The Canary Grew Wings

My boyfriend warned me to stay away from the student he’d kept hidden for so long.

We were in our fifth year together, and it was the first time Simon Montgomery had ever warned me. “Don’t touch her. Name your terms.

I’ll make sure you’re taken care of.” I just looked at him quietly. No scene. No meltdown. Before, whenever he’d gone behind my back with someone else, I would have raised hell.

Now he was finally serious about protecting another woman. But how could I dare name my terms? This time, I was the one with a secret to hide.

Chapter 1 I never expected to run into Simon at the OBGYN clinic. I’d come without telling him. Who had let it slip?

He stepped over the barrier between the waiting room and the treatment area, shoving aside the nurse who tried to stop him.

He looked ready to blow up the hospital if he couldn’t find who he was looking for. I sighed and was about to stand when the girl beside me got up.

We’d been talking for quite a while. She hurried over and blocked his path, her voice soft but threaded with defiance. “Who told you to come?

Didn’t you say you were done with me?” “So you’re going to murder my fucking kid?” Isabel Rowe began to cry. “This has nothing to do with you. This baby is mine alone.” “Oh, really?

That’s impressive. You should apply for a Guinness World Record.” That was how Simon coaxed someone out of a bad mood—with that sharp tongue of his. It used to make me laugh.

I’d tell him how annoying he was, then burrow into his arms. Isabel didn’t laugh. She tried to leave, but he pulled her back and held her against him by force.

What a perfect couple. If he hadn’t been my boyfriend, I would have been rooting for them. Simon’s gaze swept the room and landed on my face.

His surprise lasted a second before his expression turned cold again. “Is she the one who brought you here?” “Who?” Isabel turned and waved at me, blushing a little.

She took his hand and led him over. “This is the irresponsible boyfriend I was telling you about.” “Really? Then you’ve got your facts wrong.

He seems pretty responsible to me.” I pretended I didn’t know him, picked up my bag, and stood. “I’ll leave you two to talk.” “Wait.” Simon raised an eyebrow, his gaze dropping to the medical paperwork in my hand. “Are you… are you pregnant?” “No.” I shook my head, trying to act as though nothing was wrong. “I’m just here for a checkup.

Your girlfriend’s blood sugar dropped, and I happened to be there, so I kept her company for a while.

Now that you’re here, I’ll get going.” For the first time, I hadn’t screamed or made a scene. Simon stared at me. I had no idea what he was thinking.

He should have been happy, shouldn’t he? I was finally as docile and accommodating as he’d always wanted. Why did he look so regretful, so wistful?

Isabel noticed something was off, too. “Do you two know each other?” she asked cautiously. “No,” we said at the same time.

Simon handed me a business card. “Thank you for helping my girlfriend. If you need anything, contact my assistant.” “Don’t do that!” Isabel snatched the card back. “I’m sorry.

He’s got a screw loose. Don’t mind him.” “It’s fine.” I was used to it. Money solved everything. That was Simon’s rule. I left. Behind me, they were still arguing.

Isabel scolded him for always using money to insult people.

Chapter 2 Simon laughed as he answered, his voice dripping with sarcasm. “How do you know she doesn’t like being insulted with money?” “Simon!” “Okay, okay.

My fault.” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her. Simon wasn’t wrong. I was exactly the kind of woman who liked being insulted with money.

Even after my family went bankrupt, I’d still acted like a spoiled rich girl. But my family had pampered me so much that I didn’t know how to do anything.

All I could do was become someone’s kept woman. Simon, once my sworn enemy, had approached me.

If I agreed to stay with him for five years, he could help my family get back on its feet. I’d said yes. Even as a kept woman, I’d been the wildest one of the lot.

Simon had fooled around with plenty of women over those four years. Every time I caught him, all hell broke loose. Meltdowns. Possessive demands for his love. Slaps across his face.

At my worst, I’d nearly set a fire that would have sent them straight to hell. Everyone called me unreasonable. Only Simon looked at me with undisguised admiration and delight.

He’d even say proudly, “I spoiled her.” After that, they said we were a pair of obsessive lovers. A perfect match. That was how it had been for more than four years.

Simon deliberately attracted other women, then let word reach me, just to watch me lose my mind over him. As though the crazier I got, the more I cared.

As for the women who went too far, he shut them down before I even had a chance. Eventually, everyone else caught on. This was our idea of fun.

The more he indulged me, the more outrageous I became. But somewhere along the way, he’d grown tired of my madness. He stopped flaunting other women.

Of course, he stopped coming home much, too. I knew. He’d probably fallen for someone. It just wasn’t me who’d finally made him settle down. I’d spent six months looking for her.

But if Simon had gone to all that trouble to hide someone, how could I find her so easily? I never expected to meet her at the OBGYN clinic. Simon came home that night.

For the first time, he sought me out. “I’ll be blunt, Cassandra Lin. I’m bored with you. “I’m tired of putting up with your emotions.

I admire how you go all in, whether you love someone or hate them. But you’re not that rich princess anymore. You need to remember that. “Don’t touch her.

Whatever you want, name it. I’ll make sure you’re taken care of.” As if I dared ask for anything. I was carrying his good friend’s baby. Speak of the devil.

Just as I thought of him, Emmett Finch called. I didn’t dare answer.

Simon glanced at the phone vibrating in my pocket. “Aren’t you going to get that?” I shook my head. “No one important.” The call ended, then started again. Over and over.

Simon smiled. “Where did you find another guy to put on an act for you? Aren’t you tired of this routine by now?” I didn’t dare say a word.

Because this time, it really wasn’t an act. “Cassandra, we’re the same.

