To See With Her Own Eyes: After Losing Her Husband and Daughter in a Tragic Accident, Catherine Rebuilds Her Life by Saving Her Husband’s Business and Adopting Orla, a Nearly Blind Girl, Only to Face Betrayal and Danger on the Eve of Orla’s Wedding—But a Life-Changing Operation and Unexpected Love Give Them Both a Second Chance at Happiness

Author Emily TaylorReading 11 minViews 4

Seeing With Her Own Eyes

After the devastating loss of her husband and six-year-old daughter in a car accident, Olivia was in pieces for a long time. She spent almost half a year in a clinic, refusing to see anyone, with only her mother by her side, patiently talking to her. One day, her mum finally said,

Liv, your husbands business is barely holding on. Edwards doing his best but its a struggle. He rang me asking if Id let you know. Thank goodness hes a decent man, but

Somehow, Olivia felt a slight spark after hearing this.

Youre right, Mum. I should keep myself busymy Daniel wouldve wanted me to carry on for him. I do know a thing or two about the business, and its good he had the foresight to get me involved at the office.

Olivia went back to work and managed to steady the struggling family business. She did an incredible job rebuilding what was nearly lost. Yet, even as business picked up, Olivia felt an aching void without her little girl.

One day, her mother said gently, Darling, have you ever thought about adopting a girl from the childrens home? Maybe someone whos having an even harder time than you are. You could really help her, and, in a way, it will help you, tooyoull see.

Olivia took her words to heart and eventually decided her mum was right. Not long after, she found herself visiting a local childrens home, even though, deep down, she knew no one could ever replace her own daughter.

There, she met Alice. Little Alice had been born nearly blind. Her parentsboth well-educated, from respectable backgroundshad been absolutely terrified at the thought of raising a child with a disability and left her behind as soon as they saw the diagnosis. Some peoples cowardice and cruelty know no bounds.

Alice grew up at the childrens home, hardly seeing more than faint shadows. She learned to read and absolutely adored fairy tales, always believing a kind-hearted fairy godmother would one day come for her.

Just before Alices seventh birthday, her fairy godmother arrivedOlivia herself. Olivia was beautiful, lively, wealthy, but deeply unhappy; yet, immediately, Alice sensed her kindness. The head of the home couldnt quite understand why Olivia wanted a child with medical needs, but Olivia didnt get into details, just saying she had the means and the desire to help.

A carer led Alice over by the hand, and the moment Olivia saw her, she just knew. This girl felt like her own flesh and blood. With her golden curls and huge blue eyesthough sightlessshe looked like an angel.

Whos this? Olivia asked softly, unable to take her eyes off the child.

Thats our Alice. Shes a lovely, gentle soul, replied the carer.

Alice is mineall mine, Olivia decided in that instant.

The pair bonded instantly and needed each other in ways no one else could understand. With Alices arrival, Olivias life regained its meaning. She took Alice to see specialists, and, to her relief, they said surgery might restore some sight, though Alice would always need glasses.

Olivia threw herself into this hope. Alice had her operation just before starting school, but her vision was still poor. There was another chancewhen she was older they could try again. Time passed. Olivia poured her love into Alice, focusing on her daughter and her thriving business, paying little attention to other men.

Alice grew into a young woman of breathtaking beauty, with a rare inner grace. She finished university, never spoiled and always grateful, and worked alongside Olivia in the company. Olivia was fiercely protective, worried that some chancer might latch onto her daughter just for her inheritancewhich was significant, to say the least. If she even sniffed anything suspicious, Olivia made it crystal clear she wouldnt have anyone exploiting Alice.

Then, Alice fell in love. Olivia met Tom and, not spotting anything off about him, didnt object to their relationship. Before long, Tom proposed and the wedding plans got underway. Six months after the wedding, Alice was due for her final eye operation.

Tom was always attentive and sweet, though sometimes Olivia felt there was something just a tad performative about him. Still, she brushed it aside. One daylight afternoon, Tom and Alice went to a countryside restauranttheir wedding venue to finalise decorations. The place was quiet at that hour.

