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: he didn't want

Briony's phone rang. She answered out of habit,

unknown

cool, clear

woman introduced herself-her tone

my number, Ms. Cooper?" Briony's voice was calm,

on the phone tightened.

as composed as she

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

"You're Stewart's ex-wife, and now I'm married

a little bit curious about

open provocation

to get

you have something to say, Ms. Cooper, just say

proud. "I have something

It's about you."

ready to refuse, but that

famous riverside café on the edge

to meet Xenia

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

under five minutes.

was streaked

into

the floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the river,

lips together,

down across

to drink?" Xenia asked,

a

eyes, calm and unflinching. "No need for

to the

that, Xenia took a sip from her coffee, then set the cup

lips as her gaze rested

women faced off in silence, their

proud

sharpness

was the kind

effort

ambition or strength.

on the other hand,

composed. Even

still

illness and