RegisterLogin
Theme
Search
Series Group
The Terminally Ill Stepmother Will Now Disappear
Type
Web Novel (KR)
Genre
Tags[ ]
Loading...
Tags List | Request Tag
Rating(3.2 / 5.0, 77 votes)
5    31% (24 votes)
4    16% (12 votes)
3    19% (15 votes)
2    10% (8 votes)
1    23% (18 votes)
Language
Support Book (#ad)
Author(s)
One entry per line
Artist(s)
One entry per line
Year
Example: 2012
2024
Status in COO
Status in Country of Origin. One entry per line
180 Chapters (Completed):
⊱ Main Story: 174 Chapters
⊱ Side Stories: 6 Chapters
Licensed
No
Completely Translated
Original Publisher
One entry per line
English Publisher
One entry per line
N/A
Release Frequency
Every 4.3 Day(s)
Activity Stats
[Graph]
Weekly Rank: #150
Monthly Rank: #298
All Time Rank: #6761
Reading List
[Graph]
On 989 Reading Lists
Monthly Rank: #2784
All Time Rank: #8901

Description

Links are NOT allowed. Format your description nicely so people can easily read them. Please use proper spacing and paragraphs.

“Live like a mouse for a year. Don’t try to do anything or stand out.”

I ended up entering a contract marriage with the man I had been secretly in love with. On the very day I was given a terminal diagnosis.

I thought it was for the best. Because someone as insignificant as me would at least get to be his wife for a short while.

I resolved to live quietly for a year and then leave without a trace.

As promised, I lived quietly in the estate.

“I never thought of you as my mother in the first place. So don’t get any hopes.” Said his adopted son.

The children left behind at the estate were ones carrying deep scars.

I never intended to become a mother to them, either. After all, I was someone who would leave soon. But…

“I know. But have you eaten?”

At the very least, I needed to feed the children.

Gradually, I began preparing for the end.

Not knowing that my departure might drive him crazy.

Associated Names
One entry per line
시한부 계모는 이제 사라져 드릴게요
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
A Stepmother’s Marchen (1)
Recommendation Lists
  1. heart and gut-wrenching
  2. ANGST LIST?
  3. Current Reads May 2025 -
  4. girl throw that man away
  5. The Criterion Collection Romance List

Latest Release

Date Group Release
07/20/25 Lily on the Valley side story 1side...
07/20/25 Lily on the Valley side story 1side...
07/18/25 Lily on the Valley side story 2.5
07/18/25 Lily on the Valley side story 2.4
07/02/25 Lily on the Valley side story 2.3
07/02/25 Lily on the Valley side story 2.2
07/02/25 Lily on the Valley side story 2.1
07/02/25 Lily on the Valley side story 1.6
07/02/25 Lily on the Valley side story 1.5
07/02/25 Lily on the Valley side story 1.4
07/02/25 Lily on the Valley side story 1.3
07/02/25 Lily on the Valley side story 1.2
07/02/25 Lily on the Valley side story 1.1
05/20/25 Moonlight Novels c174
05/20/25 Moonlight Novels c173
123…13
Go to Page...
Go to Page...
Write a Review
9 Reviews sorted by


Gaia_Ahl
New Gaia_Ahl
July 18, 2025
Status: side story 1.4
The novel started of so heartwarming. Helena pressed for time decided to live what she wanted to do before her impending doom. She started of as a kuudere but slowly warmed up to everyone. Her time with the children was the best scene of all times. At first, you might think that maybe the story is all about childcare as how Helena's presence made a big impact on the family even as far as 'scolding' or giving advice to Calligo about the children's circumstances. Somehow, it made me think that... more>> maybe the plot is all about after gaining everyone's love, she suddenly left because her illness was nearing and she didn't want to let the children see her dying. But no, it wasn't. It was full on angst time.

I also had my fair share of tears, the amount of angst and everyone's treatment on Helena especially that piece of shii Calligo the ML later on. I feel bad for the 2nd ML as he was the one who stood by her side the whole time and as usual like a cannon-fodder and was casted away. Due to power and money he broke down and admitted that he can't protect her. Not everyone might agree with his pestering ways but honestly I wish they ended up together.

I'm just mad that the redemption arc wasn't enough. I just hate how these fudgin' MLs are easily forgiven by the FL's kindness. He did try to apologise but she declined.

Also, don't worry too much on the tragedy tag, just give it a try. Although I felt unsatisfied especially the side stories that I somehow regret reading it.

Spoiler

As of this time, most of the side stories are still unlocked. Helena's recovering well and was now expanding her interests from horse riding to ballroom dancing. I do love the first chapters that she still admits she still feels uncomfortable around Calligo. She did have thoughts what to describe about their relationship as she thinks about the future. I thought that their relationship would just be that it would remain amicable throughout the end and it would take time for her to heal again because she's still traumatised from Calligo's ab*se. But I somehow hated it because it didn't take long for her to open her heart again to him. I was like, "Bruhhh wha happened to what he's done to uuuu?"

