The grand hall of the luxury hotel was gleaming under the golden chandeliers as high-society guests moved through the space.
Marcus: Keep up, darling. The board members are waiting inside the private lounge.
Victoria: I am keeping up, Marcus. You just walk too fast when you're thinking about business.
Marcus: Tonight is important. The merger goes through smoothly if everyone stays happy.
Marcus adjusted his navy blue suit jacket while Victoria smoothed the silk of her red gown. They walked arm-in-arm past the massive marble pillars.
A pregnant hotel maid in a blue uniform pushed a heavy service cart out from the side corridor, stopping nervously right in their path.
Lucia: GOOD EVENING, SIR... DO YOU NEED ASSISTANCE?
The cart wheels squeaked against the polished floor as she looked up, her hands trembling against the metal handle.
Marcus stopped dead in his tracks, his breath catching in his throat as his eyes widened in absolute disbelief.
Marcus: LUCIA?!
Victoria's head snapped toward him, her manicured fingers digging aggressively into Marcus's arm as she glared at the maid.
Victoria: WHO IS THIS WOMAN?! WHY ARE YOU LOOKING AT HER LIKE THAT?
Marcus stared at the pregnant woman in the faded uniform, his voice cracking with a sudden flood of overwhelming emotion.
Marcus: SHE IS MY EX-WIFE...
Lucia pulled her eyes away, tears streaming down her pale cheeks as she gripped her cart tight.
Lucia: EXCUSE ME, SIR...
She slowly turned her heavy cart around, her feet dragging against the marble floor as she rolled it away toward the dark service hallway, weeping softly into her apron.
Victoria watched her leave, her face twisting with pure fury as she turned and pointed an angry finger right in Marcus's face.
Victoria: HOW DARE YOU STILL CARE ABOUT HER! YOU ARE AN EMBARRASSMENT!
A dark rage flushed through Marcus's chest. He took a fast step forward, his eyes burning with fury.
Marcus: Shut your mouth right now.
Before Victoria could utter another word, Marcus raised his hand and delivered a powerful, sharp slap straight across her face.
Victoria gasped loudly, stumbling back against the wall as she clutched her red, swollen cheek in complete shock.
Marcus: DON'T YOU EVER RAISE YOUR VOICE AT ME! GET OUT OF MY LIFE!
Victoria stared at him in utter horror as Marcus turned his back on her, running down the hall after the woman he never should have let go.