*Tom*
"It's just money Ben". I say with a sigh. I really hope he can handle knowing this. Back in London, some of my friends found out and well after that they never Saw me the same way. Actually they seemed to see me as a giant cash maschine and in the end I moved here, starting over, it was about ten years ago and I had managed to keep the truth of my fortune a secret until now.

He shakes his head. "A shitload of money Tom.. how did you.. Can I ask where you got them from ?"

"My father.. or well most of them". I shrug. "I inherited some money and a company I didn't want, so I sold it for about half a billion. But I don't really spend much and I have invested well I guess, so the money kind of keep.. growing".

"You can say that.. growing.. what about doubled". He shakes his head again. "Here I thought you were a poor teacher like the rest of us and you are a freaking billionaire".

I chuckle. "Well not completely, I am about five millions shy of the billion".

"You know what Tom ? I find it admirable that it hasn't changed you.. I mean most people would lose their head getting into that kind of money.. shows you are truly a great man". He say with a warm smile.

I bite my lip. "Actually it did change me Ben. You did not know me back then, before. I was going to follow in my father's footsteps, I had lost all contact with myself and what I wanted. Money was all that counted, having them, making them".

"I have a hard time imagine that.. but what happened then ?" He looks curious now.

"As I said, me inheriting the money and the company made my so called friends show their true colours. Suddenly the women around us were all begging for my attention, everyone wanted to be my best friend or to date me. I had a rough awakening, seeing what money did to people and I decided there and then to follow my true dream and never let money own me again". And I have never regretted.

Ben's eyes are blown wide. "Oh wow.. I don't even know what to say Tom. But I am sorry Your friends turned out to be such..".

"Jerks ? Wannabe's ? Golddigger ? Yeah me too". I let out a small sigh. "At least I have good friends now".

"Well I kind of have to argue that you are the good friend Tom.. Seriously you.. Thank you Tom for what you did today.. I can never thank you enough". Ben say softly. "And for getting Mera to leave back then, I know now that you did the right thing".

I shake my head slightly. "It was my pleasure Ben.. just.. you know. Don't make a fuss about it".

"Okay Tom, whatever you want". He reaches out to give my hand a small squeeze and that is more than enough thanks for me.

*Amelie*
I am awakened by Ben's soft voice calling my name. "Wake up baby, I have something to tell you".

"What is it cherié ?" I look up at him. He seems happy and I wonder what has happened while I slept.

"This". He holds out a piece of paper and I grab it, what on earth could it be ?

As I start reading it I gasp and clasp a hand over my mouth. "Is this.. Is this for real Ben ?" He nods, beaming at me. "But how ? Why ?"

"It's very real baby, he won't bother us again or René". He takes my hand in his. "Me and Tom went to talk to him and.. Well this is all Tom, I wish I could take credit but.. Tom is the one you should thank".

I can't believe it, my head simply can't work fast enough and I pull Ben into a hug, holding onto him like I am scared it's a dream and he could disappear. "Oh God Ben it's over.. it's really over".

"It is baby.. We can be a real family now". He say softly, before kissing me.

When we break the kiss I look at him. "Is Tom still here ? So I can thank him".

"Yeah he is in the livingroom with René". He say, taking my hand and leading me downstairs.

As we walk in, René comes sprinting over. "Mommy, mommy". And I squat down, hugging him tightly. Unable to stop a couple of tears. Finally I don't have to fear losing him.

Ben lifts him up on his arm and I stand up, looking at Tom, who sends me a kind of shy smile. "I hope it was okay for me to get involved".

I don't say anything, I just walk over to him swiftly and pull him into my arms, hugging him as tight as I can. I have no idea how he made Pierre give up on his claim, but if Ben say I have Tom to thank, I know that is the truth.

"I'll guess you are okay with it". Tom say kind of muffled, as I am squeezing him so hard.

"Thank you Tom, thank you so much". I kiss both his cheeks, making him chuckle softly.

He holds me out at an arm's length. "You are welcome darling, it really was nothing special. And seeing the three of you happy is all the thanks I ever need".