My Three Elite Brothers Shattered After My Death

Chapter 3

Three days ago, Sophia claimed she was starving. Trying to be considerate, I prepared a meal for her.

She even handed me a tiny sachet of spices, her lips curving into that innocent smile as she murmured, "This is my special blend. Please add it." I sampled it—nothing seemed amiss.

Who would’ve guessed it contained the very thing she was deathly allergic to?

And Alexander, the so-called business genius, couldn’t see through such a blatant cry for attention? If that wasn’t blind bias, I didn’t know what was.

In my brothers’ eyes, I was always the afterthought. Less cherished. Less significant.

But none of it mattered anymore. I’d already perished in that cold, dark cellar.

Now they could shower all their affection, their undying devotion, on their darling Sophia.

“Master Alexander,” a servant stammered, wringing their hands, “We’ve been trying to reach Miss Evelyn for hours, but… there’s been no answer.”

Another servant hesitated before adding in a hushed tone, “We… we can’t detect any movement from inside the cellar either.”

Alexander’s expression darkened, his jaw tightening as he rose abruptly. “What kind of game is she playing now?” he snapped, his voice laced with irritation. “Does she truly believe this silent treatment will absolve her of apologizing to Sophia?”

He began pacing, his fury mounting with each step. “She nearly took Sophia’s life, and now she’s pulling this stunt?”

Sophia inched closer, her fingers lightly grasping his sleeve, her voice trembling. “Big brother, it’s alright. I don’t need an apology. I’m just an orphan… I shouldn’t have expected so much.”

Her words were the final spark. “Enough, Sophia!” Alexander’s voice was razor-sharp. “Stop defending her. She’s clearly manipulating us!” His glare was icy as he turned to the servants. “Let’s go. Drag her out if necessary. She will kneel and beg for Sophia’s forgiveness.”

I trailed behind as my brothers stormed toward the cellar, their footsteps echoing like a thunderclap.

“Evelyn Montgomery!” Alexander’s voice boomed through the corridor. “Enough hiding! Do you think silence will spare you from facing what you’ve done?”

No reply.

Nathaniel’s hands clenched into fists. “Evelyn, drop the act. Apologize to Sophia now. Ignoring us won’t erase your crime!”

Benjamin’s temper flared, his voice dripping with disdain. “You’ve sunk to a new low. Can’t stand seeing us care for Sophia, so you resort to this pathetic sulking?”

Still, silence.

Alexander whirled on the servants, his glare lethal. “Did she bribe you?” he demanded. “Did you let her out?”

Nathaniel scoffed. “Knowing her, she probably couldn’t last an hour in there and begged them to unlock the door.”

Benjamin shook his head, disappointment heavy in his tone. “You nearly killed Sophia, and now you’re too cowardly to face the consequences. Is this really the sister we knew?”

A servant, trembling, finally spoke up. “Young master, we would never defy your orders! Miss Evelyn… she never left the cellar.”

For the first time, hesitation flickered across Benjamin’s face.

He strode forward, gripping the cellar door and wrenching it with all his strength—but it didn’t move. “Evelyn Montgomery,” he growled, frustration laced with the faintest trace of unease, “I’ve unlocked it. Are you seriously barricading yourself inside?”

I stared at the warped wood, my spirit hovering nearby, a hollow laugh escaping me.

Three days ago, I’d clawed at that door until my fingers bled. I’d screamed until my voice shattered.

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

Now, as they stood outside, finally showing a sliver of concern, all I could do was watch.

Brothers, when you find my body, will you feel even a flicker of remorse?

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

Alexander’s patience snapped. He slammed his foot against the door, each kick more violent than the last.

“Evelyn! Enough!” he roared.

The hinges groaned, the wood splintering just enough for a wave of putrid air to assault them.

A servant retched, covering her mouth. “That smell… it’s like… like something’s rotting in there!”

Nathaniel rolled his eyes. “Rotting? Don’t be absurd. She probably tossed in a dead rat to mess with us before sneaking out. Classic Evelyn.”

Benjamin’s nose wrinkled in disgust. “Evelyn, if you think this sick joke will earn our pity, you’re even more pathetic than I imagined!”

Their rage escalated, and without another word, the three brothers united, their combined force battering the cellar door.

With a final, deafening crack, the door burst open.

Dim light spilled into the cellar, and the stench of decay hit them like a physical blow. The brothers froze, their eyes widening in shock as they took in the sight before them…