Chapter 3 I Did Nothing Wrong

"Alexander..."

Although Daniela had steeled herself for Alexander's answer, it still cut deeply, like a keen-edged blade tearing through her heart.

How many decades did one get to live, only to have it mean nothing?

She had devoted ten years of her existence to loving this man, investing her soul into the relationship.

Yet, what she received in return was merely his staunch defense of another woman.

"Yes, call the police!" Katrina's voice erupted in the room as she frantically reached for her phone. "Leave this murderer to them to handle!"

Amidst the chaos, only Daniela caught the subtle way Joyce squeezed Katrina's hand following her explosive declaration.

Their eyes met in a fleeting, silent exchange.

Katrina paused, her resolve wavering.

Joyce's voice was the epitome of consideration. "Alexander, I know you care for me, but this is a matter for our family. Calling the police could lead to my sister's arrest and tarnish the Harper family's reputation. That's the last thing I desire. Perhaps it's best if we..."

She trailed off, her head bowing slightly, her delicate pose belying the cunning glimmer in her gaze. "Perhaps it's best if we just let this go."

Her suggestion stirred Caiden and caused Alexander's brow to furrow in contemplation.

His cold eyes bore into Daniela as he spoke with chilling authority. "We can't just let this go! Apologize now! Kneel and beg for forgiveness!"

Despite the sharp agony emanating from her cracked rib, Daniela stood her ground, her spine rigid, unwilling to show any sign of defeat.

In that harrowing moment, a cruel truth crystallized in her mind: her anguish was merely amusement to someone who held no love for her.

"I've already told you, I did nothing wrong! I am innocent, and I refuse to kneel or apologize!"

She had just finished speaking when Caiden closed the distance between them and delivered another harsh slap to her face.

Reeling from the blow, Daniela, already fragile, teetered dangerously, her form shaking like a leaf in a tempest. Before she could regain her footing, a brutal kick struck her in the back.

With a resonant "thud," she collapsed onto her knees.

The sound of her kneecaps crashing against the hard floor reverberated around the room, sending a jolt of excruciating pain that surged from her knees to her chest.

She braced herself with her palms against the floor. Blood started to ooze through the bandages wrapped around her chest, turning them a stark, vivid red.

At the doorway, the nurse could no longer stand to watch the scene unfold.

She rushed over to aid Daniela, then turned to Alexander with a look of stern condemnation. "I've seen the reports. You're Daniela's husband, aren't you? Once you're married, you're supposed to protect each other. How can you treat her with such cruelty? She's seriously hurt, and without proper care, this injury could haunt her for the rest of her life."

"I'd never accept someone so vicious as my wife." Alexander threw a frosty, scornful look at Daniela, who lay crumpled on the floor. His gaze was icy, seeing her as nothing more than a mere fleck of dust on his shoe. "Daniela, today's incident cannot simply be ignored. Joyce may be forgiving, but your actions were severe, and you need to face the consequences. You will kneel here until you acknowledge your mistake!"

He then addressed Caiden. "Mr. Harper, you surely see the need for this, don't you?"

With a sharp nod, Caiden agreed, "Absolutely, she needs to reflect deeply. I'm all for it."

At that moment, a doctor summoned the family members, and the room quickly emptied, leaving behind only Daniela and Joyce.

Perched haughtily on the hospital bed, Joyce looked down at Daniela, who was still kneeling, her hands quivering as she supported herself. A derisive smirk played on Joyce's lips.

"Daniela, does it even matter that you're Dad's biological child? Look at yourself, kneeling before me. I like Alexander, and if he's not mine, he sure as hell won't be yours!"

Secretly, Daniela slid her left hand into her pocket and pressed the record button on her phone.

Her pallid complexion was drenched with sweat, each drop trailing down her damp and strained forehead.

Holding Joyce's gaze, she demanded in a steady, clear voice, "So, it was you behind the fire all along, wasn't it?"