Chapter 381
Kenneth felt like a fool, too stupid to realize the people weren't offering advice; they were mocking him, their eyes filled with malice, jealousy, and smug amusement. Fueled by envy, their remarks grew increasingly vicious. Kenneth's pride was often foolishly stubborn.
In the past, someone would gloat, "Mr. Harper, Tiffany is head over heels for you, and she's gorgeous, too. You really feel nothing?" Then the crowd would laugh, his friends—spoiled rich kids—eager for the drama. Tiffany would stand there, her face full of hope. But Kenneth always put on an indifferent mask, answering coldly, "What does that have to do with me?" Each time, the light in Tiffany's eyes dimmed a little more. Her unaffected, sweet innocence should have tugged at his heartstrings, but instead, he let others' scornful gazes make him shove her away, treat her like a burden. Kenneth deserved the sad ending.
His chest tightened as the images flashed through his mind. He remembered meeting Melody, the transfer student who captivated him with her open-hearted charm. Ignoring all protests, he insisted on breaking off his engagement with Tiffany.
Later, Melody had a run-in with a local thug, and in the panic, accidentally killed him. Terrified and sobbing, she begged Kenneth for help, suggesting Tiffany take the fall. And he agreed.
Kenneth's face turned pale, his forehead throbbing with shock. "No, that couldn't be. I would never agree to something like that! This isn't real. It's all lies!" he shouted, disbelief overwhelming him. But a hollow voice, drifting from the glowing box, replied softly, "Young man, this is your past life."
The truth remained, whether he accepted it or not. No matter how he tried to deny it, the images persisted. When he suggested Tiffany take the blame, she actually agreed, her only condition being, "When I'm released, you have to keep your promise and marry me." "Alright," he had said. What a one-sided, brutal bargain.
Kenneth was horrified. It was as if a hammer was pounding his chest, each blow more painful than the last.
The worst was yet to come. In prison, Tiffany endured constant abuse and humiliation. The once-proud noble lady, the sweet and innocent girl, emerged a shadow of her former self, lifeless and hollow. Meanwhile, Melody orchestrated Thalia's burning, poisoned Eric, and even disconnected Charlie's oxygen. One by one, every member of the Kelley family met a tragic fate.
By the time Tiffany was released, she had nothing left—her family gone, her home destroyed. But Kenneth was living in bliss with Melody, completely unaware.
When Tiffany returned to ask Kenneth to fulfill his promise, he scoffed, looking down on her with disgust. "Do you really think you're worthy?" The girl who once shone with laughter was silent. Then she walked away. On her way home, she was kidnapped and beaten to death by Sandra's men.
The scene vanished, the light from the Treasure Box fading, leaving the room silent and still. Kenneth could hear his ragged breathing. In just a few minutes, he had seen it all, but it felt like an entire lifetime of endless torment. He thought, "No wonder Tiffany hates me so much. No wonder she said I could never repay what I owe her in this life." Kenneth stumbled to his feet, returning the box to its place under the bed, then ran out like a man possessed.
The butler, panicking at his disappearance, cried out, "Goodness! Where have you been? We're going to miss the ceremony!"
"Go," Kenneth said.
He climbed into the car, his face frantic and unsettled. "Quickly!" he urged. He needed to see Tiffany. He had to tell her he regretted everything.
Back at the hotel where the engagement party was being held, it was almost eleven, and most guests had arrived. Melody, draped in a delicate veil and lavish gown, stood on the platform, smiling sweetly with anticipation. But the groom had yet to arrive.
Felicia, trying to maintain her composure, forced a smile. "He must be caught in traffic." She quickly called home again, her anxiety growing. "Is he on his way?"
"He left! He's already on the road and should be there in about ten minutes," the butler assured her. "Ma'am, please don't worry. He didn't mean to be late."
"Fine," Felicia muttered before hanging up. She approached Melody to reassure her. "Kenneth is on his way now, just a bit delayed by traffic, but he'll be here soon." As she spoke, Felicia's brow furrowed. "Melody, is something wrong with your face?"
"A sudden allergy," Melody explained with a sigh. "The doctor said it's an acute reaction, probably to something I ate last night. It might take a few days to clear up."
"Oh, it's fine, it's hardly noticeable," Felicia replied, patting her hand in a poor attempt to reassure her.
The guests had a clear view of the bride, her face partially obscured by the veil. Yet, under the bright lights and camera flashes, the red blotches covering her skin were hard to miss.
Suddenly, a mischievous child climbed onto the stage, circling behind Melody before yanking off her veil with a shout. "Look, it's the bride!"
Without the veil, Melody's face, covered in glaring red welts, was laid bare for all to see. Gasps echoed throughout the room as the guests stared, visibly shaken. Now fully exposed under the glaring lights, Melody was helpless and humiliated.
Grabbing the veil back, Melody tried to cover her face. But the little boy burst into tears, wailing, "She's the ugliest bride ever! I don't want to look!"
Stifled laughter rippled through the crowd. They might not laugh outright, out of respect for the Kelley and Harper families, but they could hardly contain their amusement. Melody's fists clenched. She was…