Sarah tucked the photograph safely into her small wooden jewelry box.
She walked down the hallway to Arthur's brightly lit home office.
The door was slightly standing open and she peeked carefully inside.
Arthur was sitting at his large mahogany desk reading an old document.
He looked tired and rubbed his eyes with his right hand.
Sarah knocked gently on the door frame to catch his attention.
Sarah: Dad, do you have a minute to talk with me?
Arthur quickly folded the document and slid it inside a drawer.
Arthur: Of course, sweetheart, come in and sit down.
Sarah sat on the soft leather chair across from his wide desk.
Sarah: Where did I get this gold bird necklace I always wear?
Arthur froze for a second before giving a small tight smile.
Arthur: I bought that for your seventh birthday at the town market.
Sarah: Are you completely sure you bought it at a local store?
Arthur: Why are you asking such strange questions about your jewelry today?
Sarah pulled the faded photograph out from her sweater sleeve.
She placed it gently on the wooden desk right before his eyes.
Arthur looked down at the photograph and his face turned very pale.
Arthur: Where on earth did you manage to find this picture?
Sarah: It fell out from behind the basement safe today.
Arthur: You were snooping around places you do not belong again.
Sarah: That woman in the picture is wearing my exact gold necklace!
Arthur stood up quickly from his chair and walked toward the window.
Arthur: You do not understand how complicated the past really was.
Sarah: Then explain it to me right now because I deserve answers!
Arthur sighed deeply as he looked out at the dark backyard.
Arthur: Your biological mother was a very wealthy woman named Eleanor.
Sarah: Why did she leave me with you so many years ago?
Arthur: She did not leave you willingly or without a massive struggle.
Sarah felt a sudden chill run down her entire spine.
Sarah: What happened to her after I was born in Boston?
Arthur: Her powerful family kept her away from you for your protection.
Sarah shook her head because the story felt so strange and large.
She wanted to know if her mother was still alive somewhere out there.
Arthur walked back over and rested his hand on her shoulder gently.
Arthur: I raised you as my own daughter because I promised her I would.
Sarah: Is there an inheritance or estate tied to my real family?
Arthur: There is a large trust fund waiting for you in the city.
Sarah realized her life was far more complicated than she ever imagined.