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.

woman introduced herself-her

my number, Ms. Cooper?" Briony's voice was calm, but her grip on the phone

wasn't as composed

you're worried about, Ms. Kensington?" Xenia Cooper's voice held a hint of amusement. "You're Stewart's ex-wife, and now

provocation

had no desire to get entangled with

say, Ms. Cooper, just

have something you'll want to

ready to refuse, but that last sentence changed her

café

agreed to

townhouse, crossed the street, and was there

sky was streaked with crimson

into

floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the river,

together, and made her

sat down across from

to drink?" Xenia asked, her poise unmistakable. She regarded Briony with

unflinching. "No need for pleasantries, Ms.

a sip from her coffee, then set the cup down, a faint, knowing smile curving her lips as her gaze rested on

off in silence, their energies

and sharpness on full display. She was the kind of