Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Ivy thought Mio Walsh's visit was just a casual meet-up, given how little time they had to see each other. But when Mio suggested meeting her parents, she was taken aback. Her current life was far from glamorous. She lived decently but had no money or background to boast of. Her job was selling houses-a far cry from the life she once had. Mio hadn't asked her about her background, and Ivy wondered if it was because he assumed, after seeing her at that charity gala, that she too came from a wealthy family.

"Um... Mio, do you know much about my family background?" Ivy asked cautiously. She wasn't as naive as before. Life had taught her hard lessons, taking her from riches to ruin.

"Does your family background matter?" Mio's voice was calm, his intent clear. No one knew Ivy's circumstances better than he did.

To him, it didn't matter. From the very beginning, he had no intention of letting her background affect their relationship.

"Meeting my family might not prove anything, but it's a step that ties us to each other's lives. If we're serious about the future, our families will inevitably become involved. I need you to know... my family's situation is far from yours. I have to be honest with you," Ivy said, deciding it was better to reveal the truth now than face embarrassment later.

"Don't worry. I've never cared about your family. From the start, it's always been about you, just you. It's late-get some rest, and I'll come by tomorrow morning," Mio replied, his tone soft, almost like he was soothing a child. Ivy felt a weight lift from her chest.

"Okay."

She was about to say goodbye when her phone rang. "Let me take this call," she said.

It was from Zachary. Today was special, and Ivy had debated whether bringing Mio home was the right call. Their relationship wasn't fully solidified yet, and she didn't want to make things awkward. But since Mio had traveled so far to see her, she couldn't just leave him alone.

Before heading out, Ivy had asked Zachary to stay home and keep Genevieve company. Tomorrow was New Year's Day, and since Ivy couldn't be there, she needed Zachary to step up.

This year had been the most turbulent of their lives. Their family had fallen from grace, and Genevieve was the one most deeply hurt. Once, they celebrated New Year's at the Montgomery estate in grand fashion. Now, the family was in ruins.

being released from prison, must still be drowning

peace of

with the clock well past midnight, Zachary was calling.

my way back,"

the other end, Zachary's voice was shaky, almost desperate. He was crying.

me what happened," Ivy

recently, disappearing for long stretches and refusing to explain where he'd been. He'd also been holding onto Genevieve's

Leo's Casino. Can you... come

Zachary got involved in gambling,

up. Ivy stared at her phone in frustration, realizing that Zachary's recent absences were tied to gambling. The

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asked. He hadn't left yet and

want Mio involved in her family's mess. Meeting someone as good as Mio was a rare stroke of luck, and she couldn't risk scaring him away with her family's

wants me home earlier. He's a bit worried,"

let me know if

It's late-you should head back to your hotel," Ivy said, eager to send

Goodnight," Mio said before

She didn't

driver coldly. He wasn't

acts of gamblers. Many took out high-interest loans, hoping to turn

seemed Zachary had gotten himself trapped in such