Regretting the Wife He Threw Away

Before Xenia Cooper's call came through, Briony had just seen the news online.

An official announcement of the marriage certificate-no ceremony, but enough to

set all of Northborough abuzz.

In the photo, Stewart looked as serious as ever, while Xenia Cooper, with her

strikingly beautiful features, was the picture of cool composure. They looked

perfect together.

Not at all like her and Stewart. Their marriage had felt unequal from the very

beginning.

She remembered herself at twenty-one, standing at Stewart's side as they

entered the country-both of them so green, so young.

But Xenia Cooper was nothing like that.

She was the Cooper heiress, the CEO of Neonova Syndicate, and the kind of

woman who still outshone everyone even when standing beside Stewart.

At thirty-four, she'd built a career that everyone admired. Whenever her name

came up, it was always in phrases like "modern woman," "powerhouse," "role

model."

Looking at their marriage certificate, Briony couldn't help but think, They actually

belong together. They're truly a match.

She told herself she should be happy for Stewart.

His first thirty-four years had been anything but easy-marked more by hardship

than happiness. Now, at last, he'd found a woman who could stand with him as

his equal.

As a friend-almost as family-she ought to wish him well.

Stewart had made it clear: he

Briony's phone rang.

that it was an unknown number. Just as she was about

clear

herself-her tone

get my number, Ms. Cooper?"

on the phone tightened.

composed

really what you're worried about, Ms. Kensington?" Xenia

a hint of amusement. "You're Stewart's ex-wife, and now I'm

even a little

provocation made Briony

to get entangled

you have something to say, Ms.

meet," Xenia replied, her tone proud. "I have

It's about you."

been ready to refuse, but that last sentence

famous riverside café on the

agreed to

was close by-she left her townhouse, crossed the street, and was there

under five minutes.

evening, the sky was streaked

into

overlooking the river, Xenia

paused, pressed her lips together, and

down

to drink?" Xenia asked, her

with a bold, unapologetic

unflinching. "No need

get to

coffee, then set the cup down, a

her gaze rested

in silence, their energies worlds

was proud

and sharpness on

She was the kind of

effort to

ambition or strength.

the other hand,

composed.

still recovering from

and looked