Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

After taking a day off, Ivy and Frank said their goodbyes to Mrs. Hartwell. Mrs. Hartwell was reluctant to see them leave.

"Girl, once you're gone, I'll be alone again," she sighed.

"Grandma, I promised I'd come back to see you as long as you don't mind me visiting," Ivy replied sincerely. She genuinely loved the quiet little village.

After spending so much time in the bustling city, coming to such a peaceful place felt like a dream. Wandering the mountain paths and breathing in the fresh air, Ivy found it incredibly soothing.

"Alright then, girl, you better come back. Keep my phone number. If I miss you, I'll call," Mrs. Hartwell said.

"Of course, Grandma. Take care of yourself," Ivy said, holding her hand tightly.

Oswaldo's wife had passed away early, and Genevieve had never introduced Ivy to her grandmother. Ivy hadn't had much contact with elderly relatives before, but Mrs. Hartwell left a deep impression on her. She resolved to spend more time with her own family elders in the future.

"Okay, go on now, girl. Don't keep him waiting too long."

"Goodbye, Grandma. Oh, make sure to check under your pillow when you go back," Ivy said, turning to leave. "I'll miss you, Grandma."

"Take care of yourself," Mrs. Hartwell said, her eyes glistening with tears as she watched Ivy walk away.

After Ivy left, Mrs. Hartwell returned to her room and found a stack of money under her pillow. It was ten thousand dollars-money Frank had given Ivy before they left.

The people in the mountains were simple and honest. Ivy had grown tremendously during her time there. She knew that if she handed the money to Mrs. Hartwell directly, she would never accept it, so she left it under the pillow instead.

Looking at the money, Mrs. Hartwell almost burst into tears. "What a silly child."

life felt more solid and secure. They treated the journey

wealthy as Justin, had saved quite a bit over

had never married. Having spent years at sea, earning money without knowing

as a sailor meant he had little money, so she

would consider Ivy's background as a former heiress. He didn't want her staying in the kind of budget accommodations he was used

time he suggested staying at a good hotel, Ivy would pull him back. "This place costs

worse conditions. Didn't you complain about how damp our room on the

waste money like this," Ivy said, feeling conflicted. In the past, she wouldn't even glance at a hotel that wasn't five-star, but now, she balked at

didn't have an ID on her, she waited in the lobby while he checked them in. Once the room was

a month on the ship and coming straight from the mountains, Ivy still felt a

like

a night was bound to be nice. The modern decor felt both

like it,"

been traveling so much, you must be tired. We've already let your mom know we're safe, so we can take our

where the adventure continues. Join us for the

flopped onto the bed, which bounced her right back up with

"So comfortable!"

a good life from now on," Frank

Ivy said, her face lighting up with

cheek. "This hotel is in the heart of

Ivy said, scratching her head in embarrassment. She remembered how, in the past, she would get her nails done every week, wear the latest fashions, and never leave the house

life had worn her down. She had become so careless that she no longer even bothered

going home, you need to go back in style. I don't want your

a man of integrity. Once he committed

her lifelong partner. "Alright, let's buy a few things," Ivy