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: he didn't

rang. She answered out of

it was an unknown

cool, clear woman's voice came

introduced herself-her

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

on the phone tightened.

wasn't as composed as she

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

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

little

provocation made Briony

desire to get entangled

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

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

It's about you."

been ready to refuse, but

famous riverside café on

to

by-she left her townhouse,

under five minutes.

sky was streaked

into the

window overlooking the river, Xenia

paused, pressed her lips together, and made her way

down

drink?" Xenia

with a bold, unapologetic

her eyes, calm and unflinching.

to

that, Xenia took a sip from her coffee, then

curving her lips as her gaze rested on Briony

women faced off in silence, their energies

proud

sharpness

She was the kind of

effort

ambition or strength.

the other

composed.

still recovering from

illness and looked a