Julian’s jaw dropped in sheer disbelief, the color draining from his face as if he had just seen a ghost. Lucia, he gasped under his breath, his voice cracking with sudden, overwhelming shock. The pregnant maid pulled her hands together against her apron, her dark eyes looking down at the polished floor with deep sadness before slowly rising to meet Julian's stunned gaze. A subtle rattle from the metal service cart resonated through the quiet hallway as she tried to maintain her composure despite the heavy tension thick in the air. Is everything alright with the service, sir? Lucia asked, her voice trembling slightly as she fought back the tears threatening to spill from her eyes. She knew better than to make a scene in front of the hotel's wealthy clientele, but the painful history shared between them made every passing second feel like an eternity.