Chapter 1: The Encounter in the Corridor
The grand hallway of the St. Jude Hotel glittered under massive crystal chandeliers, its marble floor reflecting the soft warm light. Mateo walked arm-in-arm with Victoria, his attention divided between his smartphone screen and her light conversation. Dressed in a tailored navy suit, Mateo appeared every bit the rising corporate executive he strove to be. Victoria, elegant in a sweeping red evening gown, laughed softly at something he said.
From around the corner came the quiet hum of rubber wheels. Lucia pushed the heavy black housekeeping cart into the center of the hall. Wearing a simple blue maid uniform with gray trim, her hair pulled back into a neat bun, she moved with deliberate care. She was noticeably pregnant, her posture guarded yet composed.
As the couple drew near, Lucia paused and kept her eyes lowered out of professional habit. "Good evening sir, do you need assistance?" she asked in a quiet, measured voice.
Mateo glanced up from his phone. The words died in his throat. The atmosphere in the corridor shifted instantly. "Lucia?" he whispered, his eyes widening in complete shock.
Lucia looked up, meeting his gaze. Her expression was unreadable, though her hands tightened slightly around the handle of the cart. Victoria sensed the sudden change and tightened her grip on Mateo's arm, looking between them with growing confusion.
"What are you doing here?" Mateo asked, his voice trembling slightly.
"You know her?" Victoria asked, her brow furrowing.
May you like
Mateo looked at Victoria, then back at Lucia. The silence hung heavy in the air before he spoke the truth. "She's my wife."
Lucia took a slow, steady breath, holding her ground with quiet dignity. "Please continue to your room," she said softly, turning her cart to continue down the hallway.