For people like us, love will never be everything. “If I hadn’t kept stirring things up these past four years, I doubt your need to win would have kept you by my side. “But Izzy’s different.

She’s innocent. Stubborn. Once she chooses someone, it’s for life.

And now she’s carrying my baby. “I may be a bastard, but I can’t stand the thought of a kid growing up without a dad.

Can you understand that?” Chapter 3 I nodded, my mind entirely on Emmett.

If I didn’t answer soon, he really would come charging upstairs. “Good.” Simon let out a long breath. “I’m glad we understand each other. And don’t worry.

I’ll keep my promise and keep supporting you, as long as you behave. “It’s going to rain. Izzy’s scared of thunder, so I’m going to stay with her.” “Okay.

Bye.” I couldn’t wait for him to leave. But Simon didn’t move.

He studied me. “You’re not going to ask me to stay?” “Simon, I’m not that pathetic.” He cut me off, pinching the bridge of his nose. “I thought you’d changed. Forget it, Cassandra.

I’m not in the mood to fight with you.” He left. I went back to the master bedroom and took out my phone, wondering how to explain things to Emmett.

After all, I’d lined him up so I could move straight from one man to the next. A pair of hands reached out from behind the curtains and pulled me into an embrace.

I screamed in fright. “Don’t scream. It’s me.” Emmett slowly kissed the back of my neck. “Cass, why didn’t you answer?

What did he talk to you about?” “Breaking up.” “Tsk.” His kisses worked their way toward my ear. “Poor baby. He doesn’t want you anymore.” My eyes grew wet.

His kisses were gentle, his voice low and coaxing. “Cass, let me be yours. I’m richer than he is, betterlooking, and in better shape.

Most importantly, I’ll never betray you.” I held his head still. “How did you get in?” He pointed to the window. “That little climb was nothing.” “Are you insane?

This is the third floor!” “Cass, are you worried about me?” Emmett smiled. I covered my eyes. How had I gotten myself involved with someone so unhinged and possessive?

Before I could deal with one problem, another arrived. There was another sound at the door. Simon had come back for an umbrella. “Cass?

Cassandra?” I guessed he was worried I’d do something drastic and set his house on fire again.

I wanted to go out and explain things, but Emmett stopped me. “You know, I really want to go downstairs and kill him right now.

Then there’d be no one left to distract you.” “Don’t talk like that.” I told him I’d be right back. But he wouldn’t let go.

He held me tight from behind, coiling around me like a snake. I couldn’t move at all. “Baby, keep your voice down.

You don’t want to lure him over here.” Sweat trickled down my temple. Simon’s footsteps drew closer. Emmett picked me up and carried me to the door.

On the other side, Simon knocked. “Cassandra, are you in there?” Emmett kissed my neck. “Answer him, baby.” “Ah—” The moment I opened my mouth, he bit me.

I glared at him. “I’m taking a shower.

Do you… do you need something?” “Where’s the umbrella?” I pushed Emmett’s shaggy head away from my chest and called out, “I don’t know!” I couldn’t get another word out.

Simon knocked again. When I didn’t answer, he went downstairs and left.

Once he was gone, I pushed Emmett away. “Not today.” “Why?” Emmett gave a cold laugh, all trace of his sweet demeanor gone. “What, are you saving yourself for him?” I slapped him.

He cradled my hand and kissed it. “Does it hurt?” “Get out!” That lunatic! Chapter 4 I never should have rewarded him! I told him I was on my period.

Emmett carried me back to bed, tucked me in, and went downstairs to the kitchen to make me a hot brownsugar drink. I watched his retreating figure, all sweetness and obedience.

Six months ago, that same sweetness had fooled me. I wasn’t an idiot. I’d noticed the change in Simon long before. I’d asked around, but no one would tell me anything.

Only Emmett had taken me to Isabel’s school. She was a dance student. Pure and elegant as a white swan, nothing like the flashy, barhopping sluts who’d come before her.

I understood. This time, Simon was serious. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have hidden her from me. For those two weeks, I stayed with Emmett.

When they strolled around the school’s athletic field, I took Emmett to the movies. When they danced in the studio, I took him to sing karaoke.

When they got a hotel room, I took the room next to Simon’s. Emmett stopped me. “Are you sure?” I kissed him. “You’d better put on a good performance.

I don’t want to lose to them.” As it turned out, men over twentyfive weren’t necessarily hopeless. Eventually, I even forgot I’d come there to get back at Simon.

We spent three days in bed at the hotel. When we left, I told Emmett, “We’re both adults.

You don’t have to take responsibility for me.” He wrapped his arms around me from behind, holding me so hard it was as though he wanted to make my body part of his. “But Cass, I want you to take responsibility for me.” I ran.

I called my best friend out to celebrate. Two more months, and I’d be free. Nothing could go wrong in those last two months.

I couldn’t gamble away the four years I’d already sunk into this.

I stepped outside to meet her and was spotted by one of Simon’s childhood friends. “Well, if it isn’t Simon’s girlfriend!” “Cass, wrong way.

Our room’s over there.” He insisted on pulling me to the left. Then he pushed the door open and froze. “Isn’t this your girlfriend?

What…” Inside, Simon was celebrating Isabel’s birthday. He faltered when he saw me, instinctively shielding Isabel behind him.

Isabel glanced at me, first smiling in delighted surprise, then looking doubtful. “Your girlfriend?” “Simon, you two…” “What took you so long?

I was so bored I almost fell asleep.” A man sat on the couch in the shadows, light dividing his face in two. His eyes shone like stars. It was Emmett.

He reached out to me as though no one else was there. “Come here.” “Sit on my lap.” The whole room went silent