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.