Brothers Imprisoned Me, But They Went Crazy After I Died

Chapter 2

Ever since our parents passed, my three older brothers had made me their top priority. I was their world.

One day, I casually mentioned wanting a playmate my age. The very next day, they went to an orphanage and brought Lily home, introducing her as my stepsister.

I welcomed Lily with open arms, happy to have someone to share my life with. But she quickly turned that happiness into something else. In front of my brothers, she would put on her perfect little angel act while constantly framing me for things I didn’t do. Over time, their warmth toward me froze into suspicion and disdain.

Now, here I was—locked in a tiny, suffocating cellar, accused of causing Lily’s allergic reaction.

I pounded on the heavy door until my hands ached, screaming until my throat felt raw. “Please, let me out! I didn’t do anything!”

But the only response I got was their cold, unrelenting voices from the other side.

“Stop yelling, Rachel,” James, the eldest, snapped. “You’ve caused enough trouble. Do you even realize what could’ve happened to Lily? You could’ve killed her!”

William’s voice, usually so calm, was sharp with anger. “We’ve been too soft on you. That’s why you think you can keep pulling stunts like this. Maybe a few days in there will finally teach you some respect.”

Henry chimed in, his words cutting deep. “You’re always playing the victim, Rachel. But this time, you’ve gone too far.”

I heard the clink of chains as William secured the door, followed by the scrape of heavy furniture being pushed in front of it. My heart sank.

The air in the cellar grew thinner with each passing hour. My vision blurred, and I collapsed to the floor, gasping for breath.

And then everything went dark.

When I opened my eyes again, I wasn’t in my body anymore. I was… floating. Watching.

I found myself in the living room of our house. My brothers were back, doting on Lily like she was some delicate flower.

James sat close to her, his voice filled with affection. “You’re incredible, Lily. You’ve bounced back so quickly.”

William nodded, his concern written all over his face. “You had us so worried. It’s a relief to see you looking better.”

Henry handed her a cup of tea, his tone soft. “The doctor said to focus on resting and eating well. You need to get your strength back.”

Lily, ever the picture of innocence, tugged on James’ sleeve and looked up at him with wide, teary eyes. “James, don’t be mad at Rachel. It’s my fault. I shouldn’t be so weak. I… I’m sure she didn’t mean it.”

James’ expression hardened instantly. “Don’t defend her, Lily. She’s spoiled and selfish. We’ve let her get away with too much for far too long.”

William’s jaw clenched, his anger simmering just below the surface. “She’s always been jealous and petty. And now? Now she’s gone and done something this reckless.”

Lily lowered her head, letting her long hair fall over her face as if she were hiding tears. “I don’t want to cause trouble, but…” She hesitated before raising her arm, revealing faint red marks on her skin. “I’m fine, really. It doesn’t even hurt anymore.”

Henry’s eyes darkened as he gently touched the marks. “Does it still sting?”

“No,” Lily whispered, shaking her head, her voice trembling just enough to sound convincing. “I’ll be okay.”

William exploded. “Okay? She could’ve killed you, Lily! And Rachel hasn’t even bothered to check on you—not a call, not a text. She doesn’t care at all!”

James slammed his phone onto the coffee table. “Bring her out here. Now. Drag her out if you have to—I want her on her knees, apologizing to Lily.”

Henry crossed his arms, his tone icy. “She’s been coddled for too long. It’s time she learned there are consequences for her actions.”

The servants exchanged nervous glances but didn’t dare disobey.

“Get moving!” James barked. “And bring the cane. If Rachel can’t show remorse, maybe it’s time she felt what punishment really means.”

“She poisoned Lily!” William roared. “It’s time someone set her straight.”

I hovered there, unseen, as the servants rushed to obey. My chest ached with a bitterness I couldn’t express.

My brothers had sentenced me without a shred of proof. They hadn’t even bothered to investigate the truth.

The sister they claimed to cherish was gone, killed by their own blind devotion to Lily.