To See With Her Own Eyes After a devastating tragedy in which she lost her husband and six-year-old daughter in a car accident, Katherine struggled for months to recover. She spent nearly half a year in a clinic, isolating herself from everyone but her patient and supportive mother. One day, her mother suggested: “Katie, your husband’s business is on the brink of collapse, barely afloat, and Greg is struggling to keep it running. He’s called me, asking if you could step in. Thank goodness Greg’s a decent man, but…” Those words finally roused Katherine. “Yes, Mum, I need to throw myself into something. I’m sure Dennis would be happy if I continued his work. Thankfully, I know a thing or two; he foresaw something and brought me into his office.” Katherine went back to work and managed to save the family business. Yet, despite her accomplishments, she deeply missed her late daughter. “My darling, I want to suggest you adopt a girl from the children’s home—one who’s even worse off than you are. You’ll help her, and in doing so, save yourself too.” Considering her mother’s advice, Katherine decided her mother was right. So, she went to the orphanage, even though she knew no one could ever replace her own lost child. Ariana had been born nearly blind. Her parents, both well-educated and from respected families, abandoned her as soon as they learned of her diagnosis—afraid of the responsibility that came with having a disabled child. So, baby Ariana was named by the nursery staff and brought up with very limited sight, able to see only shadows. She learned to read in the orphanage, adored fairy tales, and dreamed a kind fairy godmother might one day find her. On the verge of turning seven, Ariana’s fairy appeared: beautiful, vibrant, wealthy, and unspeakably sad. Ariana couldn’t properly see Katherine, but immediately sensed her kindness. The orphanage director was startled that Katherine would choose a child with disabilities, but Katherine brushed it off, simply saying she had the means and desire to help a child in need. Ariana was led in by the hand. At first sight, Katherine knew—this little girl was meant to be hers. Ariana was angelic, with golden curls and huge blue eyes—eyes deep and pure, but sightless. “Who’s this?” Katherine asked, unable to look away. “That’s our Ariana—sweet-tempered and gentle,” the caretaker replied. “Ariana is mine—no doubt about it,” Katherine decided. Katherine and Ariana quickly became each other’s everything. With Ariana in her life, Katherine’s world gained new meaning. Doctors were cautiously optimistic: with surgery, Ariana might someday regain her sight—she’d just have to wear glasses. Eager for any chance, Katherine arranged the operation before school started, though Ariana’s vision improved only slightly. There was still hope, but she’d have to wait until Ariana grew older. Katherine devoted herself entirely to her daughter. The business flourished—she was a successful, beautiful woman, but men held little interest for her; her entire life centered on Ariana. Ariana grew into a stunning young woman, completing her degree and working in her mother’s company. Katherine guarded her daughter’s heart—and fortune—fearful some opportunist might take advantage of her innocence. Anyone with motives quickly learned would not get rich at Ariana’s expense. Then Ariana fell in love. Katherine met Anthony, saw no red flags, and didn’t object when he proposed. Wedding plans were in full swing; the final surgery to restore Ariana’s vision was scheduled for six months after the wedding. Anthony was gentle and caring. Occasionally Katherine found him insincere, but always dismissed her doubts. The young couple visited the countryside restaurant where their wedding would be held, to discuss decorations. It was quiet that afternoon. They sat at a table. Anthony set his phone down, but his car alarm sounded outside, and he excused himself. Alone now, Ariana heard his phone ring. At first she ignored it, but it persisted. She finally answered—and heard Anthony’s mother, Mrs. Serena Ingram, speaking clearly: “Darling, I have a plan to get rid of that blind Ariana quickly. A friend at the travel agency has two tickets saved for you. After the wedding, take your little hen to the mountains—tell her you’re desperate to see the view. Go hiking together, and make sure your wife has an accident. Then report her missing—say you argued and she stormed off alone. Cry, look shattered—insist the police search. When they find her, they’ll just assume she slipped. Who’s going to investigate abroad? You can easily play the grieving husband. Otherwise, they’ll do her surgery and everything will change—it’ll be hard to get rid of her then. Don’t let that money slip through your fingers, son. Think about it. I’ll hang up now.” The call ended. Ariana set the phone down as if it burned. So his mother wants me dead. And Anthony probably as well. Shocked and horrified, Ariana realised that only moments before, she had been a blissfully happy bride-to-be, still making wedding arrangements. She tried to compose herself as Anthony returned from outside. “Odd, I don’t know what set off the car alarm. Maybe a cat, but there’s nothing wrong. Oh, and now my mate Roman is calling me urgently to the office,” he said after picking up another call. “I’ll have to go, but you wait here for your mum—sort the decorations with her.” “Alright,” Ariana said softly. Left alone, she called Katherine. “Mum, come to the restaurant right away.” She tried to sound calm, but her voice betrayed her. Seeing Ariana so upset when she arrived, her mother asked what had happened. Ariana broke down: “Mum, they want to kill me. Anthony and Mrs. Ingram. She phoned him, but he left his phone. I heard everything—she wants him to take me to the mountains and push me. She urged him to hurry, before we can do my surgery.” Katherine was in disbelief. Could they really have misjudged this charming man so badly? While they were quietly discussing what to do next, Anthony called. “So, Ariana, has your mum arrived? Have you sorted the reception decorations?” he asked. Katherine took Ariana’s mobile. “Hello, Anthony. Well, it’s good we learned of your little plan in time. So listen carefully—about those mountain tickets…” “What? What plan? What tickets?” Anthony stammered, confused, or faking it. “You know—the tickets for where Ariana was meant to have a fatal accident.” Anthony guessed his mum had blundered, realising Ariana must have taken the call. She’d even messaged him to hurry. “An accident? Why would I—why the mountains?” Anthony sounded scared. “So you could become a wealthy widower, of course. But you should know, if you or your mother try anything, this phone can go to the police. They know how to recover deleted records—everything. Are we clear?” After a long pause, Anthony said, “I get it. But it wasn’t me—it was Mum…” “Coward, hiding behind your mum. Goodbye, Anthony.” The next day, Anthony left town, blaming his mother for tipping off the wrong person, grabbing cash from her, and going on the run afraid Katherine and Ariana would go to the police. Mrs. Ingram also fled to a friend’s in another city. Shocked, Ariana Would Finally See Everything With Her Own Eyes Ariana’s eye operation was scheduled at a leading clinic. Katherine stayed by her side with the bandages still covering Ariana’s eyes. The young doctor, Dr. James Fitzroy, was attentive and kind—Ariana’s surgeon. Katherine observed him carefully, seeing how he blushed in Ariana’s presence, obviously smitten but utterly sincere. When the time finally came to remove the bandages, Dr. Fitzroy brought a huge bouquet of roses. Ariana was overwhelmed—weeping to see the glorious flowers and, for the first time, the handsome doctor’s face. “I’m so happy—I see everything!” Ariana cried, and Dr. Fitzroy comforted her gently. Ariana would need glasses for life now—but that was nothing compared to what she’d already endured. Time passed. Ariana and Dr. Fitzroy’s wedding was beautiful, and, a year later, they welcomed a lovely daughter with grey eyes like her father. Ariana was overjoyed—she finally had a caring, reliable husband who would always protect her. Thank you for reading, subscribing, and for your support. Wishing you happiness in life!

