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

As Lilliana entered slowly, hand-in-hand with Tristan, the crowd began to murmur.

“Huh? Isn’t that… Lady Locke?”

“No way. She looks completely different!”

In the midst of the bewildered onlookers, Seira’s mask-like smile began to crack.

‘What? That’s supposed to be Lilliana? Don’t make me laugh. I know exactly what kind of person she is!’

Seira scanned Lilliana up and down, her gaze filled with disbelief.

The crimson carpet unfurled beneath her feet, and her clear, aquamarine dress stood out in contrast, capturing everyone’s attention at once. She looked delicate and pure—a striking image. The necklace’s blue gem sparkled brightly under the chandelier, adding a touch of grandeur.

As much as they didn’t want to admit it…

“Wow, Lady Locke is truly beautiful tonight…”

“Indeed…”

Just moments before, Seira’s followers had been singing her praises. Now, they stood in awe of Lilliana. It was an unwelcome sight, yet even upon close inspection, there was nothing to criticize.

By the time Lilliana reached the center of the ballroom, her presence shone even brighter. Surrounded by people adorned in various dazzling jewels, she should have blended in; instead, she stood out like a lone lily in bloom. It was as if she were the star of tonight’s banquet.

‘Annoying.’

Seira looked at Lilliana with an irritated gaze. Her once-timid friend now exuded confidence.

‘So she’s trying now. But… it won’t last long.’

She might have put effort into her appearance for once, but Seira knew Lilliana well. A few words from her, and Lilliana would crumble again.

Smirking, Seira approached her old friend, wearing a mask of angelic grace.

***

“Oh my! Is that really you, Lilliana? You’ve changed so much I almost didn’t recognize you. You look lovely tonight.”

At the familiar voice, Lilliana’s expression stiffened almost imperceptibly. She didn’t need to look to know who it was.

A hidden malice lurked behind the kindness.

There was no doubt; she knew this person all too well.

“Hello, Seira.”

Lilliana clenched her fists discreetly and responded confidently.

‘It’s fine. Don’t let it get to you.’

She lifted her shoulders, putting on a faint smile. Seira also raised the corners of her mouth, though her displeasure was obvious.

‘That look…’

Seira’s predatory gaze scrutinized her from head to toe, making Lilliana feel as if she were being pricked by needles.

In the past, every time Seira wore that expression, it was quickly followed by subtle torment, leaving Liliana too dejected to fight back.

Perhaps because of that history, just meeting Seira’s eyes made her instinctively shrink.

But today, Lilliana had resolved not to back down, no matter what.

As she took a calm, deep breath, a pleasant lily fragrance filled the air.

It was a scent that Vanessa had crafted solely with her in mind. The closeness of the fragrance made Lilliana feel as if Vanessa were right there beside her, cheering her on.

At that moment, a noble lady nearby opened her mouth.

“Lady Locke, you look truly beautiful tonight. And there’s such a delightful fragrance around you…”

“Yes, truly! And that necklace—what is it? I’ve never seen a blue gem sparkle as brilliantly as a diamond before!”

“Oh, this is—”

Lilliana smiled softly, preparing to answer them casually.

But Seira, seemingly displeased by Lilliana’s newfound confidence, abruptly interrupted with a cold comment.

“Lilliana, you look so beautiful tonight; it fills me with pride. But… in another way, it makes me sad.”

“Oh, Lady Benden, whatever do you mean? Is something troubling you?”

With a sorrowful look, Seira sighed before answering, as though reluctantly.

“…It’s just, I worry about Lilliana. She’s lovely with her new look, but… I wonder how much hardship she must have gone through to end up this way; it’s heartbreaking.”

The word “hardship” made everyone’s eyes light up, like wolves closing in. No one here was unaware of what that implied.

At last, the subject of her rumored heartbreak came up. Not willing to miss this rare chance, a noble lady standing beside Lilliana spoke with feigned sympathy.

