My Sister Framed Me for Bullying, But Her Boyfriend Revealed the Truth

Mason held fast to his word, and within days, I received the court summons.

The trial was fated to unfold on my eighteenth birthday, a bitter twist of fate.

The Laurier family, with their vast wealth and influence, hired the most prestigious lawyer in the province, determined to see me end up behind bars.

While I was struggling financially and could not afford a lawyer, the court, showing some compassion, arranged for one to be assigned to me. Garrett Payne was his name, a young man with striking allure.

With a warm smile, he came to me, eager to listen and gather the details and fully grasp my situation.

Despite his warm demeanor, I sensed he was merely going through the motions. Winning this lawsuit seemed as likely as catching smoke with my bare hands.

Thus, I opted for silence from the very beginning, responding only with subtle nods or shakes of my head.

As Garrett asked a series of vague questions, his patience began to wane. “Miss Laurier, if you keep this up, I’ll find it difficult to help you.”

I answered with a serene composure, “You can’t help me; no one in this world can. Nonetheless, I appreciate your efforts, Lawyer Payne.”

Upon hearing this, Garrett’s demeanor shifted, warmth creeping into his expression. “Miss Laurier, let’s try a different approach. You can see me as a friend, and perhaps that will encourage you to share more.”

As I was prepared to open my heart under his gentle encouragement, Garrett’s phone vibrated on the table. My gaze was drawn to a familiar profile picture paired with a sweet message: [Darling, can you take Eliana shopping after work?]

In an instant, I felt as though I had fallen into a frozen pit, shivers racing through me. The selfie was unmistakable; the person in the photo was Eliana. It struck me like a bolt from the blue; they were together.

With the weight of the world pressing down on me, I inhaled deeply and firmly instructed Garrett to leave. Confusion flickered in his eyes, but my resolute demeanor eventually wore him down.

As I guided him to the door, I absentmindedly swept my bangs aside. This small gesture felt instinctive, yet it elicited a brief spark of intrigue on Garrett's face.

After a moment's hesitation, he rolled up his sleeve, revealing his wrist, and asked cautiously, “Miss Laurier, have you seen this beaded bracelet?”

My gaze fell upon it; it was merely an ordinary plastic bracelet, showing signs of wear from countless days.

Garrett’s odd question left me scratching my head in confusion. A wave of déjà vu washed over me concerning the bracelet, yet despite my best efforts to remember, its source eluded me.

After a thoughtful pause, I shook my head, frustration knitting my brows as I admitted I had no memory of it at all.

Garrett’s face fell in disappointment, and he sighed deeply. With a lingering glance, he took his leave.

On the day of the trial, a crowd gathered, each person drawn to the unfolding drama. I stood in the defendant’s seat, enduring the relentless scrutiny like a thorn in my side.

Eliana, clad in a hospital gown, appeared frail and worn, her face a canvas of exhaustion. She reminded me of Maeve, her fragile beauty eliciting sympathy at first sight, as if she were a wilted flower begging for sunlight.

As she entered the courtroom in a wheelchair, Wade pushed her gently, treating her like a fragile masterpiece in need of protection. Mason and Tabitha took their seats in the plaintiff’s area, throwing a brief look my way that sent chills down my spine. My feelings of despair turned to ash as I realized their eyes were devoid of love, staring at me as if I were the enemy.

The plaintiff's lawyer began to unveil the evidence against me, presenting it with a calculated precision.

“Everyone, please take a moment to view this video taken shortly after the defendant was found,” he called out, drawing the room's focus.

The screen illuminated our villa, a picture of joy with bright decorations and radiant smiles gracing every face.

As I stepped from the car, my tattered attire sharply contrasted with the warmth of the scene.

Eliana was quick to greet me, her voice ringing with sweetness as she called me sister.

A hint of shyness crept into my demeanor. She entwined her arm with mine, guiding me into the living room, while Wade followed behind, ready to capture every precious moment.

Suddenly, tragedy struck; Eliana stumbled and crashed into the corner of the wall, a gasp echoing through the room as blood poured from the wound on her head.

Shock anchored me to the floor, my mind struggling to process what had just unfolded. From the footage, it looked all too clear I was the one who seemed most guilty of pushing her.

As Eliana stood, bloodied, the crowd around her murmured, their eyes filled with curiosity and judgment.

Later that evening, we sat as a family at dinner.

With a fresh bandage on her forehead, she still wore that radiant smile, gently placing food on my plate, brushing off the day’s events like a distant memory.

One moment, I was sipping, and the next, I spit my drink all over her. Saying nothing, I set down the cup and bolted, leaving Eliana and the others staring after me, their faces darkening with confusion.

As the video ended, the lawyer presented even more damning evidence. Each family member took their turn, accusing me of cruelty and heartlessness.

Meanwhile, Eliana sat quietly to the side, dabbing at her tears, her fragile appearance stirring sympathy from the audience.

“On March 18, Saige allegedly hid a venomous snake beneath Eliana’s pillow, nearly resulting in a bite.”

“April 1: Eliana drank milk given to her by Saige and soon began vomiting uncontrollably. She was rushed to the hospital for an emergency stomach wash.”

“By May 6, Saige was caught attempting to take photos of Eliana while she was bathing, intending to post them online. Thankfully, her plan was discovered and stopped.”

“On June 23, Saige reportedly concealed a needle in Eliana’s shoes. Later tests revealed the needle was contaminated with HIV.”

Mason raised the medical reports and photos, his voice ringing out, “Everyone, look at this! My daughter was once lively and full of joy!”

She continued, “But ever since Saige returned home, she’s attempted to take her life seven times in under a year! The doctors diagnosed her with severe depression! These alone are proof of the suffering and torment she’s endured! Saige is nothing less than a demon in human form!”

Tears streaming down her face, Tabitha’s voice shook. “My biggest regret is bringing Saige back only to cause Eliana so much harm.”

“Eliana, forgive me,” she whispered, her voice cracking. “My poor, precious daughter. If you leave us, I have no desire to go on.”