After opening Translator's Patreon because I can't wait and just seeing the locked chapter's summary, I was shocked to see that she got pregnant and also twins?!

[collapse]
<<less
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
raiden loves anarchy
New raiden loves anarchy rated it
July 16, 2025
Status: c77
Hats off to the translation. It's not everyday that you can see eloquently phrased rofans. Although there were confusing parts due to the change in POV, it was still a fun read.

This rofan is a nice punch to the gut when you need something to make yourself feel bad. There's enough of found family to let you forget that she's dying. You can think of Me Before You but add cute children, revenge, and a hot doctor.

With that said, the people are right: Caligo's (ML) actions are infuriating... as it's... more>> supposed to be. There's definitely more tr*shier and scummy MLs in other rofans compared to Caligo, but that doesn't change the fact that he has a punchable face. His flawed character is what drives the story–atleast, for me, it does. After all, I didn't dive in to see the FL die romantically with a man that treats her right. Haha.

And what's more irritating is FL's family. Good thing these people are fictional or else I would've made them eat their own **** and lick toiletbowls for a living. s*um of the earth.

Jeremy and Joshua are really cute kids. The character development between the characters makes the story sweeter.

Thank you for the food. <<less
0 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
rishvaria
rishvaria rated it
March 26, 2025
Status: c112
Translation is really really amazing.

i never bothered to write a review before but this story is literally making my blood boil. The first few chapters its okay, it's just a typical rofan. The interaction between FL and the children is cute and heartwarming. The ML behavior to FL at first makes sense.

However entering around 40 or 50 chapters, his behaviors straight up turns into tr*sh. I literally have to take a deep, deep breath every time it's his scene. Yes, i've read his POV. Yes, I tried to understand his... more>> way of thinking; but why bother make a sweet scenes between both of them in the earlier chapters and then just flip it over and make the ML straight up a jerk??? Even jerk can't describe how much hatred I have for this guy.

I know in the end he will be the ML, and when that happens I will truly drop this because I truly believe how much he grovels and regrets will never be enough. At this point I'm still reading just for FL. <<less
9 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
notyourcupid
notyourcupid rated it
January 4, 2025
Status: c20
[review as of ch20]

absolutely wonderful, a delightful read of a stepmother who has a good heart and good intentions but pretends she does not care for anything, reminds me of cale henituse from tcf. She's a tough woman, who has suffered a lot and had to endure the scars from her childhood till adulthood, but has not lost her heart.

the story now is focusing on the two children (jeremy and joshua) and her (helena) with the male lead starting to become part of it as well. The seamless integration of... more>> each setting, somewhat peaceful farming activities of their day to day lives, and the connections of each character is done absolutely well! I adore this story very much.

finally, thank you to the translator who brought this story to us! 🫶🏻 Their translations are simple and easy on the eyes, staying faithful to the original kr raws! Thank you for your hard work^^ <<less
7 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
KnightML
KnightML rated it
March 25, 2025
Status: c82
Honestly both the positive and negative reviews of this are true. Up to around chapter 60, it's angsty and there's a lot of sadness reflecting about illness and FL and ML not realizing their feelings, but a lot happens that is pretty well handled and I liked both of them and could understand their actions.

However, past a certain point when they're in the capital, it feels like ML's character changes - he starts doing things that create misunderstandings, not being aware of things that he used to be, and honestly... more>> not being as perceptive and likeable as he was. This leads to him getting a lower and lower opinion of FL, while she becomes more and more pathetic, and he then outright says things to her that are incredibly hurtful and even thinks awful things about her that seem completely contrary to when we read his thoughts in earlier chapters.

I can only believe that the author couldn't think of a better way to drag out the story, since at this point it's only about four months into FLs last year. Imo it really hurts the story and makes it a slog to read through. There are currently about 140 ch out so I may just skip some to see if it improves again.

Update: it just gets more frustrating and the ML gets worse. Spoilers for chapter numbers:

Start of regret:

Spoiler

Caligo only starts to discover her back story and illness about ch 130 or so, and imo it's not handled well at all, just dealt with quickly.

[collapse]

As of chapter 140-ish, near the end,
Spoiler

it really feels like not only was the ML crap in the end but even him regretting and trying to find her are dragged out in satisfactorily by keeping him in the capital for so long.

[collapse]
There is more happening plotwise but overall after chapter 70 or so this wasn't to my taste. <<less
6 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Felicitas
Felicitas rated it
March 4, 2025
Status: c125
It's interesting, but angst inducing novel. Translation is great.

If you're hoping for light, relaxing, child care oriented story then this is not for you. It's very frustrating and depressing.

... more>>
Spoiler

Caligo is absolutely horrible ML. He's a terrible husband and a father. He's guardian of his 12 year old twin nephews Joshua and Jeremy.

Duke is completely neglecting the boy's education and upbringing. The boys aren't in school, nor do they have any tutors or nannies. They aren't eating, one has body covered with injuries and Caligo doesn't take a notice.

He's emotionally stunted. He can't communicate and reacts poorly. He's jealous and cruel towards Helena (the FL). Helena is getting more sick with each passing day and he doesn't pay any attention to her worsening state.

