To See with Her Own Eyes
After the dreadful accident that claimed the lives of her husband and their six-year-old daughter, Emily Stevens could not recover. For nearly half a year, she stayed in a clinic, shunning visitors and wallowing in grief. Her mother, Margaret, was a constant quiet presence, coaxing her gently out of the darkness. One day, Margaret spoke with a steadiness that made Emily stir:
Em, love, Michaels businessthe one he left youmight not last much longer. Toms barely holding it together, and hes rung me a few times about it. He said you should know. Thank goodness Toms an honest chap, but
Those words sparked the first flicker of life in Emily in months.
Youre right, Mum. I suppose Michael wouldve wanted me to keep his work going. He always said I was sharper than I gave myself credit for when he brought me into the office.
Returning to the business, Emily managed to steady the wobbling company. Still, for all the daily tasks and endless meetings, nothing filled the chasm left by her little girl.
Darling, Margaret urged one evening over tea, why not bring a girl home from the orphanage? One whos had it rough, maybe even rougher than you. You could help each other, love. It might just save you too.
Emily struggled with the idea, knowing full well no one would ever replace her own child, but her mothers words made sense. Soon, she paid a nervous visit to St. Marys Childrens Home.
Anna White had been almost blind from birth. Her parents, both university-educated and from well-off families, recoiled at the diagnosis. Overcome by fear and cowardice, they left her at the hospital the day the truth was revealed. No amount of breeding made them braver.
So Anna grew up amongst other unwanted children, named by the nurses and taught to read with her fingertips. She was enchanted by fairy tales, believing, childishly perhaps, that one day a kind fairy godmother would come just for her.
Her fairy finally appeared when Anna turned seven, but not how she imagined. Emily walked into the orphanage, elegant, wealthy, and yet deeply unhappy. To Anna, sightless as she was, Emily radiated kindness more than any detailed features. The orphanage matron was puzzled. Why would such a woman want a child so severely handicapped? But Emily brushed aside the questions, simply stating she had the means and the heart to care for a disabled child.
A carer led trembling little Anna by the hand. When Emily saw her, she knew instantlythis was her child. Anna looked ethereal: blonde ringlets, striking blue eyes that, though unseeing, were impossibly clear and deep.
Who is she? Emily whispered, transfixed.
Thats our Anna, the carer replied, tender and warm. Shes a gentle soul.
Shes mine. I just know it, Emily decided in that moment.
Emily and Anna bonded fiercely. With Annas arrival, Emilys life took on new meaning. She researched and consulted doctors all over England; eventually, specialists assured her that surgery could restore Annas sight, at least partiallyshe would need spectacles, but there was hope.
Before Anna started school, the first operation was performed. Progress was slow; her vision barely improved. The doctors advised patienceanother try when Anna was older might do the trick. Time rolled on. Emily poured her love and care into Anna. The business flourished, Emily was envied for both her wealth and beauty, but she had no interest in men; Anna was her world.
Anna blossomed into a rare beauty, almost unreal in her grace. She excelled at university, grounded, grateful, and already working alongside her mum at the firm. Emily was possessive, quietly anxious about adventurers hoping to marry for Annas fortune; she made it clear to all comers that no gold-digger would get far.
Then love came for Anna. Emily met Jack, her daughters beau. Jack seemed decentnothing suspiciousso she gave her blessing when he proposed. Wedding plans blossomed. Six months after the ceremony, Anna was scheduled for one final surgery to try to improve her sight.
Jack was gentle, attentiveperhaps too much so. Sometimes Emily sensed something off, an artificiality she refused to dwell on. Anna and Jack visited a country hotel to arrange the wedding venue. The place was hushed on a weekday. They took a table. Jack put his phone down and excused himself when his car alarm started blaring outside.
Alone, Anna listened as Jacks phone vibrated, then rang, insistent. She faltered, hesitated, but finally answered. Before she could speak, an imperious womans voice thundered through the receiverJacks mother, Olivia Hartley.
