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 son 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 my ex-husband and stepsons, who are only now realizing what they’ve lost…!