Even strangers are concerned about her, but not him.

[collapse]
<<less
6 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Cellicia
Cellicia
March 18, 2025
Status: c24
I rarely left any reviews unless I really like the story or there's characters I would like to defend and in this case, that would be the later. Actually both applies.

I must say without any intended disrespect to the previous commentator that the review is extremely biased.

While the story doesn't necessarily focus on healing and happy-go-lucky thing, there's enough growth and bonding around, it's not so depressing and frustrating as they said. U know what's depressing and frustrating? If u know a novel or manhwa titled "what it means to... more>> be you" then you'll understand how reading that will leave u feeling devastated and depressed.

Caligo the husband is not as bad as described in their review at all. In fact there's enough circumstances to provide reasons on why he acts the way he is. It's all about understanding the why and reasons behind his actions.

Caligo is a first time parent too, he doesn't know any better how to take care of children, not to mention his responsibilities as a northern duke who is in charge of defense and always have to go into the battlefield. But even so, he still tries to take care of the children in his own way.
Spoiler

this is evident in how he's letting Joshua lie to him about going into the academy and choose to silently support him instead.

[collapse]

Caligo simply doesn't know enough about Helena's circumstances and he's also in denial about his growing feelings.
Spoiler

he's in denial about his growing feelings but when Helena went to the mountains to pick strawberries for Jeremy, (which causes an uproar and misunderstandings, people thought she's going to unalive herself) Caligo summoned the entire army to form a search party for her. Heck he even went into the mountain himself. After reading that how is he supposed to be the worst? There's plenty of other worse ML than Caligo in other novels.

[collapse]
<<less
2 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
DieBish
DieBish rated it
June 16, 2025
Status: c145
I don't really leave reviews so I guess this would be the first? First off, kudos to the translator, the translation is amazing.

The angst if I were to rate it, perhaps 3 out of 5? Mainly because of Helena.

I love Helena and the children. Watching their interactions truly melts my heart. The female lead is kind, selfless, yet also intelligent. She's endured so much, and that's what really breaks me. The scenes where she farms and cares for the children are especially heartwarming.

What I loved about this novel the most... more>> is the first half of chapters, where you can really see the bond growing between Helena and the children, the fleeting interaction of Caligo and Helena which really made me forget that this was tagged as tragedy for a sec. The sudden shift baffled me at some point, though I quite understand how Caligo's character is made. His internal conflict actually reminded me of Jeremy's and the facade he put-on would-be Joshua. (I do not know if that is the right wording, forgive me)

That said, I agree that Caligo wasn't an entirely "bad" character. While I was frustrated with the misunderstandings he caused, I didn't hate him 'that much'. Compared to other MLs in similar stories, he wasn't the worst ones. His actions made sense, and it was understandable—he was in denial, torn between love and hatred. After all, Helena is an "Eskel" (BUT THAT, Which was his main basis and what he uses to justify his action literally set me off bad and made me dislike him), he's deeply conflicted about falling in love with the daughter of the people responsible for his brother's death. Adding to that he acts irrationally, and his emotions are in turmoil whenever Helena is involved, which led to him throwing some pretty harsh words at her. His mind is clearly at war with his heart. There were many flaws in his character, however, that doesn't mean any of his actions were pleasing or tolerable.
Spoiler

What set me off at some point is that if he's aiming for revenge to the Eskels, how come he didn't think of investigating their background first? Specially Helena's, as she is his wife? Correct me if I'm wrong as from what I read in the novel, he found out about her situation quite easily.

[collapse]

Also as the plot goes on it felt like it really was dragging so much that I have to skip a lot of chapters. The part where they find out about Helena's situation left me in dissatisfaction, I even don't want to see Caligo regret and grovel, because what do you mean that after all that plot getting dragged around, that was it? It felt like the author had enough and decided to rush the novel.

Spoiler

I decided to stop after the Eskel Family finally turn into ruins and Helena left the capital with her maid Jane, finally settling in. It felt like it was the ending that was enough for me. Though I do feel bad about the twins and I honestly don't want Helena to be alone or suffer in any more loneliness thinking of them even in death. It would've been great if she stayed in Horion with her new life and the just twins visiting her. Don't know what will happen with Caligo tho.

[collapse]
<<less
1 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
stephhiny
stephhiny rated it
July 6, 2025
Status: Completed
It’s heart wrenching. I cried and cried while reading..

I love the interactions between Helena and the kids. I hated how the ML kept having ambiguous relationship. I hated how he treated her. Not my fav ML, But, well, someone with a crush is usually blind and as long as she’s happy.. I think the FL is cool. She’s mentally strong, I love her!

I love the story. The story might feel long in the middle but anyway I enjoyed everything. The translations are awesome. Thank you for the author and the... more>> translation teams for completing this novel~ <<less
0 Likes · Like Permalink | Report
Leave a Review (Guidelines)
You must be logged in to rate and post a review. Register an account to get started.

Novel Updates

User Tools

Latest Series

| Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Contact Us