“Lady Locke, I saw the article… What exactly happened? An unexpected breakup, just like that…”

Hearing this, Seira smirked inwardly.

‘Now, Lilliana, how will you respond?’

She imagined a few likely reactions from her former friend.

‘Even if it was a contract relationship, it was clear that Lilliana was romantically interested in Count Winder.’

And it had undoubtedly been a one-sided crush.

The contract relationship was terminated, her love unrequited, leaving Lilliana in utter despair. Seira imagined that Lilliana would likely be speechless in response to this question, biting her lip foolishly as she had always done.

But… something was strange.

By now, the Lilliana she knew should have started to shrink back. Yet she stood confidently, shoulders straight, with a faint smile on her face. Her sparkling blue eyes no longer betrayed her inner thoughts.

Although Seira’s prediction that Liliana would keep silent was correct, Lilliana’s poise felt unsettling.

It was then that Josephine Lint, one of Seira’s longtime followers, clapped her hands as if realizing something.

“Now that I think about it… Lady Benden! I heard some news—that there are talks of marriage between the Winder family and the Benden family!”

Of course, it was Josephine. She had tactfully redirected the topic.

Seira watched the reactions around her.

The surrounding ladies excitedly jumped into the new conversation.

“Oh my, is that true? Then… is the count…?”

Noticing the curious looks from those wondering if some love triangle was at play, Seira waved her hand dismissively, feigning embarrassment.

“No, it’s not like that. I barely knew Count Winder until recently. It’s just something my father hopes for…”

She covered her mouth with a sly smile.

After all, what did the truth matter? In the end, Jeremyon would act as she wished.

“Well, congratulations are in order then.”

“Indeed, it’s wonderful news. Lady Benden and Count Winder… they would make a lovely pair.”

This highly improper conversation continued in front of Lilliana, who was known as his former lover.

It was all part of Seira’s plan—a scheme to witness Lilliana’s face contort with emotion.

She wanted to confirm with her own eyes that, despite her outward transformation, Lilliana’s inner self remained unchanged.

But to Seira’s surprise, her old friend continued to wear a gentle smile, as though nothing she said could faze her.

Even as the conversation went on, it was the same.

“If a marriage proposal is underway… perhaps the two of you will dance together tonight?”

“Oh, don’t say that. It’s still just in the discussion stage… Besides, Lilliana is right here.”

Though Seira feigned humility, she kept glancing at Lilliana for a reaction.

Something felt off. This wasn’t the Lilliana she knew.

The Lilliana she remembered was delicate, like the leaves of a willow swaying in the wind at the faintest words. But watching her unwavering confidence, Seira felt as though she were the one being tested.

Seira’s mind was in turmoil, and Lilliana’s emotions were equally complex.

Listening to the conversation, she had come to a realization.

‘So, that’s it. Jeremyon… he’s going to dance with Seira tonight.’

If the talk of marriage was serious, if Jeremyon truly intended to marry Seira, it was only natural.

The thought of seeing them together caused her heart to clench painfully.

But that was all.

Though the sadness lingered, today, Lilliana had no intention of letting Seira see her past self again.

She believed it was the only way to repay Vanessa, who had supported her.

“Lady Locke, despite hearing about your former lover, you seem rather composed.”

“It’s surprising you’d think that. And yet, here you are discussing it right in front of me.”

Seira’s followers fell silent, exchanging uneasy glances at Lilliana’s pointed response.

Lilliana simply smiled calmly once more.

Her noble, lily-like demeanor instantly captured everyone’s attention, exuding an air of grace that grated on Seira’s nerves.

‘Fine, let’s see how long you can stay so composed.’

Seira still had one card left to play.

She would partner with Jeremyon and dance in front of Lilliana, whom everyone believed was heartbroken.

No matter how strong-willed Lilliana had become, she wouldn’t be able to endure this sight.

‘If only we could announce an engagement, not just dance… Unfortunately, that will have to wait.’

Seira recalled her recent visit to the Winder estate.