Back to the present.
Braelyn stared at Genny in stunned silence. Her lips parted then closed. She was lost for words. Genny couldn't meet Braelyn's eyes. She felt embarrassed, but coming out with the truth removed a weight from her shoulders.
"I found out weeks later that I was pregnant," Genny said softly. "And you know the rest. My family… they made it clear Alora had to stay hidden. They even considered putting Alora up for adoption, but luckily they changed their mind."
"Mum was beyond upset, saying how much of a disappointment I was. They couldn't afford the scandal. I was forbidden from letting anyone know." Her mind drifted. Those were her darkest times and she couldn't even tell Braelyn.
"Luckily when Alora was born, Mum grew to adore her even more than me." Genny sighed and Braelyn just quietly listened. "A few months after Alora was born, I returned for your wedding."
