Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

Everyone comes into this world clean and pure, yet as they grow, they become entangled in the mire of life.

Human nature, once simple and kind, turns greedy, lustful, and cruel. Some people live a mediocre life, while others commit unspeakable acts.

Perhaps they bask in glory for a time, but life has its cycles. Thirty years of prosperity can be followed by thirty years of decline, and no one knows when retribution might arrive.

Paul had spent his entire life despising Kimberly. That was why he sought solace in other women-women who were gentle and seductive, everything Kimberly was not.

He dreamed of leaving her. Yet now that he actually had, he realized just how deeply he loved her. It felt as if a knife were gouging his heart, slashing it into pieces.

The greatest pain came from the wound in his soul. It didn't bleed, but it hurt unbearably.

Kimberly was gone, and it felt as if she had taken his very spirit with her. Alison, however, visited him frequently. She would sit by his bedside, talking endlessly about the child growing inside her.

She spoke of her morning sickness, how she couldn't keep anything down. "I didn't dare tell my mom," she said, "or she'd break my legs."

Paul looked at the young, vibrant woman before him. Gone was the seductive allure she displayed at work. Pregnancy had stripped away her makeup, her high heels, and her calculated charm. She was, in essence, just a girl.

To Paul, she seemed even younger than his own son-just a child.

Often, as he gazed at her, he found himself looking past her, seeing instead the youthful Kimberly.

"Paul, which dress do you think looks better for tonight's dinner? This one, or this one?" Alison twirled in front of him, holding up two dresses.

"You'll look good in either." He glanced up from his computer, though to him, both dresses looked the same.

matches your tie. We're a couple,

had been young once too. But back then, he hadn't cared. When she was pregnant, he

wasn't yet a vice president, just a senior executive. His job required him to travel constantly, sometimes

sickness alone at home? He had assumed her life was full-shopping

realized how wrong he had been. He had been

that Paul was lost in thought again. He had changed since before. His gaze often drifted,

"Alison, can

"Of course."

Are you sure you want to spend your whole life with me?" His tone wasn't accusatory, just calm,

it's not for me, I have to think of the child. I won't deny that I approached you for money at

turmoil. Her initial plan to get

her goal, but she didn't feel the satisfaction she had

and Kimberly

explained that Paul had left the marriage with nothing. His properties had gone to his two children, and even his hospital bills were covered by

Out of gratitude for their time as husband and wife, Kimberly was

she apologized for the way

the bank to check. It was an account under Paul's name, with his birthday as

would you like to withdraw?" the

just checking." Alison

a million dollars would have thrilled her. The first

shopping spree, then flaunt her

she put the card away, along with another card Aurora had given her. She hadn't touched a

ages. The baby growing inside her was still so small that, apart from the

revenge, but now that she had achieved her goal, why did she