Orchids

Amanda Johnson's heart ached for her daughter, her pain a tangible weight in the room. Her love for Nora was immense, and seeing her suffer brought tears to her eyes. The memories of Nora's marriage to Alexander were etched with turmoil, and Amanda knew it was time to reveal a hidden truth.

"Nora, sweetheart," Amanda began, her voice tremulous but determined. "Your father and I made a difficult decision years ago, one we felt was best for you in the midst of your pain." As she spoke, tears welled up in her eyes. She recounted the events they had concealed from Nora – the harrowing time when Nora was in the hospital, broken and struggling.

Amanda recalled the moment they had gone to face Alexander's parents, a memory that played out vividly in her mind's eye. It was as if time had not dimmed its intensity.

The ambience of Alexander's parent's house was a display of opulence – a sprawling estate complete with a grand pool, a jacuzzi, and even a tennis court. Security personnel guarded th