He Took My Son's Eyes for Her Daughter

A madman attacked the concert hall. I threw myself over my son, taking every blow meant for him. My spine shattered in three places.

My husband Arthur subdued the attacker and rushed us to the hospital—the picture of a devoted, loving spouse.

It was only after hearing his conversation with the doctor that I finally saw his true colors.

My crippling injury was merely collateral damage. My son Ethan? Nothing but a living cornea donor for Mia—the cherished daughter he had with his first love.

He treated my child like spare parts, never knowing Mia isn't even his blood.

......

The searing pain in my spine made my consciousness fragment like shattered glass.

"We only planned to harvest Ethan's corneas." The doctor's voice was hushed, unmistakably anxious. "Why did you have someone attack Mrs. Wood...and even cause Ethan's death? Her spinal injury is severe—she might be paralyzed for life."

"Diana was collateral damage." My husband Arthur's voice was as calm as if discussing a contract. "But since it happened, it doesn't matter."

"But..." The doctor's voice trembled. "Ethan is only seven years old—"

"Ethan's only purpose was to serve as Mia's cornea donor. The surgery is complete. There's no need for him to wake up again." Arthur cut him off, his tone cold as a blade. "... he was never the child I wanted anyway."

My world collapsed in that moment.

I bit down hard on the back of my hand to keep from making a sound. The taste of blood filled my mouth. The man I'd loved for seven years, my husband—talked about our son like he was a spare part.

"What about Mrs. Wood's spine..." The doctor was still trying to say something.

Arthur's dismissal was casual. "Diana's resilient."

Tears fell silently, soaking into the pillow. I felt my heart being torn apart alive.

Seven years of marriage, seven years of dedication—I'd used the entire Astoria family's resources to secretly support his rise to the top of Wall Street, and this was what I got in return?

Footsteps echoed in the hallway as another person joined the conversation.

"Mr. Wood, the security footage has all been cleaned up." An unfamiliar male voice, obsequious.

Arthur lowered his voice. "Good work. The payment has been transferred. Remember—leave here and keep your mouth shut. Don't make things difficult for me."

I closed my eyes, my blood seemingly freezing into ice.

The attacker stood outside my door, chatting and laughing with my husband.

But my Ethan—that boy who tiptoed up every morning to kiss my cheek, that son who sat at the piano with angelic concentration—would never smile at me again.

Ethan's face surfaced in my mind.

Three days ago, he'd leaned mysteriously close to my ear. "Mommy, this piece is for Daddy. It's called 'Starlight.' I'm going to play it for him at the recital. He'll love it, won't he?"

I'd said of course, Daddy will be so moved.

He'd spun around in place with joy, his eyes full of stars.

But his father had already made his plans. He'd planned to take those beautiful eyes and give them to her. Give them to his mistress's daughter.

Arthur Wood, you took away his right to see the world. I'll make you regret that you can still see.

The footsteps gradually faded, and the hallway fell silent. Arthur strode in, concern etched on his face—an expression I would have believed an hour ago.

He reached out to stroke my hair. I turned my head away.

"Diana, you're awake?" His voice was hoarse, his eyes rimmed with red, the performance so convincing. "How do you feel? The doctor said your spine was badly injured, but you'll get better. I've arranged for the best specialists—"

"Where's Ethan?" I stared at him.

His expression froze instantly. His lips began to tremble. He lowered his head, covering his face with his hands, his shoulders shaking slightly—like a grief-stricken father.

"I'm sorry... I couldn't protect you both." His voice broke. "When that lunatic burst in, I was too far away. Ethan... the doctors couldn't save him."

I watched him perform, nausea churning in my stomach.

"Diana..." He moved forward to embrace me.

I grabbed the water glass from the bedside table with all my remaining strength and hurled it at him.

"Give me back my son!"

Arthur froze for a second, then stepped forward to press his hands on my shoulders, his tone sickeningly gentle. "Calm down, Diana. I know you're devastated. I'm devastated too. But Ethan is gone, and we can't let grief destroy what's left of our lives."

"You never loved him!" I screamed hysterically. "You never loved him at all!"

He pulled me into his arms, holding me tight even as I struggled desperately.

"Of course I loved him. He was our son. I've already had Ethan's favorite piano donated to the music academy, established a scholarship in his name. Ethan was such a kind person. He would want his music to live on through other children."

I stopped struggling in his arms.

That piano was the gift I'd given Ethan for his sixth birthday. He polished the keys every day, said it was his most precious treasure.

Arthur wouldn't even leave me that memory.

Then I remembered: three weeks ago, Arthur had shown me the design plans for the music academy. Twenty million dollars.

I'd thought it was a gift for Ethan, only puzzled why it was named the Mia Piano Academy.

Now I understood.

"Where is he? Where did you put Ethan?" My voice was raspy.

Arthur avoided my gaze. "I've already arranged for cremation."

I closed my eyes, my nails digging deep into my palms.

Blood seeped through my fingers, dripping onto the white sheets.

Arthur Wood, you didn't even leave me an intact body. You're so afraid of me seeing Ethan—are you afraid I'll see what you did to him?