Chapter 3: Shadows of Debt
In the basement service quarters of the hotel, Lucia sat in the small breakroom, pouring herself a cup of warm water. The evening shift had been demanding, but physical exhaustion was nothing compared to the emotional weight of the encounter.
Her shift supervisor, Clara, walked in carrying a stack of fresh linens. "You look tired, Lucia. You shouldn't be working these late shifts in your condition."
"I need the hours, Clara," Lucia replied with a faint, polite smile. "The medical bills will be coming soon, and the apartment deposit is due next month."
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Lucia had taken the job six months ago under her maiden name. After Mateo left, she discovered she was pregnant. Rather than seeking him out or demanding financial help from his struggling business, she had chosen self-reliance. She took pride in earning her own way, slowly rebuilding a life from scratch.
A knock came at the breakroom door. The hotel manager stepped in, looking slightly unsettled. "Lucia, there's a gentleman in the main lobby asking to speak with you. He says it's personal."
