This Life, Love Won't Fool My Eyes

In her past life, her scumbag husband had personally pushed her daughter into the operating room to harvest her bone marrow for his precious white moonlight’s son. Then, he let that heartless mother and son duo burn her child alive. That was the moment she knew—this man had never loved her or their daughter. Now, she had been reborn. The moment she opened her eyes, she was back to the night she had slept with that bastard. This time, she didn’t hesitate to deny it ever happened. Wasn’t his heart already set on his so-called white moonlight? Fine. Then let’s make it permanent. Juliette finally saw the truth. She stayed far away from him, focused on making money until her hands were full, and had more admirers than she could count. Just when she was ready to enjoy life to the fullest, that scumbag punched the little heartthrob in her arms and desperately tried to get her attention. Cassian knelt before her, his voice trembling. "I was wrong. I can't live without you…" Juliette curled her lips into a cold smile. "Sir, who are you?" ***** The autumn wind howled, sweeping up fallen leaves and stirring the ashes on the ground. The choking scent of smoke made Juliette cough a few times. She wiped her face with the back of her hand, only to find it covered in soot and blood. Behind her, the once-luxurious mansion was now nothing but ruins, reduced to charred remains by the raging fire. The devastation was overwhelming. Juliette sat numbly on the steps outside, staring blankly at the wreckage in front of her. It was as if she could still see Lillian’s tiny figure, happily playing in the garden. But in reality, all that remained in front of her was a small, charred body curled up on the ground. Her precious daughter. "Lillian… at least it doesn’t hurt anymore." Juliette’s swollen eyes were eerily calm. She didn't know how long she had been sitting there. Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out a photograph—one of their little family. Lillian wore a big sunhat in the picture, her bright smile making her eyes crinkle into slits. Juliette traced her daughter's face with trembling fingers. Tears spilled over, blurring her vision. Cassian had never truly loved her. He always believed she had climbed into his bed while drunk and forced this unwanted child on him. But at least, back then, he had never taken out his resentment on Lillian. So when had everything changed? Maybe it was the day Vivienne came back from abroad. That was when Vivienne stood in front of everyone, crying about how Juliette had tormented her and her son, blaming Juliette for Tristan’s leukemia. That was when Cassian started looking at her like she was poison. "Juliette, you hurt Vivienne and Tristan. You’ll pay back every bit of it—ten times over!" And now, Lillian was dead. She had nothing left. Cassian had kept his promise. "Lillian, don't be scared. Mommy's taking you home." Juliette carefully wrapped the small, burnt body in a clean cloth. Lillian had always been smaller than other kids, and now, after being reduced to nothing but ash and bone, she was heartbreakingly light—like a feather in Juliette’s arms. Taking a deep breath, as if trying to inhale all her sorrow, she slowly stood up and walked away from the ruins. She carried her daughter to a small, run-down house. It wasn’t much, but to Juliette, it was her safe haven. The only place that truly belonged to her. It was also their secret hideout, hers and Lillian’s. Lillian had been so excited about her birthday just a few days ago. Cassian had promised to be there. Lillian adored her father. But in the end, the man she loved the most was the one who pushed her into that freezing cold operating room and forced her to donate bone marrow for his son. On her sixth birthday. By the time Juliette got to the hospital, her daughter was lying there alone, barely breathing. And she had no idea. After the surgery, Vivienne refused to let Lillian receive proper treatment. The hospital kicked her out, and Lillian lay in bed, unconscious, still calling out for her father. Juliette had called Cassian over and over. His response? A single, cold sentence. "Lillian is being dramatic. Don’t start acting up too." Then he hung up. Faced with Lillian’s expectant gaze, Juliette had no words. She never wanted to fight with anyone. She only wanted her daughter to grow up safe and healthy. But even such a simple wish was impossible. She had wanted to tell Cassian that she would divorce him, as long as he would come see Lillian and let her continue receiving treatment. But she never got the chance. By the time she got home, the fire had already devoured everything. Even as the flames roared, she could almost hear Lillian crying for help. But it was too late. When the fire was finally put out, her daughter was gone forever. The house was still filled with traces of Lillian’s presence. Juliette numbly packed a few things before picking up the phone. The dial tone echoed in the silence. After a long pause, the call finally connected. A cold voice snapped, "What now? And tell Lillian to stop calling me too. She saved Tristan, but don’t think you can use that to threaten me. I’ll compensate you, but I don’t want to see either of you again." Juliette didn’t even react to his words. Her voice was calm. "Let’s get a divorce." "You finally agree to it?" "Yeah." "Stay there. I’ll come back tonight." "Just come here directly." The moment Cassian agreed, Juliette simply sent him the address and hung up. Not another word. She would never see him again. The only reason she had refused to divorce him before was for Lillian. But now… she had nothing left. She didn’t need anything anymore. In fact, she only regretted not leaving the Blackwood family sooner. Cassian stared at the disconnected call, an inexplicable sense of unease creeping into his chest. Before he could figure out why, Vivienne slipped her arms around his waist from behind. "What are you doing? Tristan is waiting for you." "Alright, I’m coming." He turned around and looked down at the delicate woman in his arms, enjoying the warmth of their moment. Lowering his head, he kissed her lightly before leading her inside. In the private suite, the three of them sat together. Tristan held a brand-new toy, his crisp laughter filling the room. Cassian, usually so cold and emotionless, smiled faintly, as if winter was finally thawing into spring. ***** Back in the darkened bathroom, Juliette sat motionless in the rising water, still clutching Lillian’s fragile body. The water climbed higher, but she didn't move. She only whispered hoarsely, "Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you…" She had no plans to let herself live. Lillian had been her whole world. Everything she did was for her. Now that her reason for living was gone… Juliette’s numb gaze landed on the sharp blade she had prepared beside her. A faint movement. Night fell. A black sedan pulled up in front of the run-down apartment building. Cassian stepped out, frowning at the worn-out walls and narrow stairwell. A flash of impatience crossed his face. He had given her a house. It wasn’t as extravagant as his own estate, but it was still spacious and comfortable. And yet, she insisted on living here. What, was she trying to gain sympathy? The thought only made him colder. He was here to finalize the divorce, nothing more. Determined to get it over with quickly, he strode up the stairs. Inside, the apartment was dark. For some reason, unease stirred in his chest. In the bathroom, Juliette's fading consciousness caught a glimpse of Cassian’s panicked figure. Was he crying? It didn’t matter anymore. The next second, she was jolted awake. She was kneeling in front of Cassian’s parents. They were furiously scolding her. But Juliette didn't care. Staring at the familiar scene before her, shock coursed through her veins. The icy chill made her shudder violently. She looked down at her unscarred wrists, then at the surroundings she knew all too well. Her heart pounded wildly. She was alive. She had been reborn. Back to the day the Blackwood family had humiliated her. Back to the day Cassian despised her the most!