Diego great pain. He already knew that the young woman had been on the street and reproached himself for not having found her earlier.

And now, that he had finally found her, she was going to marry Maximo Collins?

Fate seemed to have played a bad trick on him, a very rough and cruel one... And not only that, but it also seemed that her fiancé did not love her.

"Is that what bothers you?" That he lived in a humble way and that he was on the street? Because I see you very angry. Diego asked, suddenly becoming serious.

"No... Not at all... What bothers me the most is being here against my will. Maximus declared firmly.

“It's an arranged marriage. Diego blurted out, as if he had just come to a simple conclusion.

"It's obvious, isn't it?" Why do you think I'd call you out of the blue to tell you I was going to get married in a few days? “Máximo highlighted.

Diego lowered his face, frowning. Máximo detailed it strangely, because Diego had always been a calm and relaxed man, with a lively and optimistic character, he had rarely seen him so serious and concentrated.

Máximo was about to ask him about his strange attitude, when the door opened abruptly, causing both men to startle.

Maximilian had arrived.

- Diego, son! Nice to see you. Maximilian extended his hand, giving it a firm squeeze. "What have you been doing?" You haven't been back to the mansion anymore, and I was told you're living abroad.

"Yes, I'm working for some international companies..." Diego explained seriously, casting a meaningful glance at Maximo. Diego knew that his friend's investments and startups had to be kept secret.

- Wow! Interesting... Then you came only for Maximus's wedding. Maximilian concluded.

“Diego will be my godfather. “Máximo intervened.

"Oh, how good, how good..." Maximilian patted Diego on the shoulder a couple as a friendly gesture. "I'm glad you're with us right now, but I'd like to ask you a favor..."

"Yes, tell me.

"Could you give me a moment alone with my son?" I need to tell you something important. Maximilian asked calmly.

- Eh... Yes, sure, don't worry... Max, I'll see you in a while.

Diego left the room. Maximilian's arrival had suited him like a glove, because now he had something more important to do steal his bride.

Maximo frowned. His father's attitude irritated him. Maximilian was a cruel, despotic, and ambitious man, but he only showed that facet in front of his family; to the rest of the world, he was kind and respectful.

"What do you want, Dad?" Máximo asked, leaving aside the protocols.

Maximilian showed her his best sideways smile, full of malice.

"Listen, Max..." Maximilian began to walk around the room slowly. “I know you don't want to get married, and that this situation has you very upset...

"What?"

"But I had no choice. Mrs. Sinclair forced me to accept an old agreement that your grandfather made with that family..." Maximilian revealed, leaving Maximo confused.

“What kind of agreement?

If we did not accept the union, we would lose everything. That is what the agreement sums up. Maximilian commented reluctantly.

"How?"

Máximo felt a hunch at his father's words. Although Maximilian could be cruel, he was not a liar, especially in such important matters.

“That's right. That's why I was forced to force you and Emily to make that trip. But... I don't want to see you carrying something that you dislike, son..." Maximilian stopped and looked at his son seriously.

"What do you mean?" Maximus asked, hoping that his father could free him from this marriage.

"I have a plan, I mean, a solution to our dilemma..." Maximilian continued, knowing that he had completely captured his son's attention.

"Which one?" Tell me once and for all..." Máximo looked anxious.

- You have to get married, that is inescapable... But if you do well what I am going to order you, in a few months you will be free from your spouse and with a reward in your hands..." murmured Maximilian.

"What do you want me to do?" “Máximo began to suspect his father. The attitude and the spark of evil in his voice didn't please him at all.

"You'll get married and fall in love with the girl." No matter what you have to do, you should be detailed, kind, and sweet to her for a while. Just make sure one thing: that she gets pregnant...

- What?! - Máximo looked at his father, incredulous.

- Listen carefully... The girl is a villager, ignorant, she will fall at your feet in no time. She has no one but her grandmother; everyone despises her. If she gets pregnant, not knowing how to manage her fortune and without support, in love with you, she will never want to divorce. In addition, you will insure your future heir, a Collins/Sinclair.

"What are you saying, father?" Maximus asked, horrified.

"Do you want your freedom?" Do as I tell you, and when she is in good condition, we will send her to one of our properties in the country, to rest in the best comforts... She will live as your spouse, but exiled, and you will be able to live your life as you see fit.