The grand foyer suddenly fell into a heavy, breathless quiet, save for the soft sound of Maya's shallow breathing.
Julian turned back to his wife, gently placing his warm hands on her cheeks to inspect the bleeding cut on her temple.
Julian: Let me look at you, Maya. Does it hurt bad?
Maya: It stings... but I'm just so relieved you came through those doors.
Julian: I should have declared our marriage to the whole world the day we got back from the courthouse.
Maya: No, Julian... we agreed to wait until the estate audit was finished. We knew your relatives would attack us.
Julian: But I never dreamed Victoria would treat you like this in my own house!
Julian gently wiped a stray tear from Maya's cheek with his thumb, his eyes filled with immense guilt.
Julian: How long has she been coming over here harassing you?
Maya: Just since this morning... she came to inspect the decorations for the family charity dinner.
Julian: And she made you clean the floor on your knees?
Maya: She saw me dusting the display cabinet. When I bumped the porcelain vase, it fell and shattered. I tried to clean it up, but she snapped.
Julian: She saw a young maid alone and wanted to exert her pathetic power.
Maya: She grabbed my hair, Julian... she said I was trash who didn't deserve to work in a mansion.
Julian's chest heaved as he pulled Maya close, kissing the top of her head repeatedly.
Julian: You are the lady of this mansion, Maya. You own half of everything I have.
Maya: I don't care about the money or the mansion, Julian. I just want our baby to be safe.
Julian: Our baby is going to have the best life imaginable. And no one will ever make you feel small again.