Chapter 51: Chapter 51 Help their daughter-in-law try on a wedding dress
Aria’s POV
My fingertips had just brushed the delicate tulle of the white gown when Mrs. Moore gently guided me toward the mirror, turning me halfway around. Her eyes lit up instantly.
"Look how perfectly this cut suits you! The shoulder line is just right. If we take the waist in just a touch more, it’ll be absolutely perfect." She paused, her expression turning hopeful. "Miss Smith, would you do us a favor?"
I nodded before I could think better of it, and Mrs. Moore immediately took my hand, patting it softly.
"My daughter-in-law—she’s about your size, you see. But she’s quite shy, very reserved." Her tone was affectionate, almost wistful.
"Looking at all these styles, my husband and I can’t quite figure out what young people prefer these days. Would you mind trying them on for us? So we can see which one would suit her best?"
Mr. Moore added from beside her, his voice equally gentle.
"That’s right, Miss Smith. At our age, our taste is hopelessly outdated. You’re young and clearly have an eye for these things. Help us make the right choice so we don’t end up disappointing the poor girl."
I looked between their expectant faces and felt something warm unfold in my chest. The genuine kindness in their eyes reminded me of everything I’d never had growing up.
"Please don’t say that," I said softly. "I’d be happy to help if I can. Let me try them on properly so you can see all the details."
By the time I’d cycled through all six gowns, a light sheen of perspiration had formed at my temples.
"Mrs. Moore, why don’t you sit down and rest for a bit? I don’t want you getting tired standing so long."
"Oh, Aria, you’re so thoughtful! Such a caring girl."Mrs. Moore’s face lit up with genuine warmth.
She squeezed her husband’s hand, her voice carrying a wistful note. "If only I had a daughter-in-law like you."
Something uncomfortable twisted in my stomach at her words. The compliment felt both touching and oddly misplaced, considering why I was really here.
"You’re too kind, Mrs. Moore," I managed, forcing a smile.
But she was already moving toward another garment bag, her energy renewed. "Oh!It’s absolutely stunning. You simply must try it on."
When I tried on the white fishtail gown encrusted with diamonds, I found myself frozen in front of the mirror.
The delicate crystals caught the light with every movement, sending tiny sparks dancing across the sheer fabric.
For a moment, unbidden, I thought of my wedding to Ethan.
The Holt family had considered me beneath them even then.
Margaret hadn’t even bothered getting me a proper wedding dress—I’d worn one of her old gowns, altered poorly to fit.
But now, looking at my reflection in this breathtaking creation, I barely recognized myself.
I looked radiant. Powerful. Nothing like the girl who’d been grateful for hand-me-downs.
"This one! Oh, look how those diamonds make your skin absolutely glow like porcelain!" Mrs. Moore clapped her hands together, clearly delighted.
Mr. Moore nodded in agreement. "The cut really is exceptional. Our granddaughter-in-law will look stunning in it."
He paused, studying me thoughtfully. "Miss Smith, if there are any of these gowns you particularly like, please let us gift them to you."
I shook my head quickly, genuine in my refusal. "I was just helping you try them on. I couldn’t possibly accept something so valuable. You’ve already been far too kind."
Just as I finished changing back into my own clothes, a staff member appeared carrying an exquisite jewelry set—clearly meant to complement the gowns.
Mrs. Moore reached for a necklace, moving as if to clasp it around my neck.
I stepped back gently but firmly.
"Mrs. Moore, these pieces are far too precious. Since you’re choosing them for your granddaughter-in-law, wouldn’t it be better to wait until she can try them herself?"
Something flickered across Mrs. Moore’s face—disappointment, maybe, or frustration—but Mr. Moore placed a subtle hand on her arm.
"You’re absolutely right," he said warmly. "We got carried away. Thank you for being so thoughtful, Miss Smith."
Relief washed through me. I helped them confirm a few more details about the gowns’ alterations, then glanced at my watch and felt my stomach drop.
"Mr. and Mrs. Moore, I really need to get back to the office. But please, if you need any more help with selections, don’t hesitate to call me."
Neither of them pressed me to stay longer. Instead, they had their driver take me directly back to V&A Group.
---
Author’s POV
The moment Aria disappeared through the company’s front entrance, Mr. Moore was already pulling out his phone.
Within seconds, his assistant was on the line with the building manager.
"Every gown Miss Smith tried on today—have them altered to her exact measurements. And package the complete jewelry sets to match."
Mrs. Moore nodded decisively beside him. "That girl is too well-mannered to accept gifts directly. Once everything’s been tailored, have it delivered to her residence. By the time she receives it, it’ll be too late to refuse."
Comments