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.

had made it clear:

phone rang. She answered out of habit,

an unknown number. Just as she

cool, clear

herself-her

number, Ms. Cooper?"

on the phone tightened.

as composed as she

really what you're worried

"You're Stewart's ex-wife, and

even a little

open provocation made Briony

desire to get entangled

say, Ms. Cooper,

tone proud. "I have something

It's about you."

been ready to refuse, but that last sentence

was a famous riverside café on

agreed to

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

under five minutes.

evening, the sky was streaked with crimson

into

the floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the river, Xenia

together,

sat down across from

you like something to drink?" Xenia asked, her poise unmistakable.

a

met her eyes, calm and unflinching. "No need for

get to the

her coffee, then set the

her gaze

in silence, their energies

proud and

sharpness

the kind

made no effort to

ambition or strength.

on the other hand,

composed. Even

still recovering from

illness and looked