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 time you made soup for my mom, the smell alone made me want to throw up. Don't poison anyone," Eric teased mercilessly.

Eric and Emily's banter by now. In the past, they would have laughed it off. But today,

of them used to argue all the time. Had they fought again? Emily noticed something was wrong. "Why are you

my eyes," Kimberly quickly deflected. "Emily, did you really make

ever the optimist, didn't think too much of it. Only Eric glanced

the soup. Emily's wide eyes sparkled

pretty good," Kimberly

grandma. It couldn't possibly taste bad! Kimberly, if you like it, have some more. Oh, and this

herself to stay calm. "Eric, could

home to recover long ago, but she had stayed, unwilling to leave. Though she hadn't said anything outright, everyone knew it was

Everyone understood. But now, out of the blue, Kimberly wanted to be discharged. Was it because of the tears she had

hospital later to have my stitches removed. This isn't a serious injury-I

not stay and keep him company? You can recover together and keep each other from getting bored," Eric pleaded, trying

more. I've made up my mind. If you don't help me with 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

day must be tiresome. If your wound isn't too

a knack for saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. Still, he figured something serious must have happened between Kimberly and Paul,

go handle it

to wait. Go now,"

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

the time you're done, I'll be ready to leave. Emily is right-nothing feels as good as home. I've been away too long. I