My Brother's Coldest Regret After I Died

My soul refused to fade after death.

It lingered, watching as my remains were slowly uncovered.

They found pieces in dumpsters, others by the riverbank.

The city plunged into chaos.

The case demanded immediate attention.

William Evans, my brother, was assigned to lead.

He was a seasoned detective, known for his sharp instincts.

I felt a sharp sting of guilt.

Even in death, I was causing him trouble.

He stood over my reconstructed corpse, his expression grim.

"Any details on the body?" William's voice was low. "Time of death confirmed?"

Benjamin Lowell from the support team looked exhausted.

He rubbed his temples. "Female, early twenties. Deceased for at least forty-eight hours."

He paused, his face somber. "The body is severely compromised. No usable evidence yet."

He took a breath. "DNA will take two more days."

His next words were heavy. "The victim endured extreme torture prior to death."

He hesitated. "The killer removed her limbs. To incapacitate her while she was still alive."

A thick, horrified silence fell.

No one spoke. The brutality was too much to comprehend.

"Monster," a voice finally whispered.

"Poor girl," another murmured, full of pity. "What she must have suffered."

William slammed his fist on the table. The sound echoed.

"I will find who did this." His voice was a cold promise. "They will pay."

Alexander Winston placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.

He was William's mentor, an old friend of our father.

There was regret in his quiet tone. "You're swamped. You'll have to miss Charlotte's graduation."

After our parents died, Alexander became our family.

He taught William everything.

At the mention of my name, William's face hardened.

"Don't." His voice was sharp. "She's nothing but trouble."

He looked away. "I'm not going to her graduation. I'm going to Olivia's."

His words were a blade to my heart.

After our parents were gone, William's hatred for me was absolute.

He blamed me. Said I was the reason they died.

He threw me out. Refused to call me his sister.

Later, on a case, he saved a young woman.

An orphan. He took her in. Gave her my place.

Just like that, I was erased.

Even as I took my last breath, he was angry.

Angry I might make him miss Olivia Lopez's graduation.

Angry her reputation was tarnished because of me.

If he knew the body on the slab was mine, he'd walk away without a second thought.

No one wished for my death more than he did.

My death probably brought him relief.

Alexander suddenly punched him in the chest.

"Watch your mouth!" he chided. "Charlotte is a good girl. She worries you don't like her."

His voice softened. "She's brought you lunch every single day. Without a word of complaint."

He glared. "Open your eyes, you ungrateful boy."

William just scoffed. "I don't care. Let's drop it, Alexander. We have work to do."

He turned to his team. "Any missing persons reports?"