Failed to Escape

Failed to Escape
Stories where the main character attempts to run away, but, inevitably get caught; desperation dripping from toxic wounds caused by the male lead.  

Trigger warning, red flags up!
8 14751 36
106 Followers
Billyjbradshaw
Created: Feb 3rd, 2024, Updated: Jul 14th, 2025
Created Feb 3rd, 2024
Updated Jul 14th, 2025
KR (3.2)
0 Chapters Every 3 Day(s) 3267 Readers 66 Reviews N/A
The male lead is a sociopath and the female lead is rather weak.  But the story is great.  The English translation of the novel is... more>>
KR (3.2)
182 Chapters Every 3.3 Day(s) 1029 Readers 2 Reviews 08-12-2025
R18+  The male lead is not my cup of tea.  However, the storyline is addictive. The male is obsessive.  A: she loves him => consummated... more>>
KR (3.4)
109 Chapters Every 78.1 Day(s) 2229 Readers 23 Reviews 07-28-2022
The two have a consummated contractual marriage meaning: she loves him => he's cold => divorce! => he regrets it
KR (4)
287 Chapters Every 10 Day(s) 5927 Readers 29 Reviews 06-01-2025
The male lead is a psychopath. A: transmigration story as the villain's unwanted wife: she wants to survive => does her best to get his favor => tries to escape when he's not looking... more>>
CN (3.1)
250 Chapters Every 35.6 Day(s) 2264 Readers 29 Reviews 04-15-2024
I sincerely dislike the male lead, even as I'm reading his redemption arc my distaste doesn't abet.  But, I still like the story.  This is a regression story of a lover who died pathetically => tries to get the male lead to abandon her => male lead gives her even more affection => she hates him and runs away multiple times... more>>
KR (2.8)
75 Chapters Every 60.1 Day(s) 1122 Readers 16 Reviews 05-15-2023
The male lead is disgusting.  One of the worst male leads I've come across. A: He is a shitty husband => treats his wife horridly... more>>
KR (3.7)
220 Chapters Every 10.4 Day(s) 1239 Readers 4 Reviews 07-02-2025
It hasn't happened yet, but the storyline is certainly headed in that direction.  She's going to make a run for it eventually. I’m 130 chapters... more>>
KR (3.9)
163 Chapters Every 39.9 Day(s) 5696 Readers 36 Reviews 09-22-2024
The male lead is fuzzy at first, then BAM.  A transmigration into villain's fiance => genuinely develops relationship => uh oh BAM => she has... more>>
KR (2.7)
265 Chapters Every 30.2 Day(s) 2138 Readers 17 Reviews 07-10-2024
As the title clearly indicates.
KR (3.8)
170 Chapters Every 69.2 Day(s) 3582 Readers 31 Reviews 07-13-2025
A story of transmigration into an extra who then regresses: the story is very slow. There might not be "running" but there is a plan... more>>
KR (3.5)
98 Chapters Every 44.5 Day(s) 3153 Readers 24 Reviews 02-26-2024
KR (3.5)
87 Chapters Every 2.7 Day(s) 1327 Readers 7 Reviews 08-09-2025
R18+ This is a very emotionally exhaustive story AND it was dropped by the translator. But, what I did read was very heartbreaking. It’s a... more>>
KR (3.9)
153 Chapters Every 14.9 Day(s) 2354 Readers 18 Reviews 01-17-2025
This ML is so dumb. I don’t usually use that word. But the way he treats the FL isn’t good, however it isn’t bad either.... more>>
KR (2.9)
174 Chapters Every 12.3 Day(s) 1091 Readers 5 Reviews 03-08-2025
I’m in the midst of reading this. It’s a “Doc and Drop” (here’s the divorce papers=>ML ignores => she runs out when he leaves the... more>>
CN (3.6)
142 Chapters Every 63.2 Day(s) 2445 Readers 30 Reviews 05-02-2023
I didn’t find the first few chapters entertaining, so the tab stayed open in my background for months. I finally pushed through the beginning chapters... more>>
