At noon, Aaron and Ivy arrived at the town market together, strolling hand in hand beneath the warm sun. The marketplace buzzed with people, colors, and the scent of fresh fruits and baked goods.

“Honey, go ahead and buy whatever you want,” Aaron said, giving her a gentle nudge toward the boutique stalls. “I have something to do.”

Ivy raised an eyebrow, sensing a hint of secrecy in his tone. “Where are you going?”

“Just nearby, babe,” he said with a soft grin before walking off, ...