Devil's Prisoner of Love by Prefer

The hardest people to save, as Paul had learned through years in the business world, were those addicted to gambling or drugs. He had witnessed countless lives ruined by these vices.

Paul had helped before, but each tonly led to another plea for assistance. Just covering Zachary's last gambling debt had nearly drained all of his savings. Now, his priorities were solely Kimberly and Eric, their family. Over the years, he'd quietly given a lot to Genevieve, but it was never acknowledged.

Back then, Paul had been willing to take on the responsibilities of being a father. But Genevieve had dismissed him, deeming his status in the Montgomery family inferior to Magnus. She had chosen to take their children and seek a future with Magnus instead. Still, Paul had done his duty in his own way. Even when he left the family with nothing, he made sure to secure two houses for the children.

Looking back, Paul had done much for the two children, but what had they ever done in return? Before learning the truth about their parentage, their indifference could be excused. But after knowing, they still treated him as a stranger. Yes, Genevieve's life might have been affected by his presence, but he was still their father. When Paul was in a car accident, neither Ivy nor Zachary had cto see him-not even to make a single phone call. Yet when he handed over the houses, they had readily accepted them. Paul had cto terms with the reality. Instead of pouring his efforts into ungrateful children, he chose to care for someone who truly valued him- Eric.

Eric wasn't his biological son, but when Paul was ill, Eric had stayed by his side and cared for him. Blood relations meant little in the absence of loyalty and kindness. Even a simple call from Ivy or Zachary during his hospital stay would have warmed his heart. But now, sitting across from Ivy, he saw only entitlement in her demeanor.

"Mr. Montgomery, five million dollars is nothing to you! How can you say you can't help? If you don't, Zach is finished!" Ivy's voice rose in frustration.

Her attitude only deepened Paul's disappointment. Even now, all she could do was demand. If only she had shown even a sliver of affection for him as her father, instead of treating him as a resource, he might have felt differently.

"I used up all my savings paying off Zachary's last gambling debt," Paul said calmly. "Money doesn't cout of thin air. Those two houses I gave you and Zachary? They're worth millions in today's market. Over the years, whether you realized it or not, I've supported your family. I've done my duty as a father.

You're both adults now, over eighteen. Morally and legally, you shouldn't be askingfor anything anymore. I know you've never seenas your father, but I've done all I could. From now on, the bond between us as father and daughter is severed. I owe you nothing." Paul took a deep breath, his voice steady. "I've made my decision. If I keep entangling myself in the past, it will only hurt Kimberly, even if she doesn't say it outright. I've failed many people in this life, but I've paid my dues. The only one I owe nothing to is you." "You can't do this!" Ivy shouted, her voice trembling with anger. "Our blood runs through your veins. Now that we're in trouble and need your help, you're just going to abandon us?" Paul shook his head. "No matter what you say, I don't have the money. We were never meant to have a father- daughter connection in this lifetime. I've done all I can. Take care of yourself." Ivy's face twisted with anger as she slammed her bowl onto the table. "If you don't want us as your children, we don't want you as our father either, you shameless man!" She stormed out, slamming the door behind her.

Paul lowered his gaze and sighed, looking apologetically at Kimberly. "Her little princess temper flared up again. Don't take it to heart." Over the years, Paul had stayed out of Ivy and Zachary's lives, but he occasionally kept tabs on them. Genevieve had also shared updates from tto time, so he understood their personalities well.

Kimberly set her chopsticks down. "Why didn't you help her? Zachary is your son, after all." "You know I didn't take a cent when I left the divorce. The only thing I kept were those two houses, and I gave them both to the kids. What else do I have to give?" Paul smiled bitterly.

Kimberly frowned. "We're remarried now. Half of my assets are yours, too. If you want to help, I'll give you the five million." Paul reached for her hand and spoke softly. "Kim, I'll be honest with you. I've been supporting them in secret all these years, watching over the kids from a distance. I couldn't be there for them, so I contributed in other ways. I didn't tell you before because I was afraid, but now I want to be completely honest. I don't want any more secrets between us. I love you, and I want to be transparent." Kimberly smiled faintly. "If this were the past, I might have blown up at you, but I've changed. After everything we've been through, I'm not the sperson anymore. You've been so good to me-I couldn't be angry even if I wanted to." "That's a relief," Paul said with a smile. "I know who those kids are. Once someone is consumed by gambling, it's almost impossible to quit. As I told Ivy, I've already done my part. When I was in the hospital, it was Eric and Emily who stayed by my side.

Ivy and Zachary didn't even call. They've never treatedlike their father-why should I keep clinging to the past?

I admit I once had feelings for Genevieve, but they're gone now.

Kim, I only love you. From now on, I don't want to deal with them anymore. Zachary is old enough to face the consequences of his actions. And don't forget-last time, he stabbed you. If it had been just an inch deeper, I might have lost you forever." Kimberly's heart ached hearing his words. She gently squeezed his hand, understanding his pain.

Paul continued, his voice heavy with emotion. "That scar on your body is a permanent reminder of my pastm mistakes. I've wronged many people in my life, but the one person I've wronged the most is you. From now on, I only want to make it up to you. I won't let anyone else cbetween us again." Kimberly's eyes glistened as she nodded. "Alright, let's just focus on our own lives." They smiled at each other, the weight of the past lifting between them. Whatever had happened before no longer mattered. What mattered was the present-and each other.

Meanwhile, outside, Ivy shivered as the cold air bit her skin. She felt lost and helplessRaymond's refusal was understandable, but Paul? Her own father? How could he be so heartless? Who else could she turn to? Left with no other options, Ivy headed to Montgomery Manor, hoping Magnus might still be willing to help.

When she arrived, the butler opened the door and froze at the sight of her. His face was awkward as he asked, "Miss, why have you returned?" mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1 mmMwWLliIofifl0&1 mmMwWLlilofiflo&1