Chapter 29 I Offer You Your Freedom

- What?! Are you telling me that you want me to do to that girl the same thing you did to my mother?! Maximo growled, with clenched fists.

- Calm down! Don't be rude and disrespectful to your father! Your mother left because she wanted to, she has told you so many times! He doesn't like the city! Maximilian replied, indignant.

"You can say it a thousand times and I won't believe it!" She isolated herself, she stepped aside for a reason! Do you really think I'd be able to do the same to that girl?! - Maximus growled.

"And what does that matter?" You don't even want it, you find it unpleasant, you said so yourself! What's the matter?! Maximilian shrugged, as if his words had no weight. "You're not throwing her away with the baby, she'll have everything she could want, she'll live in luxury, and she'll be well cared for. Wasn't she homeless? What you offer them is much better than that.

"Anyway, I won't. Maximus spat, heading towards the exit.

"You have no choice... You have to get married; do you plan to live happily with her for the rest of your life? Maximilian asked ironically and Maximo clenched his fists, unable to turn to look at him, because he was furious. - Listen, son... You want your freedom, don't you? Maximilian approached Maximo's back and began to whisper to him. “Once you are married to her, double the responsibilities will come upon you, she does not know how to run a family and therefore, you will have to do it with both... This marriage will be your shackle for the rest of your life.

Máximo took a deep breath, realizing his reality, he had always wanted to free himself from the yoke of the Collins, but now it would be worse, because thanks to that girl, he would also be tied by the yoke of the Sinclair’s.

"I offer you your freedom..." murmured Maximilian, capturing Maximo's full attention. - You'll do what I tell you, you'll make the girl fall in love, let her go out of her way for you, it won't be difficult at all, I bet you... And you'll see to it that she gets pregnant... Then, you will sign a power of attorney for me, and I will take care of both families for you, you will be free from your spouse by keeping her in the countryside and, in addition, you will be free to lead the families... And not only that, but I will also give you all the money you need to consolidate your companies abroad.

Máximo turned around in complete surprise. How did your father know about it? He had been very careful and the few friends he had integrated were of his complete confidence... No one knew.

"Did you think your father might be stupid enough not to know?" Maximilian asked arrogantly when he saw his son's surprised expression. "You're my son, Max, and I know everything about you.

"Who told you?" Máximo clenched his jaw angrily.

"That doesn't matter... The important thing is this: you will do what I tell you and you will be free from all family and economic responsibilities. You won't get one more order from me. But if you refuse, I'll take care of destroying your stupid enterprises.

"No, you won't. I will have the money and power of both families..." Maximus refuted, furious.

"Really?" And you will also have the time to protect them, to protect the fruit of your effort during these years..." “Maximilian shrugged. "Because if you don't agree to my plan, you'll have to stay here, tending to the needs of your spouse and both families, like the slave you always hated to be. And all for what, Max? Because of an unknown young woman, a homeless woman you don't want to marry when the Sinclair family-imposed marriage. I am not the enemy, Maximo, I am your father, and I am only here to offer you a solution. Remember that our real rivals were always them, the Sinclair’s.

Maximo snorted and took a couple more steps, ready to walk away, however, he stopped before opening the door.

"Do you promise Isabella will be okay?" He murmured trembling with rage, Maximo was very angry, but now it was with himself for what he was about to do.

"She'll live like a queen, she won't lack anything, I swear. Maximilian replied with a smile full of satisfaction.

Máximo could only nod and left that room.

*

Isabella looked at herself in the mirror, she had never been a lover of princesses, but for the first time in her life, she felt like one.

The traditional white dress was made with a translucent fabric on the torso, with a U-neck, and long sleeves, the transparent fabric was covered with delicate embroidery and Swarovski crystals, covering Isabella's chest and arms with beautiful patterns of different flowers, while her back was exposed.

The gigantic skirt that fell from her framed waist with a princess cut had a three-meter train, also covered by hundreds of small crystals, giving it a shine with movement.

Isabella was grateful that the dress was so large, that it completely covered the mid-heeled shoes she was wearing, to give her greater comfort and not to stumble on the way to the altar.

Small diamond earrings combined with a large tiara on her head were added as a complement. Her hair pulled back in a high bun held up the long veil.

A simple makeup in pink tones highlighted the look full of innocence and sweetness of the young woman, who did not stop trembling, while she was absorbed in front of the mirror.

"It's almost time. “Her grandmother looked at her proudly from behind.

Isabella released all the air in her lungs and turned to her, fearful, but very aware of her fate.

Suddenly, a loud and rapid knock sounded at the entrance, surprising them both. Margaret hurried to open the door, hoping that something bad hadn't happened and that the wedding would have to be called off.

A young man dressed in a custom-made, rather attractive designer suit with dark eyes, thick eyebrows, and a shaped nose that looked familiar to Margaret, stood in front of her.

The man seemed to be in a hurry, for his breath was a little agitated and as soon as he saw Margaret, some surprise could be glimpsed in his expression, which he immediately transformed into a look full of seriousness.

- Who are you? Margaret asked, in surprise.

"I... I look for Isabella. The young man said, trying to recover the rhythm of his breathing as he looked inside the room.

"My granddaughter?" For what? What do you want from her? Margaret began to question the young man, just as Isabella appeared upon hearing his name.

"Diego?"

Isabella was paralyzed to see this man in the doorway, the lifelong friend with whom she had shared so much and whom she had not seen in a long time. Margaret, surprised, realized that her granddaughter knew the man. Taking advantage of the fact that Margaret was distracted, Diego made his way into the room and stopped in front of Isabella.

"You're... You look beautiful. Diego stammered, his heart racing, impressed by Isabella's beauty.

"I... Hey... Well, thank you. She looked down, blushing. "But... What are you doing here?" I hadn't seen you again and...

"I... I've been looking for you for a long time..." Diego murmured, raising a hand to gently caress Isabella's cheek. "I never expected to find you here and in this situation. I'm so sorry, Isabella. I'm sorry I couldn't keep my promise...

"Your promise?" Margaret approached, confused by the situation. "Isabella, can you explain what's going on?" Who is he?

"I... Well..." Isabella tried to answer, but Diego interrupted her.

"I'm the man your granddaughter should be marrying.