Once inside, Tom set his phone on the table. At that moment, his car alarm went off outside, so he ran out to check, leaving his phone behind. Alice sat alone, when suddenly Toms mobile rang persistently. At first, she ignored it, but it wouldnt stop. When she finally answered, she heard Toms mother, Judith, on the other end, speaking loudly before Alice could say a word.

Tom, Ive figured out how to sort out that blind Alice issue. My friend at the travel agency has two tickets to Switzerland. After the wedding, you two go hike the Alpstell her you want to see the views. Go somewhere remote, and make sure your dear wife has a little accident. Come back alone and go to the policesay you had a row and she stormed off. Be upset, insist on a search, and when they find her, theyll assume she slipped. No one over there will bother looking into itjust act the grieving husband, youre good at that. If she has the operation and sees again, getting rid of her will be far trickier and you know that kind of money doesnt come round twice, Tom. So think about it, darling, Ill let you get on.

Alice dropped the phone onto the table, horrified.

So they want to kill methe both of them her mind raced in shock.

Just moments ago, she was a radiant bride-to-be, with just the last bits of wedding planning left. How could two people she and her mum had grown to trust and love even dream up such a thing? Alice could feel herself shaking all over, trying to keep calm. Just then, Tom came back into the room.

Weird my car alarm went off, probably a catbut no sign of anything by the car, Tom said, picking up his phone as it buzzed again.

Yeah, Ill be right there, mate, he replied, hanging up, then turned to Alice, Sorry, got to dashwork emergency. Do you mind waiting for your mum? You two can handle the final details.

Sure, go ahead, Alice replied quietly, Ill wait for Mumwell sort everything out together.

Alright, Ill be back as soon as I can, Tom said as he left.

Alice watched him go, then rang her mum.

Mum, you need to come to the restaurant straight away. She tried to keep her voice steady, but her mum could hear the distress.

Whats wrong, love? You sound awful Ill be there as soon as I can, I promise.

Alice sat trembling and weeping at the table, so much so that the managera friendly woman named Rebeccacame over.

Alice, love, are you alright? Wheres Tom gone? Wasnt this meant to be

Its okay, Becky. Mums on her way. Just a mix-up, Toms had to run back to the office, Alice said, wiping her tears.

Ill bring you a cuppa. Youre not yourself, Rebecca offered. Alice nodded, grateful.

By the time Olivia pulled up twenty minutes later, she was worried sick, having known Alice and Tom were only supposed to be finalising wedding plans.

She sat down beside her daughter. Alice, I was so worried on the way here.

Mummum, they want to kill me, Alice sobbed.

Who does? Olivia asked, stunned.

Tomand Judith. I heard them. She rang his phone, hed left it on the table for me to answer, while he was outside with the car alarm. She said he was to take me to the mountainsmake it look like an accident before I had my operation. Said no one would investigate and that hed walk away with my inheritance.

Are you sure, darling? Are you feeling alright? That cant be true

Mum, I swear, I heard every word. Judith was in such a hurry she didnt even realise she was talking to me, not Tom. I hung up so she wouldnt catch on. Tom got called away just after. Im certain.

Olivia was in disbelief, gutted to realise how wrong theyd been about Tom. For a while the two of them just sat there, working out what to do. Then, Tom called Alice back.

So, Alice, did your mum arrive? Are we all sorted for the decorations?

Olivia grabbed the phone from her daughter.

Hello, Tom darling. Listen very carefullyIm glad we found out about your little scheme with your mother in time. Your plan, and those tickets to Switzerland

What plan? What tickets? Tom either genuinely didnt get it, or was putting on a good show.

The trip to the Alpswhere my daughter was to have her accident. So you could be left a wealthy widower, hmm? Newsflash: none of your plans will ever work, Tom. And if your phone ends up with the police, theyll be able to recover everythingmessages, deleted or not. Think about that.

Tom took a moment before answering.

I get it, but it was all my mumshe pressured me

How patheticyoure as vile as she is, hiding behind your mother. Goodbye, Tom.

The very next day, Tom fled London, blaming his mother for setting him up, took what money he could, and vanished. Judith herself scarpered, heading up north to stay with friends, terrified that Olivia and Alice would hand everything over to the police.