KR (2.7)
51 Chapters Every 73.5 Day(s) 1943 Readers 7 Reviews 12-17-2022
I’ll let you know as soon as I formulate it
KR (3)
0 Chapters Every 539 Day(s) 419 Readers 3 Reviews N/A
This story revolves around trauma (read the TW). The couple have a contract marriage and, from the start, have an extremely hateful relationship (but sleep... more>>
KR (4.3)
37 Chapters Every 11.2 Day(s) 8520 Readers 113 Reviews 02-27-2025
I’ll let you know as soon as I start reading it
KR (3.4)
132 Chapters Every 8.8 Day(s) 364 Readers 2 Reviews 04-03-2025
This translation just began, so I can’t determine anything just yet.
KR (2.6)
121 Chapters Every 6.9 Day(s) 541 Readers 2 Reviews 06-25-2025
I’m reading this story slowly. I’m not sure if I like it or not. A FL loved him => ML is a tsundere but also... more>>
CN (3.5)
158 Chapters Every 8.1 Day(s) 1277 Readers 21 Reviews 08-10-2025
I love this story. The protagonist is a very strong and independent person. She is determined and ambitious; passionate about escaping her previous lives and... more>>
KR (3.6)
48 Chapters Every 26.5 Day(s) 658 Readers 2 Reviews 09-28-2024
This is…prominently adult content with a very simple plot (if you can even call it a plot). But what little plot there is fits the... more>>
KR (3.9)
247 Chapters Every 10.2 Day(s) 2497 Readers 8 Reviews 05-16-2025
(Reading chapter 80) So there hasn’t been any mention of ‘running away’ from the ML. There are escape plans happening, but it’s not centered on... more>>
KR (3.3)
144 Chapters Every 3.4 Day(s) 692 Readers 4 Reviews 12-14-2024
The FL is a very weak character. Although he treats her like garbage, she doesn’t run away until 150s. It’s absolutely ridiculous that she waited... more>>
KR (2.9)
61 Chapters Every 7.3 Day(s) 501 Readers 1 Reviews 08-08-2025
Toxic. Toxic. Toxic. This ML is an angry and possessive man. But, he’s exactly the type of ML I like reading about. I’m still in... more>>
Go to Page...
Go to Page...
Comments (8)
Post Reply Cancel
  1. tize
    tize· Aug 29, 2024 08:19 AM
    I loved your list, I have other recommendations in the same style: "The Contract Wife Tries to Leave" and "Portrait of An Arrogant Master"
    Reply · 3 Likes · ·
  2. Gatcha
    Gatcha· Dec 9, 2024 05:15 AM
    Read Against the current. I have it on my recommendation list and it has everything! Crazy obsessed ML, FL who runs away and very toxic love
    Reply · 1 Like · ·
    • angel23
      angel23· Jan 17, 2025 03:26 PM
      Hey! I wanted to ask if the novel you mentioned is available in novel updates? Because I can't seem to find it.
      Reply · ·
    • Gatcha
      Gatcha· Jan 17, 2025 09:34 PM

      @angel23 

      https://mydramanovel.com/against-the-current/

      That’s the link. I actually can’t find it on NU. I think it may have a different name 

      Reply · 1 Like · ·
    • Show More Replies
    • angel23
      angel23· Jan 18, 2025 02:17 AM
      @Gatcha Thanks!clear.png
      Reply · ·
    • Billyjbradshaw
      Billyjbradshaw· Author · Mar 16, 2025 06:29 AM
      It was sooo good!! For a second I thought the second male lead might be a secret male lead, I was both saddened (because I really liked the second male lead) and pleased (because the ML was the toxic and domineering). Thanks for the recommendation!!
      Reply · 1 Like · ·
  3. RouenAZRCHY
    RouenAZRCHY· May 9, 2024 12:21 AM
    Run FL Runclear.png
    Reply · 1 Like · ·
  4. Gatcha
    Gatcha· Jul 6, 2025 01:28 AM

    Have you read « deposed empress general ». It’s very very toxic and unfortunately not a HE 

    Reply · ·