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.

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

Lost in her thoughts, Briony's phone rang. She answered out of habit, only realizing too late that it was an unknown number. Just as she was about to hang up, a cool, clear woman's voice came through.

introduced herself-her tone

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

wasn't as composed

really what you're worried about, Ms. Kensington?" Xenia Cooper's voice held a hint of amusement. "You're Stewart's ex-wife, and now I'm married to him. Aren't you even a little bit curious about

provocation made

desire to get entangled with

have something to say, Ms. Cooper, just

"I have something you'll want

refuse, but that last

a famous riverside café on the edge of

to meet Xenia

the street, and was there in under

the sky was streaked with crimson

into

window overlooking the river, Xenia Cooper waved

paused, pressed her lips together, and

down across

Xenia asked, her poise unmistakable. She

and unflinching. "No need for pleasantries, Ms. Cooper. Let's get

down, a faint,

two women faced off in silence,

was the kind of woman