Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Alison had left. The massive boulder that had stood between Paul and Kimberly was finally gone, and the two had reconciled.

After all the storms they had weathered together, both faced their feelings honestly. Eric, seeing their reunion, was genuinely happy for them. Yet occasionally, he found himself wondering about the woman who had refused his five million dollars-what exactly did Alison want? It was a question he feared he might never answer.

Paul and Kimberly, after months of recovery, were finally healed, both physically and emotionally. The two were inseparable-more in love now than they had been when they first married. Kimberly no longer woke in the middle of the night, frightened and alone. She knew that this time, Paul would never leave her again.

For a time, life was tranquil. That peace was broken one day when Ivy knocked on the door of the Blake family home. Kimberly was in her room, practicing floral arrangements, while Paul was in the kitchen cooking.

Paul felt he owed Kimberly too much for the years he had neglected her, and now he wanted to spend the rest of his days making it up to her. Over the past few months, he'd lost a significant amount of weight, shedding the large belly he once carried. He'd even taken up fitness, improving his physique and demeanor.

"Kim, dinner's almost ready. Wash your hands, and we'll eat," Paul called from the kitchen.

"Okay," Kimberly replied, setting down the flowers. She washed her hands and was about to head to the dining room when the doorbell rang.

This New Year, Kimberly had given all the staff toff. For one, she wanted to enjoy squiet twith Paul now that they had finally reunited. For another, Paul had insisted on taking care of her himself, and she wanted to see if he truly meant it.

The Paul who had returned was a completely different man. He treated her like a treasure, holding her in the palm of his hand. Despite their age, he acted like a young man newly in love.

For the first time, the missing piece in Kimberly's heart was filled. Every woman's greatest wish, after all, was to be cherished by the man she loved.

She had suggested that Paul return to work at the Blake Group or that they start a new company together, but Paul had rejected both ideas. He told her he had neglected her in the past because of work, and now, at their age, he no longer wanted to chase ambition. His only desire was to spend his days by her side.

Cspring, he planned to take her on a trip around the world to make up for the honeymoon they had never had.

Kimberly's days were filled with warmth and sweetness, and the weariness that had once marked her face was gone. She seemed younger, glowing with happiness that resembled the early days of their romance.

When she opened the door with a bright smile, she was surprised to see Ivy standing there.

"What are you doing here?" Kimberly asked. Her tone wasn't sharp; love had softened the edges of her once- hardened demeanor.

"I... I cto see Mr. Montgomery," Ivy stammered. She couldn't bring herself to call Paul "Dad," especially not in front of Kimberly.

"He's home. What do you need from him?" "It's urgent. May I cin?" Ivy asked hesitantly, lowering her posture.

"Kim, who's at the door?" Paul's voice called from the kitchen.

Hearing his voice, Ivy instinctively stepped forward. When she saw him, she froze.

Paul looked nothing like the man she remembered from a few months ago. He appeared younger, leaner-his figure now comparable to Magnus's. Dressed in casual homewear with an apron tied around his chest, Paul looked every bit the devoted husband, completely different from the man in her memories.

"Ivy, why are you here? Is something wrong?" Paul asked, his tone calm but distant. When Paul had been in his accident, Ivy hadn't even visited him once. He wasn't naïve enough to believe she had cnow out of concern.

"I couldn't reach you by phone. Something urgent has happened at home, so I cdirectly," Ivy said awkwardly.

"I don't use that number anymore. We're just about to eat. Cand join us-tellwhat's going on over dinner." Paul glanced at Kimberly, who gave no objection.

If you're loving the book, nel5sis where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience-all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! "Cin," Kimberly said.

"I'm sorry to intrude," Ivy replied, stepping inside.

She changed her shoes and followed Kimberly into the house cautiously. It wasn't her first tvisiting the Blake family home. As a child, she had coften, but back then, she hadn't known the truth about her parentage. Now that she did, every visit felt strange and uncomfortable.

"Take a seat and rest for a moment. We're about to eat. There's sfruit here-help yourself," Kimberly said, her tone far gentler than before.

Ivy nodded, sitting on the couch nervously. In her memory, Kimberly had always been the queen of the house, commanding everyone, including Paul. But now, neither of them resembled the people they had been.

After inviting Ivy in, Kimberly went to the kitchen.

"Lethelp you," she offered.

"There's nothing to help with. You should go sit down. I can handle it," Paul insisted.

"How can you manage all this alone? I'll carry the dishes," Kimberly said with a smile, lifting a pot lid. "You made scrambled eggs?" "Yeah, they're your favorite. I followed an online recipe. I'm not sure if they'll taste good." Warmth filled Kimberly's heart. She reached out to carry the dish.

"Ouch! It's hot!" she exclaimed.

"Why didn't you use a cloth? I told you I'd do it. Look, your hand's all red now," Paul said anxiously, blowing on her fingers to soothe the burn.

This small, tender moment didn't escape Ivy's notice. The two of them were nothing like they had been before.

Once the table was set, Ivy joined them. Even in silence, she could feel the love flowing between Paul and Kimberly.

"Ivy, what's going on at home?" Paul asked, finally breaking the quiet.

"Zachary has fallen back into gambling," Ivy began, her voice trembling. "He owes five million m dollars to a casino. They've said if we don't pay within three days, they'll sell him to a circus overseas. You know our family's situation. We don't have that kind of money. I've tried everything, but I couldn't borrow enough. I had no choice but to cto you. Please, help him one more time. He's my only brother. If something happens to him, I don't know how Mom will cope."

Ivy hadn't wanted to bring this up in front of Kimberly, but with Paul m unreachable by phone, she was left with no other option. "He's gambling again?" Paul's brow furrowed deeply. Though Zachary was his son, he saw none of himself in the boy.

Paul had once been indulgent, but he had always been competent in business and had never touched gambling. Yet Zachary and Ivy seemed to lack any sense of responsibility or skill. "Yes," Ivy admitted. "He even lost all of Mom's savings. We have nothing left." Paul had thought Zachary's previous troubles would have taught him a lesson. Clearly, the boy was fearless.

"Ivy," Paul said, his voice firm, "I can't help you this time." mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLliIofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1