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Becoming A Family With The Duke and His Dear Son cover
8.4OUR SCORE
ManhwaOngoing · 93+ chR15 · our rating

Becoming A Family With The Duke and His Dear Son

The Male Lead's Father Refuses to Break off Our Engagement; 남주 아빠가 파혼을 거부한다; Namju Appaga Pahoneul Geobuhanda

by Yoon Hawol; CHA · NHN; Tapas Entertainment · 2024

best for Fans of villainess transmigration, reluctant stepmothers, doting children, possessive dukes, contract engagements, and family-focused romance with a capable heroine.

Story8.3Art8.6Romance8.4
Read on Tapas

Heads-up: child abuse. All content notes

Ch. 01 · The story

What it's about

Spoiler level: Minor — for the synopsis & review below

Soyoon wakes inside her favorite novel as Ibellia Barnein, a villainess destined to become a cruel stepmother and die after being driven from Duke Cassis Adelhardt's household. Knowing exactly where the engagement leads, she decides to break it off before the marriage can happen. Unfortunately, Cassis refuses to cooperate, and his young son Lucius becomes increasingly attached to her. The more Ibellia tries to escape the doomed family role, the more the duke and his son begin treating her like family already.

Ch. 02 · Our verdict

My take

This series gets its charm from Ibellia trying very hard not to become a stepmother while Lucius makes that plan nearly impossible. Her warmth with the child gives the family scenes real appeal, while Cassis's increasing interest keeps the romance lively. The story uses familiar transmigration beats but executes them comfortably. Readers who prefer darker villainess plots may find the conflict deliberately soft and family-centered.

— Dawna A.

✓ Read it if…

Lucius gives the romance emotional stakes beyond simply winning over a cold duke. Ibellia's attempts to avoid her scripted fate gradually turn into genuine attachment, creating the satisfying feeling of a family forming before any of them are willing to admit it.

! Skip it if…

The series leans heavily into childcare, domestic bonding, and possessive-romance comedy rather than revenge or intense political intrigue. Readers tired of misunderstanding-based attempts to avoid the male lead may find some developments predictable.

Ch. 03 · The vibe

Story profile

Story profile
Serious Content Warnings
Child Abuse
Content Notes
Emotional Abuse
Ch. 04 · Next up

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