I Became the Mother-in-law of the Regretful Female Lead

The original story has changed, and quite significantly.

Of course, I knew this would happen. After all, it changed because of my actions.

Still, this turn of events surprised me.

And for a good reason… the main plotline of the original story has been overturned.

‘Liliana doesn’t love Jeremyon!’

Standing in front of my son’s bedroom door, I listened carefully to the sounds coming from inside.

It was quiet, suggesting that Jeremyon had fallen asleep early, likely in shock from his heartbreak.

‘Poor thing… the shock must be immense. It was his first love, after all.’

There was a time when I thought it was impossible to change the major plot point where Jeremyon and Lilliana ended up together.

No matter how much I interfered with their relationship, there were no signs of them parting ways.

‘Well, at least now I know for sure that there is no forced connection to the original story…’

Still, I was somewhat shocked. Although, of course, the one most shocked must be Jeremyon.

‘I hope he doesn’t suffer too much…’

Though I came here out of concern, I quietly turned away for now.

“Sweet dreams, Jeremyon.”

I hoped that tomorrow would bring a slightly improved version of him.

With a short, silent comfort for my heartbroken son, I disappeared from the scene.

***

It had been four days since Jeremyon returned after being rejected.

So, had he regained any of his usual expressions?

To cut to the chase, not at all.

“My son, it is the duty of the head of the family to eat. If you won’t have a proper meal, at least have some fruit or bread.”

“……”

“Do you intend to abandon your duties as the head of the household?”

I stood in front of Jeremyon’s office, banging on the door.

“M-madam…”

Perhaps my behavior seemed too harsh, as one of Jeremyon’s servants hesitantly tried to stop me. It seemed like he was new, judging by his unfamiliar face.

Hmph, foolish boy. This wasn’t the time to be stopping me but rather helping me—that was the proper way to serve his master.

Jeremyon had skipped meals for four whole days! If he collapsed, the ones who would suffer the most were the servants attending to him.

Of course, even though they served their master, especially someone as capricious as Jeremyon or myself, they couldn’t force him to eat, no matter how much it was for his health.

That’s why I had to step in… though this new servant was oblivious to that fact!

I shot the servant a quick glare before continuing to knock on Jeremyon’s door.

“M-madam, Lord Jeremyon has instructed that no one be allowed in…”

A maid who had followed me with some bread tried to stop the new servant from interfering with me.

“Shh, stay quiet. you must be new, so you don’t know, but the madam always has her reasons.”

“But…”

The servant cast a frustrated glance at the other staff, but they only nodded silently in agreement with the maid.

In the end, the servant fell silent.

Hmm, being a trusted mistress of the household was certainly convenient.

I had always been a troublemaker, so I thought it would be hard to earn the trust of the staff initially.

But perhaps they had come to realize that my actions weren’t malicious, as they generally showed me respect and loyalty.

‘Or maybe it’s just because I pay them well?’

Either way, it worked out in my favor.

I turned my focus back to the task of getting my son, who had holed himself up in his office, to come out.

“Jeremyon. Come out. How long do you intend to lock yourself in there?”

“……”

But there was no response from him.

“What am I going to do with this boy?”

It wasn’t like I intended to comfort him in such an aggressive manner from the start.

I had quietly delivered bread for him and even gifted him one of my prized wines.

But Jeremyon didn’t accept anything, as if he didn’t need comfort at all.

Even when I tried to give him things I thought he would like, I couldn’t figure out what that might be.

Jeremyon wasn’t particularly greedy for money, but that was because his desire for power outweighed material wealth. He had always seen money as a means to power since childhood.

‘So, giving him expensive things wouldn’t make him happy…’

Besides, he was one of the wealthiest individuals in the empire, so he likely already had everything he wanted.

At first, I thought it was best just to leave him alone and quietly provide him with food.

But after four days of him not touching any food, I realized I had to push a bit harder to ensure he got some nutrition.

‘In a way, it’s partly my fault… I feel awful.’

Over the past few days, I had thought about Lilliana’s feelings.

And I soon realized who had thwarted Jeremyon’s love.

‘The love Lilliana once poured into Jeremyon in the original story is now directed at someone else. That person is…’

Me.

It was me.

So, the reason Jeremyon got rejected… his rival in love… it’s all because of me!

In the original story, Lilliana had no one to rely on, so she easily realized her love for Jeremyon. But now, Liliana depends on me and has developed affection for me instead.

In other words…

I stole my son’s woman!

‘I’m sorry, Jeremyon. It just happened…’

In the end, if you think about it, the reason Jeremyon is in this state could be seen as my fault.

So, whatever I can do for him, I must do my best.

I stopped banging on the door and stood in silence for a moment.

Then, in a voice that was both commanding and sincere, I asked Jeremyon,

“Son, how long are you going to keep this up?”

“…I’m handling my work just fine.”

Surprisingly, he responded.

Not missing the opportunity, I pressed on. I had to get him out of his gloomy state, somehow.

“It’s not about the work. I’ve always told you that the head of the family must never lose their balance.”

“…What are you trying to say?”

“Let’s go out. Get some fresh air. It’s been a while… or rather, it might be the first time.”

“What?”

I could almost see Jeremyon’s confused expression from behind the door.

“I’m saying let’s go out together, as a change of pace. If you keep this up, you’ll rot away.”

I smiled slyly.

In the seven years I had been Jeremyon’s stepmother, we had never gone out together like this.

He had always hated me to the core. But now, it was clear that our relationship had changed.

The fact that Jeremyon followed me out so obediently was proof.

‘I thought he’d resist more, but maybe deep down, he wanted to get some fresh air too.’

Whatever the reason, I was glad.

Now that I had brought him outside.

My plan for the day was to take him to a nice restaurant for a meal and then browse a few shops.

Honestly, I wasn’t sure what kind of places to visit when going out with my son… but Jeremyon didn’t seem to care much anyway.

So, I could do as I pleased.

With that lighthearted attitude, I led Jeremyon down an alleyway.

But soon… I regretted my choice.

“Oh? Mother! What a surprise to see you here!”

“Yes, Lilliana… what a coincidence.”

“Oh my, and Jeremyon is here too? Are you two out together?”

I had run into the person I least wanted to meet right now. And beside her…

“Liliana, where are you rushing off to–”

Tristan, who had followed behind her, locked eyes with me.

“To meet Lady Winder in such a place. It seems today is truly full of fortune. And the gentleman beside you is…”

At that moment, I wanted nothing more than to flee. Even though I’m usually unshakable.

“Aha, Count Winder, I presume? Nice to meet you. I’m Lilliana’s brother.”

“Yes, indeed. It’s our first time being introduced, Your Grace the Duke of Locke. I’m Jeremyon Winder.”

Tristan and Jeremyon exchanged businesslike smiles and shook hands.

Watching this, I felt dizzy.

A rejected son, his ex-girlfriend, the ex-girlfriend’s brother, and me—the one who rejected her brother!

The four of us, in this chaotic mix, had finally come together for the first time…