Seeing the World, Finally

Eventually, Alice had her eye operation at a private London clinic. Olivia stayed with her, and they would sit outside on a bench while Alice waited for her bandages to come off. Dr. James, the young doctor who handled her case, was especially gentle and clearly smitten with Alice. Olivia watched him like a hawk, but couldnt help but notice how sweet and bashful he was with her daughter.

Finally, the day arrived to remove Alices bandages. Dr. James presented her with a huge bouquet of roses. The look on Alices face when she saw the worldtruly saw it, for the first timenearly broke Olivias heart. She burst into tears, awestruck at the beauty of the roses and of the handsome, tall blond man with kind, grey eyes.

I can see! Oh, I can really see! she wept, and Dr. James rushed to comfort her.

Alice would always need glasses, but that was a tiny price to pay after years of darkness.

Time passed. Alice and Dr. James had a beautiful wedding, and a year later, they welcomed a baby girl with her daddys grey eyes. Alice is truly happy nowshe has a loving, loyal husband, and nothing will ever harm her on his watch.

Thanks for listening, love. Wishing you all the luck in the world.

When He Got Home from Work, the Cat Was Gone Patrick was a modest young man with no bad habits. On his 25th birthday, his parents gave him a flat in London—not directly, but by helping him with the deposit for his mortgage. And so, Patrick began to live on his own. He worked as a software developer, preferred a quiet life, and had little contact with others. To escape the loneliness, he adopted a kitten. The kitten had a defect with its front paws. The people who owned the kitten’s mother planned to put it down, but Patrick felt sorry for the little one and brought him home. He called him Handsome. They settled into a happy routine—Patrick hurrying home from work to Handsome, who would wait on the doormat in the hallway. After some time, Patrick started dating a smart, lively colleague named Mary, who quickly charmed him and moved in less than a month later. Mary instantly disliked Handsome and asked Patrick to get rid of the cat, but he refused, explaining that Handsome meant a lot to him. Mary didn’t give up, repeatedly urging Patrick to send the cat away. Eventually, he told her Handsome was staying. Mary argued the cat ruined their image, complaining that guests were disgusted by his paws. Patrick felt torn between Mary and Handsome, loving both of them. Incidentally, Patrick’s parents didn’t approve of his choice. They found Mary rude and bossy, and advised their son not to rush into anything official, suggesting he take his time. When Mary’s parents visited, Patrick realised he didn’t want to spend his life with her. Her father laughed at Handsome as soon as he saw him, calling him a freak. Patrick defended his cat, but Mary and her father spent the evening mocking Handsome’s appearance and suggesting places to “get rid” of him. Mary’s mother joined in the laughter. The next day, when Patrick returned from work, Handsome was gone. When he asked Mary where the cat was, she calmly said she’d taken him to the vet’s and left him there. Patrick frantically searched for Handsome for five hours… and found him. The little cat purred softly in Patrick’s arms, happy his owner had come for him. Upon returning home, Patrick told Mary to pack her things and move out. He never wanted to see her again. She had become utterly repulsive to him. The next morning, Mary quietly packed up and left, offended—never expecting that a cat would be more important than her. Now Handsome and Patrick live together, and the cat still greets his owner happily after work.

