Mrs. Cooper's patience had run out, she had been waiting for a month now, but there wasn't any news coming from Aiden. She was growing impatient, there was no way she was going to fall behind the other Aristocratic families. As soon as she learned about Sophia a month ago, she had been excited, waiting for the news that she would meet her soon, but it seemed Aiden was dragging his heels.

It was now time for her to interfere and investigate, she planned to meet Sophia in secret. And with the help of her husband, they were able to get details about her and her schedule.

Mr. Cooper does not try to oppose his wife's wishes as much as possible, because he believes in the saying, "Happy wife, happy life."

Now that she had all the information she needed, Mrs. Cooper needed to pick a place to meet her. Of course, business parties and conventions were out of the question, there were just too many people there that could probably recognize her and blow up her plan. She felt sad for Sophia when she saw that she barely had time for herself, her schedule was full of work appointments, demonstrations, and meetings. But then she found her opportunity, once a month, Sophia has an appointment with one of the top clothing designers in the country, to alter her clothes and pick out the ones she likes from what her PA has chosen for her.

-=-

"This is not necessary," she argued with her PA, yet again, "You already know my size and what I want. Just pick it out and send it to my house. I don't need to take time out of my schedule just so I can go clothes shopping."

Sophia had entrusted her wardrobe to her PA. She cannot be bothered to waste her time on clothes shopping, something a woman with her amount of money would appreciate. But she looked at it as a chore. Sure she loved trying on the dresses when she was there, but when she thought of the amount of stuff she needed to do at work, it made her want to go back to the office and just skip her appointment.

The only consolation today, was that at least she had the time after lunch when it was less crowded and made shopping easier.

The store manager showed Sophia the catalog, she wanted to roll her eyes when she saw what her PA had chosen for her. It would have been the same style as she chose, give or take a few dresses she didn't think would match the formal chic style she was going for.

She tried a few different outfits to make sure her measurements were still the same. Taking in and letting out in places that were too loose or too tight, like the waist, hip, and bosom areas.

Since she was there, Sophia decided to take the rest of her time to look around. The manager informed her that they would send the altered clothing to her apartment as soon as they were finished.

Sophia was eyeing a blazer adorned with crystals on the neckline when someone took it the same time she did.

The woman beside her, though a little older, looked very beautiful and classy. She estimated the woman was in her 50's, and the blazer would probably suit her better.

"I'm sorry, you can take it," Sophia gave in and handed the woman the blazer.

Mrs. Cooper had been scrutinizing Sophia from afar, and she did not expect that up close she was more beautiful than she had anticipated. She observed that Sophia had very good manners and was kind and nice to the staff, which were very important traits to gauge a person's personality.

"Oh no, dear. You can take it. I was just admiring it," Mrs. Cooper replied.

Sophia returned the blazer to the rack and walked away, going back to her perusal of the other merchandise.

Mrs. Cooper did not think that interaction was enough to form an opinion, she wanted to learn more about this woman that captivated her son's heart.

So she followed Sophia around the store, "Don't you think the Dior summer collection is very festive?" Sophia nodded and walked to another display.

Mrs. Cooper followed Sophia everywhere, complimenting her choice every time she touched an article of clothing or an accessory.

"Now this blue dress suits you, I think you should buy it," Mrs. Cooper suggested when she saw Sophia touching the fabric of the dress.

"I'm just looking. I already selected the outfits I wanted," Sophia said, trying to refuse her suggestion softly.

"But it's the same as your eye color. Why not try it on. You can decide later if you really want it," Mrs. Cooper tried to goad her into trying the dress on.

Sophia could not refuse the older woman, she was pushy and a little intrusive, but it seemed like she was friendly. There was no harm in playing dress-up. She was so excited that the dress had fit her like a glove, so she got out of the fitting room and showed the older lady how it looked on her.

"You are right, this color suits me," Sophia said as she presented her new dress to her audience.

"May I make a suggestion?" Mrs. Cooper asked as she approached Sophia in front of the mirror. "I think you should cross the straps to give it a design."

"I'll do it, it's okay," she tried to refuse her help.

"No, let me do it. It would be easier 'coz I can see it from this side," Mrs. Cooper insisted, fashionably tying the straps.

"Thank you, it does look better," Sophia acknowledged.

"Your boyfriend will love it. He better compliment you when he sees you in this dress," Mrs. Cooper beamed as she tried to pry about her status, "Wait, maybe you have a husband?"

Aiden's face flashed in Sophia's mind when the older woman mentioned her boyfriend.