The Despised Stepmother Begins Her Second Life

“If I were to suddenly pass away… would you look after my family for me?” For the sake of my beloved best friend, I married her husband. It was the final wish of my one and only true friend in this world. To protect the two children she left behind, I became their stepmother. Enduring the deep resentment of her sons and the harsh, judging glares of society, I spent seven long years in a contract marriage just to fulfill that promise. But the moment the children came of age, I walked away without a single shred of regret—exactly as agreed. Just as I was finally setting out to live life on my own terms, completely unexpected people began appearing before me. The Third Prince, who vanished without a trace seven years ago; my first love, whom I haven’t forgotten for a single day; and even m