Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

When Kimberly turned her head, Paul noticed her eyes were red and brimming with tears. She fought hard to hold them back, refusing to let a single drop fall.

"Kim, you..." Paul began, astonished by her reaction. In the past, he could have predicted harsh words or reckless behavior from her. But today, she told him not to let Alison down, even though she was clearly in pain herself.

Kimberly's greatest sorrow wasn't Paul's betrayal-it was that she had lost her ability to have children. She had none of her own. Although Eric treated them like his biological parents, her deepest regret was not giving Paul a child. Yet, fate had played a cruel trick-another woman had borne his child instead.

As a mother at heart, Kimberly couldn't bring herself to take out her anger on Alison or Genevieve, no matter how much she hated them. When Paul suggested giving two houses to Zachary and Ivy, she didn't object. That was Paul's debt to her, not the children's.

Without much protest, Kimberly left the houses to them. Now, Alison had Paul's child as well. No matter how much she disliked that woman, the child was innocent.

"We're already divorced. If she doesn't mind that you're penniless, then go and be with her. Give her a home. Be a father to her child," Kimberly said, gripping the blanket tightly. She had already made the biggest compromise she could.

As she had said before, she was letting go. After everything they'd been through, she had changed. Love wasn't about possession. If all her efforts couldn't win Paul's heart, it was better to let go.

"Kim, the one I love is-" Paul tried to explain. After all these years, he realized how much he owed Kimberly and wanted to make amends. But then Alison had appeared.

"Are you hungry? I made chicken soup for you!" Emily walked in, cheerfully carrying a food container.

"Oh, please. The last tyou made soup for my mom, the smell alone madewant to throw up. Don't poison anyone," Eric teased mercilessly.

Everyone had grown used to Eric and Emily's banter by now. In the past, they would have laughed it off. But today, when Emily and Eric entered, they saw Kimberly wiping her tears, her eyes red, and Paul's expression conflicted.

The two of them used to argue all the time. Had they fought again? Emily noticed something was wrong. "Why are you crying?" "It's nothing. The wind just blew into my eyes," Kimberly quickly deflected. "Emily, did you really make chicken soup? Lettry it." "Sure!" Emily, ever the optimist, didn't think too much of it. Only Eric glanced at the window. It was shut tight. Kimberly was clearly lying.

Kimberly pretended as if nothing had happened and tasted the soup. Emily's wide eyes sparkled with expectation. "How is it? Is it good?" "It's pretty good," Kimberly replied.

"See! I learned this recipe from my grandma. It couldn't possibly taste bad! Kimberly, if you like it, have smore. Oh, and this bowl is for Uncle Paul," Emily chirped, handing Paul another bowl.

Kimberly forced herself to stay calm. "Eric, could you handle my discharge paperwork later?" "Mom, your body isn't fully healed yet," Eric protested. He was sharp and perceptive. Kimberly could have gone hto recover long ago, but she had stayed, unwilling to leave. Though she hadn't said anything outright, everyone knew it was because she couldn't let go of Paul.

Sthings didn't need to be spoken aloud. Everyone understood. But now, out of the blue, Kimberly wanted to be discharged. Was it because of the tears she had shed earlier? "I only need to return to the hospital later to have my stitches removed. This isn't a serious injury-I can recover at hjust as well," Kimberly insisted.

"Mom, Dad is here anyway. Why not stay and keep him company? You can recover together and keep each other from getting bored," Eric pleaded, trying to reconcile the two.

"You don't need to say any more. I've made up my mind. If you don't helpwith the paperwork, I'll call someone else to do it," Kimberly said firmly. She had made her decision and wasn't giving Paul another chance- not because she didn't want to, but because fate didn't allow it.

Emily, oblivious to the tension, chimed in, "Kimberly, staying in the hospital every day must be tiresome. If your wound isn't too serious, going hsounds like a good idea. Nothing feels as comforting as your own home." Eric shot Emily a sharp glare. She had a knack for saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. Still, he figured something serious must have happened between Kimberly and Paul, and it was beyond his ability to fix.

"Fine. I'll go handle it right now," Eric relented.

"There's no need to wait. Go now," Kimberly urged.

"Mom, even if you want to leave, it doesn't have to be this moment," Eric argued. Kimberly's expression made it clear she didn't want to stay a moment longer.

"I'll finish my soup while you're gone. By the tyou're done, I'll be ready to leave. Emily is right-nothing feels as good as home. I've been away too long. I miss it," Kimberly said softly.

Eric was struck by how different Kimberly seemed. In front of Paul, she had always been fiery and domineering. He had never seen her so gentle. "Fine. I'll go now," Eric said.

If you're loving the book, nel5sis where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience-all for free. The next chapter eagerly waiting for you! Throughout the entire conversation, Paul remained silent, standing motionless. He wanted to say something, but every word caught in his throat. What could he say? "Emily, could you helppack my things?" Kimberly asked. "Of course, Kimberly. I'll get started right away," Emily replied enthusiastically. She moved quickly, her energetic nature showing in every step.

Kimberly left in silence. Paul knew that this time, her departure was final. In the past, Kimberly had always clung to him, reluctant to divorce. But once she made up her mind, there was no turning back.

Their relationship hadn't ended because of Alison. It was because of the child Alison was carrying. Despite her sharp tongue and fough demeanor, Kimberly wasn't a bad person. She understood better than anyone what a child meant to a mother. Since their marriage was over, why not let Alison have the chance to be happy?

As Kimberly walked out of the room, Paul couldn't bear it. "Kim," he called paused briefly.

out urgentlyed according to "Everything will will the divorce agreement. Whether you keep the two houses under your nor give them away, it's your decision. Take care of yourself. Goodbye." With that, she left, intending never to see him again.

"Kimberly, let's go," Emily said, gently supporting her.

Paul collapsed onto the bed, overwhelmed with regret. If he had known it would cto this, he would have preferred being hit by a car. That would have been easier than facing the mess he was in now.

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