Selected as the New Stepmother (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 12
It was an unusually lucky morning. Even Anna’s always-failed fried eggs turned out perfect.
My hair was styled better than ever, and I didn’t have to go pick up my father last night. In fact, my father had been sprawled in the living room since morning, lost in thought.
“Miss, will you stop by the blacksmith’s today?”
“Yes. I’ll go and try to talk to him properly.”
I planned to ask the blacksmith to persuade Lanson to sign a contract with Blackswan. If I was lucky enough to meet him, I’d try to convince him myself.
Apparently, the museum still hadn’t taken him yet, and he remained at the blacksmith’s.
Could it be that fortune might finally come my way?
“Then I’ll head to the office first.”
“Alright. I’ll make sure I’m gone before the Kid arrives.”
Anna handed me a silk sunhat and a handbag as I finished preparing to leave.
With solemn steps, I stepped out of the mansion and boarded the rickshaw I’d ordered earlier, heading straight for the blacksmith’s.
[This is the timeline separator]The hot heat was punctuated by the rhythmic clang of metal striking metal. Amid the pungent scent of chemicals, the smell of metal dust rose thickly.
“Thank you for making time for me despite your busy schedule.”
“No need to thank me.”
Beside the blacksmith, whose face glowed red from the fire, stood Lanson. Tall—head and shoulders taller than me—he avoided my gaze with an awkward, bashful expression.
“Could we have a moment alone?”
The blacksmith nodded and gave Lanson a light tap on the shoulder.
“Lanson, it’s too noisy here. Why don’t you step outside and talk?”
He nodded in reply. I walked to a nearby café, slightly removed from the forge. Fortunately, it was early, so few people were around, and no small concert was being held.
He stared intently at the chattering patrons inside the café. Then, gently brushing soot-stained clothing with his fingers, he asked,
“Do… do I even belong here?”
“Of course you do.”
I smiled in response.
We found a quiet table and sat down. Lanson fidgeted awkwardly, sitting stiffly on the chair.
“He looks like a giant bear seated here.”
His thick, dark brown hair, hanging over his ears, revealed his clumsy, gentle nature.
It was astonishing that such a large, strong man—with big hands and a massive frame—could create such delicate, romantic sculptures.
“Would you like coffee?”
“Anything’s fine.”
I signaled the waiter and ordered two cups of coffee.
Lanson, clearly uncomfortable with the cozy café atmosphere, kept shifting his legs. His rough fingertips were covered in faint scars, visible only upon close inspection.
“Do you know why I came to see you today?”
“I… have a rough idea.”
Then the conversation would be easier.
“I’m glad. I want you to grow alongside Blackswan.”
I listed the names of the artists Blackswan had nurtured, detailing the achievements and fame they’d gained under its patronage.
“I hear the Artenbach Museum offered you favorable terms. Is that true?”
“Yes.”
Just then, the coffee arrived. I urged him to take a sip.
The ordinary-sized cup looked like a child’s teacup in his massive hands.
“Please listen while you drink. I can’t offer better terms than the Artenbach Museum has. But…”
Pffft.
He suddenly spat out the coffee. Fortunately, he’d turned his head aside, so none splattered on me.
“What is this?”
He asked, stunned, still holding the cup. I pulled out a napkin and wiped the table.
“It’s coffee. The most popular item here.”
“It tastes like boiled tree roots.”
“Have you never had coffee before?”
“Yes.”
Then it’s understandable.
“You might like it better with milk. Or would you prefer something else?”
“I’ll have milk.”
I raised my hand to call the waiter and ordered a napkin and milk.
Lanson looked like he wanted to stick out his tongue. I watched him silently, then spoke gently.
“Shall I continue with what I wanted to say? Is that alright?”
“Oh, yes. Sorry for interrupting.”
He offered an awkward smile—truly like a giant bear.
“I can’t offer better terms, but there’s one thing I can guarantee.”
Lanson’s dark eyes looked down at me.
“I’ll let you live freely.”
Seeing his confused expression, I elaborated:
“The Artenbach Museum requires all its artists to live communally—rising at set times, eating meals together, following a strict schedule. But if you join Blackswan, we’ll tailor every aspect of your routine to your personal preferences.”
This was one of Blackswan’s signature benefits. Frankly, we simply didn’t have enough artists to justify communal living, nor the funds to run it on that scale.
But I couldn’t say, “We’re not doing it like the museum because we’re broke.”
“However… even if I want this, there are reasons I can’t simply grant it.”
“I know you’ve been introduced to Lanson by the blacksmith, and that the museum lent you money. I can resolve that.”
Lanson’s eyes flickered slightly.
“If you choose Blackswan, we’ll handle every troublesome issue that follows.”
“I’ll think about it carefully.”
“Thank you.”
The milk and napkins arrived. I poured milk into Lanson’s coffee cup.
“Drink it comfortably.”
[This is the timeline separator]After finishing our coffee and settling the bill, we rose from our seats. The streets were beginning to stir with activity.
