His Secret [Completed]

Original: Chapter 35 - How much!

I sit there perched on the end of my bed taking in the words I have just read, tears streaming down my cheeks. 

Nana..

It's been a long time since she passed away, her life savings and everything she had ever collected throughout her life had always been a mystery to us. After Nana died my mother didn't find a will or anything and it was a mystery as to where her money went. 

We couldn't find any traces of bank statements or anything- only a small amount of money kept in various tins around her house. Maybe that is what she lived off of for her remaining days. 

I stand from the bed letter in hand and make my way to the main house after all Alan has been keeping this letter for however many years I guarantee he has become curious as to what is in it. 

I pass Sherry who is standing in the kitchen sipping from her mug and talking to her son, she gives me a small smile, "Is Alan in his study?" I ask

She nods and then focuses her attention back on her conversation with Jackson.

I knock gently on the door and hear a faint 'come in'. 

"Did you read it?" He speaks up as I enter the room 

"I did" I mumble not know what to say, who knew this could be so awkward. 

"Please forgive me if I am intruding but...I've had that letter and so many times I wished to open it just to know what was inside" 

Instead of explaining it and becoming emotional again I handed him the letter which he studied with great focus. 

"Oh wow," was all he said "that is a lot to take in" 

I then took the key that I was holding tightly in my hand a opened my closed fist showing Alan the key. 

"May I?" He asks gesturing to taking a closer look at the key, I nod in response. 

"I'm not sure where the safety deposit box is though, " I explain 

"It's for a safety deposit box at the bank," 

"Really? How do you know?" 

"Well, it has a small imprint of a number on the side you see.." He shows me the imprint on the key that has the number 160 written on it. "and there is the name of the bank here" 

He places the key onto his desk in front of me and then leans back in his chair looking at me as if he was trying to work out what I was thinking. 

"Sophia..." Alan encourages me to speak

Moments pass and I don't say anything, "the thing is I've lasted so long on such little money now having access to however much is in that safety deposit box seems too good to be true. I worked for Noah and he has paid me way more than was necessary, I don't think I can accept this."

 I told him, "as much as that money would help me greatly, it just doesn't seem right to take it. The money was your mothers and it should go to you and your family not me."

"Darling, you are part of our family. From the moment Sherry and I met you and you managed to turn Noah's life upside down- for the better I might add- we have accepted you as our own. You have had a good impression on the twins even if last night wasn't an example of that. I don't care that you and Noah didn't work out but as far as I am concerned that money is yours and not ours, so please take it even if you have to accept it as a gift from us." The only thing I managed to take from that speech was the fact that Alan had described me as part of the family, it's something I have always wanted since my parents and brother died.