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.

Stewart had made it clear: he didn't want her

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

that it was an unknown number. Just as she was about

clear woman's

woman introduced herself-her tone openly

Cooper?" Briony's voice was

on the phone tightened.

wasn't as composed as

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

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

even a little bit curious

open provocation

had no desire to get entangled with Xenia

say, Ms. Cooper, just

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

It's about you."

been ready to refuse, but that last sentence

a famous riverside café on the

to

by-she left her townhouse,

under five minutes.

was streaked with crimson

stepped into

floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the river,

pressed her lips together, and made

sat down

to drink?" Xenia asked, her poise

with a

her eyes, calm and unflinching. "No

to the

sip from her coffee, then

her gaze rested on Briony

women faced off in silence,

was proud and unyielding,

and sharpness on

was the kind

effort to hide

ambition or strength.

on the

composed.

was still recovering

illness and