Stole My Father – Mum, I’ve moved in! Can you believe it, finally! Oksana balanced her phone against her shoulder, fiddling with the stubborn lock. The key turned with effort, as if testing its new owner’s mettle. – Darling, thank goodness! How’s the flat? Everything okay? – her mother’s voice buzzed with excitement and nerves. – Perfect! Bright, airy. East-facing balcony, just like I wanted. Is Dad there? – Right here! – Viktor’s deep voice chimed in on speaker. – So, the chick has flown the nest? – Dad, I’m twenty-five! Not such a chick anymore. – You’ll always be my chick. Checked the locks? Windows sealed? Radiators… – Viktor, let her settle in! – interrupted Mum. – Oksana, be careful, love. It’s a new building, you never know your neighbours. Oksana laughed, finally conquering the lock and pushing the door open. – Mum, this place isn’t some dodgy 70s flat. It’s a nice building with decent people. I’ll be fine. The next few weeks blurred into a marathon between DIY shops, furniture outlets, and her new flat. Oksana fell asleep with wallpaper catalogues on her pillow and woke up pondering grout colours for the bathroom tiles. On Saturday, she stood in the middle of the living room, eyeing curtain swatches, when her phone buzzed again. – How’s it all coming along? – Dad wanted to know. – Slow but sure. Today it’s curtains. Torn between ‘ivory’ and ‘baked milk’. Opinions? – I reckon they’re the same colour with different salesmen. – Dad, you just don’t get shades! – But I do get electrics. Sockets all sorted? Renovation devoured her time, money and nerves; but each detail transformed the bare walls into a real home. Oksana chose the cream-beige wallpaper for her bedroom, found her own laminate floor layer, and figured out how to arrange furniture so her tiny kitchen felt roomy. When the last worker cleared away the builder’s rubbish, Oksana sat on the gleaming living room floor. Warm light filtered through the new curtains, mingling with the scent of paint and fresh air. Her very first real home. She met her neighbour three days after moving in. Oksana was fiddling with the door when a lock clicked across the hall. – Oh, you’re the new girl! – A woman in her early thirties popped out, sporting a pixie cut, bright lipstick and curious eyes. – I’m Alice. Live right opposite, so we’re neighbours now. – Oksana. Nice to meet you! – Pop round for sugar, salt, or a chat anytime. It’s weird at first in a new build—I remember! Alice turned out to be great company. They had tea in Oksana’s kitchen, swapping stories about their management company and the quirks of the building’s layout. Alice had all the tips: the best broadband, the go-to handyman, the shop with the freshest groceries. – I’ve got a recipe for apple crumble—honestly, it’s out of this world! – Alice scrolled through her phone. – I’ll send it over now. Only half an hour and tastes like you’ve been baking all day. – Oh, yes please! I haven’t even tested the oven yet. Days melted into weeks, and Oksana was glad Alice lived nearby. They chatted on the landing, sometimes shared coffee, swapped books. On Saturday, Viktor dropped by to help with a shelf that refused to stay up. – Wrong wall plugs, – Dad diagnosed, inspecting the fittings. – These are for drywall; this is concrete. Never mind, I’ve got the right ones in the car. An hour later, the shelf was secure. Viktor packed his tools, surveyed his handiwork, and nodded in approval. – That’ll hold for twenty years! – You’re the best! – Oksana hugged him. They headed down the stairs, chatting about her job and her scatter-brained new manager. Outside, Alice appeared with supermarket bags. – Hi there! – Oksana waved. – Meet my dad, Viktor. Dad, this is Alice, the neighbour I mentioned. – Pleasure, – Viktor greeted her with his trademark warm grin. Alice froze briefly, scanning Viktor’s face and then Oksana’s. Her smile turned strange, as if pasted on. – Likewise, – she said curtly and hurried into the block. Everything changed after that meeting. The next morning, Oksana bumped into Alice and cheerfully greeted her, but got only a frosty nod. Two days later, she invited Alice over for tea—Alice mumbled about being busy and dashed