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

That day, when I confidently proposed a contract marriage, Jeremyon responded like this:

“Get out.”

“Pardon? What did you just say…?”

“Did you not understand? Get out of my mansion.”

Seira was taken aback by the cold, sharp warning.

This couldn’t be happening, right? Jeremyon needed her.

But she wasn’t someone who would retreat so easily. She had another card up her sleeve.

“If you throw me out like this now, do you know what might happen afterward?”

“Do I need to know that?”

“You might. What if I reveal the truth about your contract relationship out of frustration?”

Jeremyon let out a bitter smile, as if in disbelief.

“Ha. Who would believe a story with no evidence?”

“Even without evidence… would it be difficult for me to spread a little rumor? One day, it could grow and put you in a disgraceful situation.”

“You’re speaking so arrogantly, relying on your father.”

“No, I believe in myself. I’m sure my judgment isn’t wrong. But don’t worry too much. Do you think I would actually spread a rumor? If we’re engaged, your honor becomes my honor. However…”

“…”

“If you don’t ask me to dance at the victory banquet… I might, in my hurt feelings, accidentally spill the secret to my closest friends.”

Contrasting with her nonchalant threat, Seira smiled sweetly like an angel.

Jeremyon’s face twisted.

“Ridiculous.”

“…I expect a wise decision.”

That was their final conversation.

Since then, she hadn’t received any contact from Jeremyon, but Seira was confident.

Given his pride, he might initially refuse… but in the end, he had no choice but to come around.

‘I am someone he absolutely needs.’

A woman of noble heritage, of marriageable age from an esteemed family.

After all, aside from the departed Lilliana, she was the only one who could take that place. In other words, she was the only one who could replace Lilliana.

‘No, I’m far better. I have royal blood in my veins.’

Thus, Jeremyon Winder couldn’t easily give up the trump card of having the esteemed daughter of the Bendon family.

Fully aware of this, Seira dared to take this extreme measure.

‘Sorry, Lilliana. But you should have been a bit smarter. Otherwise, you wouldn’t lose everything to me.’

If she thought about it, Lilliana was born with everything in her hands from the beginning.

She had a pretty face, though it didn’t show under outdated clothes, a gentle heart, and even the high status of a duke’s daughter.

But the person herself didn’t know how to use any of it, always standing there with a foolish look on her face.

‘Pathetic as it is… it’s fortunate for me.’

Today, once again, Lilliana had to be her scapegoat, so Seira could shine even more.

‘No matter how hard you try, in the end, you’ll be beneath me.’

And so, she deliberately approached Jeremyon, taking on a risk, just for this.

Just then, lively music began to resonate throughout the banquet hall.

People were pairing up one by one, preparing to dance.

Amidst the crowd, she saw Jeremyon Winder approaching her.

Seira grinned.

‘Yes, perfect timing. As expected, he couldn’t reject my proposal.’

The stage was set. Now it was time to savor the sweet fruit.

“Would you honor me with a dance?”

It was a polite and gentle request.

“Lilliana.”

If only it weren’t for the name attached at the end.

I thought everything was perfect, but where had it all gone wrong?

Seira couldn’t believe what was unfolding before her eyes.

Something was seriously amiss.

“…Huh? J-Jeremyon. Are you talking to me?”

Lilliana’s eyes widened in shock, as though she had never imagined that Jeremyon would ask her to dance.

Of course, everyone around them was just as surprised.

“What’s going on? How did this happen?”

“Exactly. They supposedly broke up. But then, why… And isn’t Count Winder supposed to marry Lady Benden…?”

People exchanged bewildered glances as they looked back and forth between the three of them.

“….”

Amidst the pouring stares, Seira forgot to plaster her mask-like smile and let her face twist in discomfort.

Lilliana was still blinking blankly, utterly dazed.

Only Jeremyon, the very person who had created this stir, looked utterly composed as he waited for her response.

“Lilliana.”

It was only when he called her former lover’s name again that she managed to pull herself together.

Instead of replying, Lilliana hastily grabbed Jeremyon’s hand and pulled him to a less crowded area. People, captivated by the intriguing scene, parted to make way.

“….”

Jeremyon calmly followed her, his gaze fixed on Lilliana’s pale hand that was leading him along.

Finally, when they were far enough from the crowd that their conversation would remain unheard, Lilliana spoke up.

“Jeremyon! What on earth are you thinking? Asking me to dance?!”

“Why? Can I not ask you for a dance?”

He seemed genuinely puzzled by her concern, responding nonchalantly as if he didn’t see what the issue was.

‘What in the world is he thinking…?’

Lilliana was truly bewildered.

Oddly enough, she felt a pang in her chest when she realized Jeremyon could have danced with Seira in front of everyone.

Perhaps it was a lingering possessiveness over him, who had once been her contractual lover, or maybe it was an unease about losing him, now that he had become a cherished friend.

Though she couldn’t quite identify her exact feelings, there was one thing she knew for certain.

She was pleased that Jeremyon had asked her—not someone else—to dance.

‘But… is Jeremyon really okay with this?’

As someone who had once been in a contract with him, Lilliana understood how much he desperately wished to shed the label of an adopted commoner, something that would stay with him no matter who he became.

The only way to overcome that stigma was through marriage, and aside from her, Seira was the only one who could give him that opportunity.

For that reason, she couldn’t purely enjoy his invitation. She feared he might lose what he truly wanted.

“We don’t need to do this anymore. I’m no longer… neither your lover nor anything else. If you keep going this way, then what you wanted….”

“It doesn’t matter. I just… want to dance with you.”

“Why me…?”

Lilliana trailed off, not knowing what to say. Jeremyon smiled faintly, drawing a gentle arc with his lips.

“The necklace looks good on you.”

“Oh….”

His gaze, warm and as sweet as honey, tickled her heart.

Now that she thought about it, when Vanessa had given her this necklace, she had said something along those lines.

—

‘Be sure to thank Jeremyon for it.’

‘Huh? Jeremyon?’

‘You two should discuss it in detail. After all, it’s a gift from him, not from me.’

—

Even though she knew Vanessa wouldn’t lie, it had been hard to believe at the time. She had wondered if she’d heard wrong.

But was it really true? That Jeremyon had given her such a special necklace?

That kind of gesture… only happened between lovers.

‘Could it be… does Jeremyon…?’

She had once confirmed it wasn’t so. She had buried that thought deeply within her heart ever since.

‘But perhaps…’

The sudden thought made her face turn as red as a beet.

She felt the warmth spreading across her cheeks. Thank goodness for makeup; it helped hide her expression. Otherwise, she might have exposed her true feelings.

At that moment, Jeremyon urged her for an answer once more.

“Lilliana, so… what’s your answer?”

“Oh….”

She hesitated for a brief moment, but it was unnecessary; her answer had already been decided.

“All right, Jeremyon. Be my partner.”

Lilliana answered with a bright smile.