Page 127 of The Most Perfect Wrong

The look in her eyes makes it hard to say no, though. “Alright. I’ll try it on.”

“Yes,” she says excitedly. “Robert?” She calls out. “Can you bring some shoes for Cooper to try on with this dress? Size…?” she looks to me.

“Six,” I say, glancing around. Shopping with someone rich is an experience I’ve never had. Brad made really good money, but nothing like Leo—and it’s not like he let me spend it freely. Watching Robert respond to Vivian’s every request, bringing her item after item, feels almost surreal.

He knows her, too—they’ve been chatting and laughing like old friends. But it’s clear it’s just because she shops with him often. We’ve been here a little over an hour, and thirty minutes ago, Robert had someone else pick up food for us.

Now, we have an entire spread of food and clothes in a massive dressing room together. I’m not going to lie—it’s been a lot of fun.

Vivian has a stack of clothing piled up for the wedding trip—for her, Leo, and Isla. She’s even thrown in a new suit for Leo.

I glance down at my modest keep pile. I’ve found a lot of things I want, but I’ve been picky, only choosing what I love and know I’ll wear often. Essentials for work, a few casual weekend items, and a handful of pieces for the trip.

Stepping into the dress, I pull the straps over my shoulders and zip up the back. Crap. It’s gorgeous—and it looks great on me.

Vivian gasps the moment I turn around. “You look incredible in that. You have to get it.”

I grimace, genuinely bummed. “I can't. It’s too much.”

“Oh no, hun. I’m getting it for you,” she says without hesitation.

“No, no,” I say quickly, shaking my head. “I don’t feel right about that.”

“Cooper,” she says, her tone soft but firm. “It’s for my wedding. I’m buying this dress for you. Please, let me. You wouldn’t need this dress normally. And, in fact, I want to cover everything you’re buying for the trip.”

Damn. She knows. She knows what Brad did to my clothes.

“Vivian,” I say, swallowing hard. “I can’t let you buy me a bunch of clothes… Did Ryan tell you what happened?”

She makes a face. “Am I that transparent? I’m sorry. It just makes me sick for you.” Running a hand through her hair, she sighs. “Look, I know it’s weird and uncomfortable to take help or have someone else buy you things, but… Leo insisted that I get you to accept.”

“God, that’s so sweet of you guys,” I say. “But also a little embarrassing. As much as I appreciate it—and even need it—it just feels weird.”

“I get that,” she says, nodding. She glances down for a moment, her hands fidgeting in her lap. When her eyes meet mine again, they’re filled with tears.

“Cooper,” she begins, her voice trembling, “I know what it’s like to be in a situation where you need to lean on the people around you.” She swallows hard, blinking quickly. “I don’t know if you know why I moved to Chicago, but I lost my husband—and my unborn daughter.”

Her voice cracks, and a lump forms in my throat, tears stinging my eyes as I watch her choke back emotion.

“God, sorry,” she says, laughing awkwardly as she wipes at her eyes. “Anyway, I just remember people always asking what they could do to help, or saying the stupidest shit, not knowing what to say. And it was so annoying. Sometimes, it made things worse.” She pauses, taking a shaky breath. “But I needed them, Cooper. I needed their help. I had people coming to clean my house and bring me groceries because often times, I couldn’t even get out of bed. And it was so embarrassing. God, I wanted to die sometimes.”

Tears stream down my cheeks as Vivian bares her soul to me. This gorgeous woman, who seems to have it all, lost everything she loved. I appreciate her so much in this moment—her honesty, her vulnerability. No one but Ryan has shared something this personal with me before. It means more than I can put into words.

“So, please. Let us help you in the way we know how.” She laughs again, wiping at her cheeks. “If it makes you feel any better, this is like a dollar for Leo.”

“Oh my God,” I laugh, shaking my head. “It does. A little.”

“I know you’ll feel weird about it for a while, but then you’ll put this dress on, look in the mirror, and say, ‘Damn, I look good,’ and you’ll forget all about it.” She clasps her hands together in a prayer. “Please?”

I scoff, rolling my eyes. “Fine. I’ll let you. But just know that I feel very weird about this.”

“I know,” she says, her grin widening.

“But,” I add, meeting her gaze, my voice softening, “I’m also truly grateful. Beyond words. Thank you.”

Vivian pulls me into a hug. “You’re welcome… Can we also please get you some sexy lingerie for this trip? To wear for Ryan—because I’m also just so happy for him.”

I laugh. “I guess if it’s for Ryan, then… okay.”

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