Chapter 1

After I died, my body was handled by my brother, James Murphy, a forensic pathologist.

“The victim’s head is missing, and the body is severely decomposed, making it impossible to identify.”

After completing his work, James called Isabella Murphy, my adopted sister, to celebrate her promotion at the Prestigious Company. At the same time, he sent me a message:

[Megan Murphy, today is an important day for Isabella. You better be home on time!]

[If you’re late, don’t bother setting foot in the Murphy house ever again!]

But, James, do you know? The body you're handling... it’s me. The sister you loved so much, the one who Isabella killed...

Two weeks after my death, some locals found my dismembered body at Forest Edge while foraging. They called the police, and because my remains were found in Manchester, it was my brother, James Murphy, who was responsible for the post-mortem and identification.

My soul hadn’t fully dissipated yet, and I watched as James, wearing a mask, inspected the body. Several police officers nearby grimaced.

“This is horrific. Who could have done something so brutal to a girl?”

“Exactly! Whoever did this deserves to be torn apart!”

James frowned slightly but said nothing, ordering the remains to be taken back to the forensic lab.

“The victim is female, approximately 23 years old. Initial estimates place the time of death around 16 days ago.”

“There are multiple stab wounds on the chest, abdomen, and back, with the fatal wound located in the heart.”

“From the pattern of injuries, she was stabbed four times in the chest, three times in the back, and around six times in the heart. After she died, the killer dismembered her body.”

“The victim’s organs are missing—her kidneys, liver, and stomach were removed. The head is also missing, making facial recognition impossible.”

“Additionally, the body is incomplete, missing the pelvis, left leg, and right hand. The remains are heavily decomposed. We’ll need to conduct a DNA test for further identification.”

James handed the autopsy report to the police and removed his mask.

“We still need to find the victim’s head and the missing body parts. The killer must have held a deep grudge to treat the victim with such cruelty.”

“The head and hands may hold crucial evidence to identify the murderer.”

“Got it!”

Once the police left, James was about to sit down when his phone rang. I floated over to see that it was Isabella calling.

“Brother, are you getting off work soon? Mum wants you home; otherwise, we won’t wait to cut the cake!”

Isabella’s sweet, playful voice came through the line, and James smiled, clearly enjoying it. He quickened his pace as he packed up his things.

“You little brat, why not wait for me? Tell Mum I’ll be home in twenty minutes!”

“Today’s your big day—you think I’d miss celebrating your promotion?”

After hanging up, he frowned, scrolled through his phone, and found my message thread.

[Megan Murphy, today is Isabella’s most important day. You better be on time!]

[Before you get home, pick up a gift and apologize to Isabella for spreading lies!]

[Otherwise, don’t bother coming back to the Murphy house!]

He sent the message, then glanced at the remains on the autopsy table. My heart raced—had he realized it was me?

But a moment later, he just irritably switched off his phone, packed his things, and left the office.

I felt a pang in my chest, but no tears fell.

James, did you know? You were only inches away from me. If you had looked just a little closer at my body, you’d have seen the birthmark on my wrist—the one you always said would help you find me no matter what. You promised no one could ever take me away, but you broke that promise.

And worse, you didn’t know that the sister you cherish, Isabella, is the one who killed me.