To See With My Own Eyes

After the terrible accident that took my husband and our six-year-old daughter, I felt lost, as though life had pressed pause on everything dear to me. I spent nearly half a year in a clinic outside London, refusing visitors. My mother was always there, patiently coaxing me out of my sorrow. One day, she quietly said:

Emily, your husbands business is teetering. Its barely keeping afloat. Michaels doing his best, but he called to say hes struggling. Thank goodness hes decent, but still…

Something about her words stirred me from my numbness.

Yes, Mum, I need something to focus on. Perhaps James would be happy if I kept his business going. He must have sensed this; thats probably why he brought me to his office so often.

I threw myself into work, managing to save the family company from collapse. The business was fine, but nothing could soothe the ache for my lost little Sophie.

One evening, as I sipped my tea, my mother gently gave me advice:

Darling, you might consider adopting a girl from the orphanageperhaps one whos had an even harder time. Youll make her life better, and maybe, in time, shell help you heal, too.

The thought lingered. Mum was right. So I visited a childrens home, fully aware that no child could ever truly replace Sophie, but I wanted to try and give that love to someone who desperately needed it.

Alice had lived her whole life in a world blurred by darkness. Her parentsa pair of educated people from Oxfordabandoned her as a baby the moment they learned she was nearly blind. Rather than rise to the challenge, they ran from responsibility. Cowardice, I suppose, has a way of finding people no matter their pedigree.

So, Alice spent her childhood in the care of strangers, given her name by the kindly nurses. She couldnt make out faces, only the vaguest shapes. But she learned Braille, adored fairy tales, and believed deep down that her own fairy godmother was just waiting to find her.

When Alice was almost seven, her wish was grantedthough she couldnt see the woman standing before her, she sensed something good. I must have seemed otherworldly to her: well-dressed, cheerful on the surface, but deeply broken. The headmistress was surprised by my request. Why adopt a girl with a disability? she pressed, but I avoided the topicI didnt want to be misunderstood. Instead, I simply said I had the means and the wish to help.

The carer led Alice in by the hand, her golden curls falling messily around her face, her eyes an oceanic blueso clear, yet sightless. In that moment, I knew she was meant to be mine.

Whos this? I whispered, unable to look away.

Thats our Alice, gentle and kind, replied the carer.

Shes my Alice, I agreed, instantly, in my heart.

Alice and I needed each other desperately. With her arrival, my life gained purpose once more. I sought out Londons finest eye specialists, who assured me that, with an operation, Alice might regain some sightperhaps, with glasses, she could even read large print.

That sliver of hope was enough. We proceeded with surgery before she started school, but Alices vision improved only a little. There was one final procedure leftsomething wed have to wait for until she was older. As years went by, I dedicated myself to raising Alice. Business thrived, and though I was a handsome prospect, I had little interest in men. My world centred on my daughter.

