Brothers Imprisoned Me, But They Went Crazy After I Died

My stepsister framed me for her allergic reaction, and my three brothers locked me in a dark, airless cellar, chaining the door shut like I was some kind of criminal.

I pounded on the door, my fists weak and trembling. “Please! Let me out! I didn’t do anything!”

James, my oldest brother, the untouchable business mogul, stood on the other side, his voice ice-cold.

“Spare me the theatrics, Rachel. It’s bad enough you bully Lily all the time, but feeding her seafood when you knew she was allergic? What were you thinking? Stay in there and think about what you’ve done.”

William, the rising music star with his signature smugness, leaned in closer to the door. “Still playing the victim, huh? Pathetic. You’re not fooling anyone.”

Henry, the so-called artistic genius, scoffed. “Vicious as ever. Maybe some time down here will finally knock some sense into you.”

They didn’t even wait for me to respond. Instead, they carried Lily—pale and trembling like a frightened lamb—to the car and rushed her to the hospital.

Three days later, they came back.

I was still there, or at least my spirit was, floating unseen as they walked into the house, Lily nestled between them like a fragile doll.

James smiled down at her, his tone soft and full of warmth I’d never gotten from him. “You’re a fighter, Lily. I’m so glad we got you to the hospital in time.”

William nodded, his expression unusually tender. “You’re bouncing back so quickly. It’s a relief.”

Henry, ever the doting one, handed her a plate. “The doctor said you need to eat well. This’ll help you get your strength back.”

Meanwhile, a servant hovered nervously at the edge of the room, wringing her hands. Finally, she found her voice.

“Um… Young Masters, Miss Rachel hasn’t… made a sound from the cellar in three days.”

James barely glanced her way. “And?” He waved a dismissive hand. “Today’s a happy day. Lily’s home. Don’t ruin it by bringing up Rachel.”

The servant hesitated but didn’t press further. William shot her a sharp look. “Don’t waste our time. Rachel’s probably sulking like the spoiled brat she is.”

Henry snorted. “She’s just mad she got caught. Serves her right.”

William smirked. “Honestly, who plans an entire seafood dinner knowing someone’s allergic? She’s twisted.”

“And here I thought she was finally trying to make peace with Lily,” Henry added with a bitter laugh. “Guess I was giving her too much credit.”

Lily, ever the saint, clutched James’ sleeve with trembling fingers, her voice soft and full of hesitation.

“Rachel’s been locked up so long… all because of me. What if she’s mad when she gets out?”

James immediately turned to her, his expression hardening with resolve. “Don’t worry about her, Lily. Rachel’s gotten away with too much for too long. She needed this. Maybe now she’ll learn to treat you with respect.”