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.

made it clear:

her thoughts, Briony's phone rang. She answered out of

late that it was an unknown

cool, clear woman's voice

herself-her tone openly

get my number, Ms. Cooper?" Briony's

on the phone tightened.

as composed as she

you're worried

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

a little bit curious about

provocation made Briony

had no desire to get entangled with Xenia

say, Ms. Cooper, just

her tone proud. "I have

It's about you."

ready to refuse, but that

café on the edge

to meet Xenia

close by-she left her townhouse, crossed

under five minutes.

the sky was

into

window overlooking the river, Xenia Cooper waved

together, and made

sat down

like something to drink?" Xenia asked,

a bold, unapologetic

eyes, calm and unflinching. "No

to the

her coffee, then set

curving her lips as her gaze rested on

off in

was proud and unyielding,

sharpness

She was the

effort to

ambition or strength.

the

and composed. Even

was still recovering

and looked a