Alice blossomed into a beauty, enchanting everyone. She graduated from university and began working at my firm. Despite her success, Alice remained humble and grateful for all shed been given. I watched over her friendships with care, wary that a fortune-hunter might try his luck. I made it quite clear: no one would profit from my child.

Then, Alice met Henry. I met him myself and saw nothing to cause alarm; I gave my blessing to their outings. Soon after, Henry proposed, and preparations for the wedding filled our days. The last operation to restore Alices sight was scheduled for six months after the wedding.

Henry seemed a loving, attentive fiancéthough sometimes, I sensed something unnatural about his devotion. I brushed it off, wanting to believe in happiness.

One afternoon, Alice and Henry visited a country house in Hampshirethe venue for their weddinghoping to agree on the decorations. The place was quiet during the day. They sat together, Henry resting his phone on the table, when suddenly the car alarm blared outside. He left to check it.

Alone, Alice sat, when Henrys phone began to ring insistently. She hesitated, but it wouldnt stop. At last, she answered, only to hear the distinct, sharp voice of Henrys mother, Mrs. Judith Morrison:

Henry, Ive sorted it. There are two tickets for you at my friends travel agency. After the wedding, take the little blind Alice on a walking trip in the Lakes. Pretend youve always dreamed of climbing peaks together. Just make sure the dear girl, well, stumbles. You walk away, then claim you argued and she ran off alone. Cry a little, beg them to search. When they find her, itll look like an accident. That way, you can move onnone the wiser, especially abroad! Youre a good actor, son. Remember: if she regains her sight, it gets trickier. Dont let those riches slip away. Be smart. Thats allring me later.

In a moment, her voice was gone. Alice stared at the phone as though it might burn her hand.

They want me dead. Henry and his mother, ran the terrified thoughts through Alices mind.

Only moments ago, shed been a beaming bride-to-be, fussing over floral arrangements. Now, she sat frozen, realising that two people she and I had come to trust had plotted her demise. Henry hadnt heard his mothers sick plan. Shaking, Alice tried to calm herself as Henry returned.

Strange, not sure what set off the car alarm. Maybe a cat. No damage, anyway. His phone buzzed again. Sorry, works callingits urgent. I need to head to the office.

Go on, Ill wait here for Mum. Well discuss everything together, Alice whispered.

Henry hurried off, and Alice crumbled, silent tears wetting her cheeks. The restaurant managera friendly woman named Clairesaw her distress and hurried over.

Alice, are you all right? Wheres Henry? You two were supposed to

Ill wait for Mum. Just a misunderstanding. Henrys been called away. If you could, a cup of tea, please, Alice managed. Claire nodded sympathetically.

Meanwhile, I was getting into my car, fretting over Alices distressed call.

What could have happened? She sounded dreadful, I muttered, turning the key.

Twenty minutes later, I found Alice in tears at the table.

Alice, darling, whats the matter?

She burst into sobs. Mum, they want to kill me. Henry and Mrs. Morrison. I heard her on the phone, telling Henry to push me off a mountain in the Lake Districtbefore we can get my operation. She called when he left his phone. I heard every word. She didnt even realize I was listening. Henry was called away to work.

I sat, stunned. Had we misjudged Henry so badly? What were we to do?

As we conferred, Henry rang Alices phone.

So, Alice, has your mother arrived? Did you make the arrangements with the coordinator?

I took the phone.

Hello, Henry. Thank goodness we discovered your little mountain plan in time. Listen carefullyabout those tickets, and what your mother suggested…

II dont know what you mean, Henry stammered, sounding either genuinely lost or a brilliant actor.

Those tickets to the Lakes, and Alices tragic accident, I pressed.

He faltered, realising what must have happened. It wasnt me, it was Mum…

Coward. Hiding behind your mother. Goodbye, Henry.

The next day Henry fled London, blaming Judith for everything. He grabbed what money she had and ran. Both feared wed go to the police, and Mrs. Morrison herself disappeared to a friends in Birmingham.

The shock of seeing peoples true nature

After this ordeal, we moved on with our lives. Alices final eye operation took place soon after, with me anxiously by her side as the bandages stayed on. Wed sit on a bench outside Moorfields Eye Hospital, feeling the London air on our faces. The young consultant, Dr. Matthew Palmerhandsome, gentle, utterly captivated by Alicemonitored her progress closely.

When at last the dressings came off, Dr. Palmer offered Alice a massive bouquet of pink English roses. For the first time in her life, she saw the world clearlya carpet of green, the swaying trees, the handsome blond doctor with the soft grey eyes.

I can see! I can finally see! Alice wept, and Dr. Palmer knelt at her side, comforting her.

She would have to wear glasses, but who cared for such a minor nuisance after all shed been through?

Time passed, and Alice and Matthew were married in a glorious, laughter-filled ceremony beneath a midsummer sky. A year later, they welcomed a daughterher fathers grey eyes and all. Alices happiness was complete: shed found love in truth and in vision, and a man who would never let harm visit her doorstep.

Thank you for reading my story, for subscribing, and for your wonderful support. I wish you luck and love in your own life.