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 time off. For one, she wanted to enjoy some quiet time with 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.

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

her face

with a bright smile, she

here?" Kimberly asked. Her tone wasn't sharp; love had

She couldn't bring herself to

do you

in?"

the door?" Paul's voice called from

his voice, Ivy instinctively stepped forward.

a few months ago. He appeared younger, leaner-his figure now comparable to Magnus's. Dressed in casual homewear with an apron

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

has happened

use that number anymore. We're just about to eat. Come and join us-tell me what's going on

adventure continues. Join us for the complete

intrude,"

As a child, she had come often,

a moment. We're about to eat. There's some fruit here-help yourself," Kimberly said,

Kimberly had always been the queen of the house, commanding

Kimberly

me help you,"

help with. You should go sit down. I can handle it," Paul

dishes," Kimberly said

online

She reached out to carry