Chapter 62 Tell Me the Truth

Marian was confused. First, because the staff had warned her of a visit, something unusual, and second, because that visit was a person she would never have expected: her daughter-in-law, Isabella.

"Isabella..." She stammered puzzled. "What... what a pleasure...

"How are you, Mrs. Collins?" Isabella got up from the couch in the living room, preparing for the conversation.

"Good, good..." The woman greeted Isabella with a kiss on the cheek. "And you?"

"Well, thank you. Isabella smiled affectionately at him as both women sat down.

“This is a big surprise. And Max? Where is he? Marian asked, looking around.

"He didn't come with me, Mrs. Collins," Isabella announced, and Marian looked at her even more surprised.

"Oh, no?" Did something happen to you? Concern was reflected on Marian's face.

"No, ma'am, he's fine... In fact, they are all perfect, her spouse and her daughter too. Isabella clarified.

"I don't want to sound rude, Isabella, but if you made this long journey on your own and nothing bad has happened, I imagine you have a very important motive. So, what are you doing here? Marian asked with all the cordiality she could.

"That's right, Mrs. Collins, I'm here for a reason and I hope to have your understanding and cooperation..." Isabella commented firmly. Marian frowned, visibly confused. "I need to know, ma'am, why do you live here?"

"What?"

Why are you in this camp, alone, secluded, without your family, as if you had been exiled? Isabella insisted.

“Exiled? What are you talking about, girl? Marian looked offended.

"I just want you to explain, Mrs. Collins, why you made the decision to leave your life and family to live here?" Isabella rephrased the question, noticing the woman's discomfort.

Marian salivated and looked at the threshold of the entrance to the room, from where an employee was waiting in case, they needed anything. He asked for tea and, with some nervousness, turned to Isabella.

“I came many years ago because... I had a nervous breakdown..." Marian shook her hands and looked away into space. “After getting married and taking on the role of ringleader, then having my children and facing the stress of fulfilling social, business, family and many more matters, it was exhausting... I couldn't stand it.

"And your spouse didn't help you?" Isabella asked. Marian immediately tensed up.

- My parents did not agree that Maximilian should assume the role of head of the family, because they did not believe that he was ready. After the birth of my children, my parents passed away in an accident and I fell apart. They had to medicate me, but I couldn't get out of my depression. Then, Maximilian took my place as leader, and I decided to retire to a quiet place. Since then, I feel like this is the place for me...

"Did you decide or was it your spouse's decision, Mrs. Collins?" Isabella asked, noticing how Marian's hands began to tremble.

"What are you talking about?" How can you say something like that? Marian frowned.

"It's just that... Excuse me, Mrs. Collins, but I have the impression that you are not telling me the whole truth. Isabella replied, decisively. Although her cheeks were hot from the embarrassment of pressuring Marian, she was determined to obtain the truth, since her future depended on it.

- What?! Marian exclaimed, surprised and with a pale face.

"I'm sorry, but if I'm here it's because I need you to be honest with me and not hide anything from me..." Isabella tried to clarify.

"Are you calling me a liar?" Marian said offended, while her face turned pale.

"No, it's just... I think he's omitting some part of the story. Maybe out of fear..." Isabella asked, observing Marian's nervous attitude.

“Out of fear?

“Yes, fear of your spouse.

"What are you saying?" Marian's breathing became more agitated, her eyes began to redden.

At that moment, the maid came in almost running with the tea. He handed Marian a cup along with a couple of pills, which she took at once.

- Ma'am, are you feeling well? The girl asked, attentive to her boss's expression.

Marian took a deep breath and nodded calmly. Then he turned his gaze to Isabella, with a frowning expression.

"I think it's time for you to go, young man. Marian ordered.

"What?" Isabella replied, somewhat surprised.

- You come to my house to inquire about my life and call me a liar... I treated you cordially because you are my son's spouse, but I will not tolerate you continuing with this ridiculous spectacle..." Marian said, and the maid girl immediately approached Isabella.

"Mrs. Sinclair, I'll walk you to the door. The young maid looked at Isabella seriously.

"No, I won't leave until I get answers." Isabella declared determinedly, while the young woman in the service tried to lift her by the arm. Isabella pulled out of the grip. "Mrs. Collins, Marian... Please tell me the truth, was it your spouse? Was it Maximilian who sent her here? Isabella asked, desperate, while the young woman from the service went to get help.

"I don't know what you're talking about. Marian growled, avoiding Isabella's gaze.

"Mrs. Collins! Please tell me the truth! Isabella shouted, while two women held her by the arms to pull her out.

"I don't know what truth you're talking about!" Marian replied, frowning as the employees almost managed to get Isabella out. "Why are you so intent on that invention, child?!"

- Because Máximo is going to do the same to me! Isabella shouted with conviction, which caused a moment of silence.

"What?" Marian asked, raising her hand as a sign for the employees to stop. The women loosened Isabella's grip.

"That his son, Maximus, plans to send me to a country house to get rid of me." He is thinking of exile me..." Isabella explained, approaching Marian again with a very serious expression.

"No, that's impossible..." Marian murmured, visibly astonished.

"I heard them say it... Máximo spoke with his father. Isabella assured, as she let go of the grip of the two women again.

"And you asked him?"

“How could it? The young woman took a seat next to her mother-in-law. - I was afraid... If I confronted them and it was true, if they found out that I knew it, I ran the risk that they would do it immediately, that they would want to silence me and send me to some secluded place, and what escape would I have? Neither Máximo nor his father know anything about what I heard...

"No... Max wouldn't be able to do that..." Marian whispered, lowering her gaze, clearly confused, and stunned.

"That's why I'm here, because..." I need to know... I beg you, Mrs. Collins, tell me the truth. Isabella looked at her with a pleading expression.

Marian sighed regretfully, bringing one of her hands to her face and leaning back on the furniture, looking depressed, disappointed, and confused.

The women of the service came closer again.

- Ma'am, are you feeling well? They asked with concern.

"Yes, yes, thank you..." Marian murmured without looking up. "Leave us alone.

"Ma'am?" The girls looked at each other confused.

"Please leave us alone.

Marian spoke to them with authority, while she uncovered her face and stood up, her eyes were more reddened. The young women withdrew.

“ Isabella called her, waiting for a while, while the woman looked thoughtful, Marian reacted and gave her a sad look.

“ I met Maximiliano, when I was very young, I had just returned from abroad, I had just finished my studies and my parents wanted me to start having a presence in society on my own, so they sent me to a charity event... We bumped into each other by chance, he was a very attractive man who caught my attention immediately, women seemed to want to surround him, but he focused only on me, I think that was what caught my attention the most at that moment...