“Are you returning to the blacksmith’s?”
As we walked side by side toward the forge, Lanson asked, his face expressionless. Apparently, sharing one cup of coffee had already eased some of his shyness.
“No. I’m going to Blackswan.”
“That’s quite a distance to walk.”
“If I take a rickshaw from in front of the blacksmith’s…”
I was about to say more when Lanson’s dark eyes flashed for an instant, and he suddenly pulled me into a strong embrace.
I was too stunned to speak. Paralyzed, I could only blink, when a rickshaw rushed past us.
“Be careful.”
He released me casually.
“Oh, thank you.”
It was strange. Despite the unfamiliar man’s hands touching me, I didn’t feel unpleasant.
Lanson, after confirming no more rickshaws were coming, crossed the street ahead of me. I hurried after him, stepping lightly.
We had arrived at the blacksmith’s. Lanson clasped his hands neatly, bowed his head deeply, and stepped inside.
‘Hmm…’
I raised my hand to hail a rickshaw. Then suddenly, I remembered Lanson’s large hands.
‘I guess I like men who are big and bearlike.’
It was a preference I’d discovered for the first time in twenty-four years.
[This is the timeline separator]Having spent a productive time, I stepped down in front of the office and hurried inside upon hearing voices raised in argument. An unexpected person was quarreling with Anna.
“We have a scheduled client. Please come back another time.”
“What scheduled client? This office is falling apart!”
The shrill voice made me straighten my spine. I lifted my chin haughtily.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen your face. Isn’t that right, Miss?”
The man lounging on the sofa in the waiting room spotted me, grinned slyly, and stood up. I replied coldly.
“It’s inconvenient when you arrive unannounced, Sir Johnston.”
“You’ve received several proposals, yet never replied—only swallowed the gifts. Isn’t that why you’re here?”
He strode forward and, moving only his eyes, glanced at my handbag.
“That’s not the bag I gave you… So where did you sell it off this time?”
Johnston circled the room, brushing past me.
“Did you sell every gift I gave you just to buy new office furniture?”
“No! These furnishings…”
Anna started to protest loudly, but I quickly raised my hand to stop her. It wouldn’t do for him to know that someone from the Artenbach family frequented this place.
If he learned a young noble was visiting, he might cause trouble behind the scenes.
“I believe I’ve politely declined your proposal.”
Johnston chuckled.
“If you meant to refuse my proposal, you should’ve refused the gifts too.”
He took my hand and kissed the back of it. I forced myself to suppress the shudder and maintained my haughty posture.
“I don’t understand why you torment me so.”
“Aunty, I’m here!”
The Kid entered the office at the worst possible moment. The child stared, startled, at Johnston holding my hand.
“What’s this?”
Johnston stared at the Kid for a moment, then said,
“Kid, adults are talking. Go play outside.”
It would’ve been ideal if he’d discreetly leave and return later. But from everything I’d observed, the Kid would never simply walk away.
“Isn’t this my scheduled appointment time?”
Anna, flustered, stammered at the Kid’s sharp question.
“W-what should I do?”
I wrenched my hand violently from Johnston’s grip and told Anna,
“Take the Kid outside for a moment.”
“But—”
I knew she was worried about leaving me alone with him.
“Hah! So now Blackswan runs a daycare?”
My mood soured. I felt like slapping him right then.
“Oh, forget it! When will you answer my proposal? Is it noble to accept gifts and then just shut your mouth?”
I glanced at the Kid for a split second. Seeing his face as if struck by lightning, I realized I couldn’t keep him here any longer.
“Anna! Take the Kid out now!”
“Yes, yes!”
Anna quickly wrapped her arms around the Kid and hurried him outside.
Male lead fell into her trap — and shattered when she walked away
This is also on my reread list!
This one is a slow burn, but when it burns, it burns hard.
Definitely worth a read, y’all!
The story follows a thousand-year-old seductive spirit who, on a bet, sets out to charm the male lead—a once-promising but unfortunate cultivator.
But just when she succeeds in making him fall for her, she heartlessly leaves, driving him to madness.
Determined to find her at all costs, he captures her, keeping her by his side no matter what, even if she hates him.
I love this kind of trope—I enjoy watching the male lead suffer in agony.
The ending drags a bit with unnecessary filler, but that’s fine.
As long as I enjoy the beginning, I’m good.
Intro
As an enchantress, Su Heng possesses captivating eyes and charming beauty, easily manipulating the joys and sorrows of living beings at her fingertips.
But to enchant a god, making him taste the bitterness of love’s separation, long-lasting resentment, unattainable desires, and inability to let go…
Do you dare?
Su Heng assists a divine lord in his cultivation, aiming to make him experience all the sufferings of love, so that he can attain the Great Dao.
Only after being chased down from the heavens by the divine lord, confined and completely possessed by him, does she realize how successful she has been.
The once gentle and polite youth has transformed into someone she no longer recognizes.
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