Brothers Imprisoned Me, But They Went Crazy After I Died

Chapter 3

Three days ago, Lily said she was hungry. Wanting to be kind, I cooked her a meal.

She even handed me a small packet of seasoning, smiling sweetly as she said, "This is my favorite. Please use it." I tasted it. It seemed perfectly normal.

Who could have known it was laced with her allergen?

And James, the so-called business prodigy, couldn’t see through such an obvious play for attention? If that’s not blind favoritism, I don’t know what is.

In my brothers’ hearts, I was always second best. Less important. Less loved.

But none of that mattered now. I had already died in that cellar.

Now they could give all their love, their endless devotion, to their precious Lily.

“Master James,” one of the servants said nervously, “We’ve been calling Miss Rachel for hours, but... there’s been no response.”

Another hesitated before adding, “We... we can’t hear any breathing from inside the cellar either.”

James’s brow furrowed deeply, and he stood abruptly, his frustration palpable. “What game is she playing now?” he snapped. “Does she think this tantrum will get her out of apologizing to Lily?”

He started pacing, his anger building with every step. “She nearly killed Lily, and she’s still pulling stunts like this?”

Lily stepped closer, tugging gently at his sleeve, her voice soft and trembling. “Big brother, it’s okay. I don’t deserve an apology. I’m just an orphan... I shouldn’t have expected so much.”

Her words sent James over the edge. “Enough, Lily! Don’t excuse her behavior anymore. She’s clearly trying to manipulate us!” His voice was sharp as a blade. “If she thinks ignoring us and sulking will get her out of this, she’s dead wrong.”

He turned to the servants, his eyes cold. “Let’s go. Drag her out if we have to. She will kneel and apologize to Lily.”

I followed as my brothers stormed toward the cellar, their footsteps pounding like thunder.

“Rachel Harper!” James barked, his voice echoing through the hallway. “Stop hiding and get out here! Do you think staying silent will save you from punishment?”

There was no response.

William scowled, his hands curling into fists. “Rachel, cut the act. Come out now and apologize to Lily. Turning off your phone and playing the victim won’t erase what you’ve done!”

Henry’s temper flared, his words sharp with disappointment. “You’ve really hit a new low. Can’t stand to see us care about Lily, so now you’re sulking to provoke us?”

But the silence persisted, thick and heavy.

James turned on the servants, his glare cutting like ice. “Did she bribe you?” he demanded. “Did you unlock the door for her?”

William sneered. “Knowing her, she probably couldn’t stand being in there for more than a few hours and begged them to let her out.”

Henry shook his head, his voice tinged with sadness. “You nearly killed Lily, and now you’re too much of a coward to face the consequences. Is this really the sister we grew up with?”

“Or maybe,” he added bitterly, “she was never the sister we thought she was.”

A trembling servant finally spoke, their voice barely audible. “Young master, we would never dare let her out without your orders! Miss Rachel... she’s really been in the cellar this whole time.”

Henry hesitated for a moment, unease flickering across his face.

He stepped forward, grabbing the cellar door and yanking hard, but it wouldn’t budge. “Rachel Harper,” he growled, frustration and a trace of worry in his tone, “I’ve unlocked the chains. Are you seriously holding the door shut from inside?”

I stared at the warped wood, my spirit hovering silently nearby, and let out a bitter, hollow laugh.

Three days ago, I had slammed and pounded on that door until my fists bled. I’d screamed for help until my voice gave out.

But it didn’t matter. That door was built to withstand anything, and my strength had long since failed me.

Now, as they stood on the other side, finally showing a sliver of concern, all I could do was watch.

Brothers, when you find my body, will you feel even a shred of guilt?

Will you remember I was your sister? Or will you leave me to rot in this cellar while you dote on Lily?

James’s frustration boiled over as he slammed his foot against the door, each kick harder than the last.

“Rachel! Stop playing games!” he barked, his voice sharp with irritation.

The warped metal groaned under his assault, finally cracking open just enough for a wave of foul air to hit them square in the face.

A servant gagged, covering her nose. “That smell… it’s like something… something’s dead in there!”

William scoffed, his lip curling in disdain. “Dead? Don’t be dramatic. She probably dumped a rat in there to mess with us before running off. Typical Rachel stunt.”

Henry stepped closer, his eyes narrowing in disgust. “Rachel Harper, if you think this sick prank is going to make us feel sorry for you, you’re more pathetic than I thought!”

Their anger spiraled, and without another word, the three brothers joined forces, their combined kicks shaking the cellar door.

With a final deafening crash, the door gave way, slamming open.

The dim light cut through the cellar, and the stench of decay hit them hard. The brothers froze, eyes wide, unable to process what they saw...