The Canary Who Grew Wings

Synopsis

Everyone in the capital knew Edison Shaw kept the most obedient little canary, Bethany Marsh. She was sweet, gentle, and even the way she dressed mirrored the girl he could never have. For four years, she played the part. She wore the same makeup. She smiled every time he threw money her way, taking every cent, playing the perfect stand-in. Edison believed she could never leave him. Her father was drowning in debt. Her brother was seriously sick. Her whole life sat in the palm of his hand. Then came the stormy night. He skipped her birthday for the woman he could never forget—the one who had just returned to the country. Bethany didn't cry or throw a fit. She just left a key and a note: [Edison, game over.] He didn't even bother chasing Bethany. Later, at a party, he laughed carelessly, "She's just sulking. Freeze her card, and she'll be crawling back to me, begging, before the day ends." A day went by. Three days. Three months. That obedient shadow disappeared without a trace, like she was never even there. Their paths crossed again in Zarwick, as snow swirled thickly through the city. Bethany stood at the center of it all, dazzling like a queen, surrounded by admirers, with an elegant and refined man as her companion. The Shaw heir, once so proud, now stood before her with reddened eyes, trembling as he clung to the hem of her dress in front of everyone, utterly humbled, his dignity shattered. He pleaded, "Bethany, please, come home with me." She looked down at him with a mocking smile. "Mr. Shaw, it's too late."