When Innocence Burns: The Rise of a Betrayed Adopted Daughter

When the flood engulfed our home, both my brother and husband chose to save Cathryn Andrews.

She was the daughter of our family who had been lost for many years and was recently rediscovered.

My right leg was fractured under her intentional, brutal collision.

As I was rescued, I saw Cathryn sobbing in my husband's embrace.

"Harlee kept pressing me down, trying to drown me in the flood."

Upon hearing this, both my husband and brother stared darkly at me lying on the stretcher.

"Harlee, you've stolen Cathryn's life for so many years, and now you even want to harm her!"

My brother, Kaiden Foster, sneered at me, while my husband, Jared Reed, tenderly shielded Cathryn in his arms.

The two exchanged words, then picked up nearby stones and approached me.

"It seems we've spoiled you too much over the years, Harlee. Perhaps this will make you think twice."

Their menacing faces were unfamiliar to me.

I struggled desperately but was pinned down.

Seeing them raise the stones high, ready to smash my leg, I closed my eyes.

I had to leave!

......

"Ah!"

The agony shot from my calf to my brain.

Jared slammed a fist-sized rock hard onto my leg.

One after another.

The previously broken leg now revealed white bone, surrounded by blurred flesh and blood.

The excruciating pain made my body tremble.

"Stop! I didn't try to harm her!" I screamed in pain, writhing my body continuously.

Cathryn bore no injuries, yet my brother and husband readily believed her words.

Kaiden ignored my pleas, grinding his shoe against my fingers, holding me down to prevent escape.

The pain was sharp, it felt like my heart was bleeding.

"Harlee, now you've even learned to lie." Kaiden looked at me with disappointment.

I wanted to protest, but tears blurred my vision.

My hand was broken-how could I play the piano now?

With my last strength, I lifted my head and met Cathryn's smug gaze.

"You will pay the price." I declared, word by word, before losing consciousness from the pain.

I awoke to the doctor's examination.

My leg and hand were wrapped in bandages, but I couldn't feel my leg.

I looked at the doctor in terror, my lips moving without sound.

The doctor shook his head. "Miss, your leg is in poor condition, but we'll do our best to recover it."

"My hand, what about my hand?" I croaked. "Will I still be able to play the piano?"

The doctor sighed. "Mrs. Reed, your hand injury isn't severe, but it will tremble constantly. Long piano practice might be difficult."

I stared at the doctor, shaking my head in disbelief.

How could this be?

I had studied piano since childhood and became a somewhat renowned pianist.

But now, I couldn't play the piano anymore?

And all of this was caused by my own family, especially my brother who always cherished me!

The doctor turned away, leaving behind murmurs of discussion.

"This lady is truly unfortunate. No one has come to care for her even now."

"Unfortunate? Rumor has it she became like this because she was caught trying to harm others out of jealousy!"

"Well, the outcome she faces now is what she deserves."

So, this was how my family spoke of me outside.

My heart felt as though it was being carved by knives, bleeding inch by inch.

They didn't even bother to find out the truth, choosing instead to believe Cathryn.

At that moment, I suddenly heard a sweet voice.

Cathryn appeared before me, smiling with feigned sympathy, her eyes brimming with smug glee.

"Harlee, your injuries aren't serious at all. Why keep pretending?"

As she spoke, she lightly pinched my injured leg.

The pain pierced into my body.

I gritted my teeth, looking at her, and asked in a low voice, "Why do this to me?"

Cathryn's beautiful eyes were filled with malice. "Why? I wouldn't have suffered all these years if not for you!"

I frowned at her, puzzled. "What do you mean?"

"You deliberately made me sick, preventing me from returning to the Foster family! It's all because of you!"

Cathryn clawed at my arm, her nails embedding deeply into my flesh.

How was her illness related to me?

I tried to push her away, but she suddenly fell to the floor, a malevolent smile on her face as she slapped herself right in front of me.