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.

clear: he didn't want her

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

was an unknown

a cool, clear

introduced herself-her tone openly

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

on the phone tightened.

as composed as

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

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

little bit

provocation made Briony

to get entangled with Xenia

something to say, Ms. Cooper, just say

meet," Xenia replied, her tone proud. "I have something you'll want

It's about you."

but that last

was a famous riverside café on the edge of

agreed to meet Xenia

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

under five minutes.

evening, the sky was streaked with crimson

into

overlooking the

pressed her lips together, and made her way

down across from

like something to drink?" Xenia asked,

Briony with a bold, unapologetic

and unflinching. "No need for pleasantries, Ms.

to the

her coffee, then

as her gaze

two women faced off in silence, their energies

was proud and

and sharpness

was the kind

no effort to

ambition or strength.

the other

composed.

still

illness and looked