"Will Mommy cook for me?" James asked, his voice filled with excitement.

"I want to go grocery shopping with Mommy! I want to stay with Mommy!" Elise smiled warmly and nodded.

She would never consider leaving James alone at home. Taking his small hand, she turned to William. "You can go back first if you have work. I'll take good care of Jamie."

William remained silent.

Elise didn't press further.

Instead, she led James toward the nearby supermarket. William followed closely behind them.

Several times, Elise considered telling him to leave, but ultimately kept quiet.

The three of them moved through the grocery aisles together.

"Mommy, what are we buying?"

James bubbled with enthusiasm. He had never been to a regular supermarket before. Their home was always fully stocked, with Charles ensuring they never lacked anything. This was his first experience seeing rows of colorful products lining the shelves.

"I'll buy whatever you'd like to eat."

"I want fish, lobster, crab..."

James listed numerous seafood items.

A smile touched Elise's lips.

Their tastes aligned perfectly.

She headed directly to the seafood section, selecting various fresh catches.

After consideration, she decided seafood alone wasn't sufficient. She added fresh vegetables, premium steak, and some snacks to their cart.

Finished, she turned to William. "Could you watch Jamie for a moment? I need to pick up some personal items. Please wait for me at the checkout."

"Alright."

Elise walked away, returning with several packages of sanitary pads in her hands.

William and James were already scanning items at the self-checkout counter.

Spotting her approach, William extended his hand. "Let me check those out with the rest."

Elise hesitated briefly. William's brow furrowed slightly.

Several customers waited behind them in line.

Feeling the impatient stares, Elise reluctantly handed the sanitary pads to William.

He examined the packages in his hands.

Elise felt such embarrassment she had to look away.

"Sir, we're currently running a promotion on sanitary pads," the cashier explained cheerfully. "With every purchase, you receive a complimentary box of condoms. We have three varieties available. Please choose one."

"No, thank you," William declined.

"But they're completely free," the cashier insisted. "It's a manufacturer promotion. If you like them, you can purchase from this brand again later. Just indicate your preferred type. Oh, and please note the different sizes available!"

Elise noticed William's unusual discomfort. His ears turned faintly pink. She felt an unexpected satisfaction at his predicament.

Serves him right for tagging along uninvited. Just as a smirk touched her lips, William turned to her. "Which one do you prefer?"

The cashier's gaze shifted to Elise. Her cheeks flushed crimson.

A young couple stood directly behind them. The woman remarked, "Wow, not only is he handsome, but he's considerate enough to ask his girlfriend's preference. Unlike you, always buying whatever you like without checking if I'm comfortable with it..."

"Don't you like it too?" the man retorted, clearly annoyed by the comparison.

"Hmph." The woman refused to acknowledge his point.

"Fine, I'll let you choose next time. We'll buy whatever you prefer, okay?"

The man finally conceded.

Listening to their conversation, Elise wished the ground would swallow her whole.

"Miss, please help your husband select a type," the cashier urged, adding, "Your husband is so thoughtful. I rarely see husbands who care about their wives' opinions."

Elise glanced at William, noticing the smug smile playing on his lips.

She felt utterly speechless.

Her earlier amusement at his discomfort had backfired spectacularly.

Closing her eyes briefly, Elise randomly pointed at one box. "This one, please."

"Excellent choice."

The cashier promptly packed it with their other items.

After completing payment, the three exited the supermarket.

Elise rarely visited grocery stores and suddenly realized she might have purchased too much. William carried two large bags filled to capacity.

"Let me take those."

Elise stopped in front of William. "I don't want to inconvenience you further."

"Are you certain?" William asked Elise, his gaze intense.