off. Then the complaints started… The local bobby knocked at her door at nine one night. – We’ve had reports of noise nuisance – loud music, banging about. – Music? – Oksana blinked. – I was reading! – Well, the neighbours are complaining… Complaints poured in: the management company received letters about ‘unbearable stomping’, ‘constant racket’, ‘blaring music at night’. The police visited regularly, always apologising. Oksana knew the source, but not the reason. Mornings became a lottery—what now? Eggshells smeared on her door? Coffee grounds packed between the frame and panel? A bag of potato peelings tucked under the mat? Oksana started rising thirty minutes early to clean up before work. Her hands stung from cleaning, a lump in her throat stuck fast. – This can’t go on, – she muttered one evening, researching video peepholes. It took twenty minutes to fit. A tiny camera, hidden in a normal-looking peephole, streamed everything to her mobile. Oksana waited. She didn’t wait long. At three in the morning, her phone lit up—motion detected. Oksana stared as Alice, in dressing gown and slippers, meticulously smeared some dark substance over her door, as if performing a well-practised chore. The next night, Oksana sat up in her hallway, alert to every sound. Just after half-past two, something rustled outside. She yanked the door open. Alice froze, clutching a bag; inside, something squelched unpleasantly. – What did I ever do to you? – Oksana was startled by how sad her own voice sounded. – Why are you treating me this way? Alice slowly lowered her bag. Her face twisted, handsome features blurring with old anger. – You? You did nothing. But your dear dad… – What’s my dad got to do with it? – Because he’s my dad too! – Alice actually shouted, forgetting the neighbours. – Only he raised you, pampered you, but abandoned me at three! Not a penny in child support, never a call! Mum and I barely got by while he built a happy family with your mum! So you, really, you stole my father! Oksana retreated, bumping into the doorframe. – You’re lying… – Am I? Ask him yourself! Ask if he remembers Marina Solovyova and the daughter Alice he dumped like rubbish! Oksana slammed the door and slid down to the floor in shock. One thought hammering: it can’t be true. Dad would never. Never. In the morning, she went to her parents. All the way, she rehearsed the question, but when she saw her father—calm, reading his newspaper—the words caught in her throat. – Oksana! What a surprise! – Viktor looked up. – Mum’s just nipped out, back soon. – Dad, I need to ask you something… – Oksana sat on the sofa, twisting her bag strap. – Do you know a woman named Marina Solovyova? Viktor froze. The newspaper slipped from his hand and landed on the floor. – How do you… – Her daughter is my neighbour—the Alice I introduced you to. She says you’re her father. Silence dragged. – We need to go see her, – said Viktor, suddenly resolute. – Right now. I have to put this right. The drive to the flats took forty minutes. They didn’t speak. Oksana watched the buildings blur past, trying to piece her shattered world together. Alice opened the door straight away, as if she’d been waiting. She gave them both a heavy look, but stepped aside. – Come to confess? – she sneered at Viktor. – After thirty years? – Come to explain. – Viktor pulled out a folded paper from his jacket. – Read this. Alice took it warily. As she read, her face changed—from fury to confusion, confusion to uncertainty. – This… what? – DNA test result, – Viktor replied calmly. – I did it when your mum went to court for maintenance. It showed I’m not your father. Marina cheated. You’re not my daughter. The paper slipped from Alice’s hand… Oksana and her father left the neighbour’s flat. Back home, Oksana moved to her dad, hugging him tightly. – I’m sorry, Dad. Sorry I believed her. Viktor stroked her hair, just like he used to when she fell out with friends as a child. – You’ve got nothing to be sorry for, love. Some things are never really our fault. After that, things weren’t the same with Alice. But Oksana didn’t want them to be. After those cruel tricks, any respect for her neighbour was gone forever.