Darling, Ive got the perfect plan to get rid of your little blind Anna quickly. My friend at the travel agency set aside two trips. You and your broodmare go to the Lakes after the wedding. Tell her youre keen to see the peaks. Once youre up there, make sure your sweet wife has a little accident. Go straight to the police, say she stormed off after an argument. Cry for the cameras. Everythings easier abroadno one will bother investigating. You can play the grieving widower, I know you have the charm. That way, her mother will believe you. If you dont act soon, theyll do that eye operation and then shell be harder to shake. Dont let that money slip away, my boy. Think about it. Ill hang up now.
The call ended. Anna stared at the phone in horror, hand trembling as if scalded.
They want me dead, Anna thought, her mind spinning.
Just minutes before, Anna had been a joyful bride-to-be, immersed in last-minute wedding fuss. She sat frozen, unable to process the truththat people she had welcomed into her heart had planned this. Jack hadnt heard his mothers voice. Anna trembled, forcing herself to remain calm as he reentered.
Odd, mustve been a breeze or perhaps a stray cat set the alarm off, Jack muttered, settling back down. His phone buzzed again. He picked it up.
Yeah, mate. Right. On my way, he replied, pocketing it. Sorry, I need to dash. Work emergency.
Go on, Ill wait for Mum here. Well sort the rest out, Anna murmured, barely keeping her composure.
He hurried out. Anna, alone, wept quietly. The receptionist, who recognised her, approached with concern.
Anna, is everything alright? Jack just dashed offI thought you two were
Its you, Sophie, Anna tried to smile. Mums on her way, there was a mix-up, thats all. Jacks had to run back to the office.
Sophie offered tea, noticing Annas distress, and she nodded gratefully.
Emily, puzzled by Annas urgent call, arrived about twenty minutes later and rushed to her daughters side.
Anna, I was worried sick on the way.
Mum oh Mum, Anna broke down, They want to kill me.
Who? Emily was aghast.
Jack and Olivia. I overheard everything on his phone. He left it on the table, went outside. She called and told him to take me to the Lake Districtmake it look like an accident before you and I can schedule my surgery.
Emily struggled to believe. Are you sure, love?
Mum, I swear I heard every word. Olivia didnt realise I was listening. I hung up before she twigged. Jacks office called him away.
Emily sat in stunned silence. How had they both so misjudged this man? What on earth should they do?
As they deliberated, Jack called Anna.
So, Anna, has your mum arrived? Did you sort out the reception details?
Emily took the phone. Hello Jack, thanks heavens we found out your plans with Olivia. Listen to me nowand listen well About your little getaway to the Lakes
What are you talking about? Jack stammered, feigning ignorance.
You know full well. A holiday in the Lake District where Anna was meant to accidentally die. Dont bother denying itweve recorded the call. The police can retrieve even deleted conversations. Are you following?
A long, heavy pause.
I it wasnt me. It was my mother
Coward. Hiding behind your mother? Goodbye, Jack.
By the next day, Jack had fled London, cursing his mother for bungling the plan, emptying her account, and running for it. Olivia vanished to stay with a friend up north.
Anna finally saw the truth with her own eyes.
At Moorfields Eye Hospital, Anna had the final surgery. Emily was at her side; Doctor David Graham, young and attentive, checked on Anna daily as she recuperated, ever the gentleman. Hed performed the operation himself. Emily eyed him, a protective lioness, but his gentle, awkward manner was disarmingly romantic. When the bandages came off, David presented Anna with a spectacular bouquet of roses.
Tears spilling down her cheeks, Anna gasped as she saw, truly saw, for the first timethe roses, the handsome, fair-haired doctor with soulful grey eyes.
Oh, I can seetruly see! she cried, and David was at her side, comforting her.
Anna learned that she would need glasses for life, but it was nothing, considering what she had gained.
Time moved on. Anna and David were wed in a bright and beautiful ceremony. A year later, Emily cradled her granddaughter, a baby girl with Davids stormy grey eyes. Anna was finally, deeply happy, certain her husband would never let anyone harm her again.
Thank you for readingand wishing you hope in your own life.