Do I Remember? Impossible to Forget! “Polly, we need to talk… So, do you remember my illegitimate daughter, Annie?” My husband spoke in riddles—always a bad sign. “Hmm… Do I remember? I could never forget! Why?” I sat down, bracing myself for trouble. “I hardly know how to tell you… Annie is begging us to take in her daughter—my granddaughter,” he mumbled, not meeting my eyes. “Oh, and why exactly, Alex? Where’s Annie’s husband? Run off, has he?” I was intrigued in spite of myself. “You see, Annie doesn’t have long to live. There’s never been a husband. Her mother moved abroad ages ago—remarried to an American. They haven’t spoken in years. Annie’s alone. That’s why she’s turning to us,” Alex shuffled his feet, looking embarrassed. “So? What do you plan to do?” I’d already made up my own mind. “I’m asking you, Polly. Whatever you say, that’s what I’ll do,” Alex finally looked at me. “How convenient. You made your mistakes, Alex, and now you want me to take responsibility for someone else’s child?” My husband’s helplessness infuriated me. “Polly, we’re a family. We have to decide together,” Alex tried to plead his case. “Oh, now you remember I’m your wife! Where was this ‘togetherness’ when you were sleeping with that girl?” Tears welled up and I fled the room. …Back at school, I was seeing my classmate Victor when Alex transferred in. I was smitten from the start. I quickly broke it off with Victor. When Alex noticed me, he started walking me home, giving me stolen flowers, and soon enough—we ended up in bed. I was completely in love. We finished school, and Alex was called up for military service in another city. We exchanged letters for a year before he came home on leave. I was so excited I could hardly contain myself. Alex swore up and down that he’d marry me as soon as he returned for good. After those words, I melted every time he looked at me—it was true love. But six months later, a letter arrived: Alex had met “his true love” at the army base and wouldn’t be coming back. And there I was—pregnant, alone, abandoned at the altar. As my grandmother used to say: “Don’t count your chickens before they hatch.” …When my son, John, was born, Victor, my old classmate, came back into my life and offered to help. Out of desperation, I accepted. Our relationship turned romantic, but I never forgot Alex. Then, suddenly, he reappeared. Victor answered the door. Alex looked surprised to see him but wanted to come in. Victor reluctantly agreed. John, sensing something was up, clung to Victor for dear life, but I sent them out for a walk. “Were you married to him?” Alex asked jealously. “Why do you care? What do you want?” I snapped. “I missed you. But I see you have a family now. I’ll go,” Alex started to leave. “Wait, Alex. Tell me honestly—why are you here?” I tried to hold him back. My feelings were still there. “I came back for you, Polly. Will you take me back?” Alex looked hopeful. “Come on in—we’re about to eat,” I replied, my heart pounding. He was back. And that was all that mattered. Victor was sent packing once and for all. My John would have his real father, not a stepdad. Later, Victor married a lovely woman with two children of her own. …Over the years, Alex never really took to John—he assumed he wasn’t his own. Alex’s heart never warmed to him. To tell the truth, Alex was a hopeless philanderer, always swept up in new affairs. He cheated on me left and right—with friends, acquaintances, anyone. I wept, but I never stopped loving him. Oddly, loving him made life easier for me. The one who loves is always the happiest. I never had to lie or pretend, I just loved. He was my sun. Sometimes I wanted to leave, but each night I told myself: Where would I go? No one would ever replace him, and Alex would be lost without me. I was his lover, wife, and mother rolled into one. …Alex lost his own mother at fourteen—she died in her sleep. Maybe that’s why he searched for affection elsewhere. I forgave everything, always. Once, our rows were so fierce that I kicked him out. He left to stay with family. A month later, long after I’d forgotten the argument, Alex still hadn’t returned. I had no choice but to visit his aunt. “Polly, why do you want him back? He said you’d divorced, he’s got a new girlfriend now,” she told me. From Alex’s aunt, I got the address, and went to see the new woman. “Good afternoon! Is Alex in?” I smiled as politely as I could. She gave me a smug look and slammed the door in my face. I walked away in silence. …A year later, Alex came back. The “new woman” had had a daughter, Annie. I’ve always blamed myself for kicking him out—all that followed would never have happened otherwise. From that moment on, I loved Alex even more fiercely, hoping to keep our family together. Alex and I never spoke of his illegitimate daughter, Annie. The very thought threatened to topple our fragile peace. Safer to keep the lid on. A child with some other woman? Stranger things have happened. But why do women always prey on other people’s husbands? That’s how life went on. Over the years, Alex settled down. The flings stopped. He spent his evenings at home, watching TV. Our son John married young and gave us three beautiful grandchildren. And now? All these years later, Annie has reappeared, asking us to take in her little girl. You have to wonder—how do you explain to John the arrival of a half-sister’s daughter? He knows nothing of his father’s wild youth. …Of course, we became legal guardians to five-year-old Alice. Annie died at thirty, her time cut short. Life goes on anyway. Alex sat John down “man to man” and confessed. Our son listened and concluded: “Whatever happened is in the past. I’m not here to judge. We have to take in the girl. She’s family.” Alex and I breathed easier. We raised a good boy, one with a heart. …Now Alice is sixteen. She adores Grandpa Alex, shares all her secrets with him, calls me “Nan” and swears she looks just like I did at her age. I agree wholeheartedly…