Time-Limited Love: A Contract Expired, Not Renewed novel Chapter 1

Svalbard, Norway.

“Landon, I did my homework. There’s glacier hiking here, and right ahead, we can explore ice caves. I even asked the locals. We might catch the Northern Lights along the trek.”

This was the trip Zinnia Quinn had dreamed of for years. Landon Ford had finally managed to carve out two full weeks to join her on this Arctic adventure. To make it happen, Zinnia had worked a string of brutal night shifts, swapping schedules with her hospital colleagues just to get the time off.

“Let’s do the glacier hike tomorrow, okay?” she asked, her voice muffled behind a thick scarf. Her eyes sparkled with hope and excitement.

Tiny crystals of frost clung to her long lashes, and her nose was pink from the cold, but her eyes shone brighter than ever. Each breath shimmered in the frigid air, a gauzy veil over the thrill on her face.

Landon couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen Zinnia so openly joyful. Since the day their marriage began—a practical arrangement more than a whirlwind romance—she had always been gentle, composed, unflappable, as if nothing in this world could ever rattle her.

But now, her beautiful eyes seemed to contain a whole galaxy, especially when she looked at him, expectant and glowing, as if stars themselves had scattered across her gaze.

Moved by the sight, Landon smiled back. “Sure,” he said softly.

The happiness in Zinnia’s eyes bloomed like spring.

...

The next day, after bundling up in layers of winter gear, the couple set out with their local guide for the ice cave tour. Outside the hotel, the snow had fallen deep and heavy, blanketing the mountains in white.

“Landon, look at this place! It’s incredible,” Zinnia breathed, clinging to his arm, unable to contain her joy. “Who knows when we’ll get a chance to come back?”

“If you want to come again, I—” Landon began, but his phone suddenly rang.

He answered quickly. “Hello? What?”

“You should go out and see the Northern Lights tonight,” he said. “I’ll come find you as soon as I help Noelle.”

Before Zinnia could reply, he was already gone.

She hurried after him, calling his name. “Landon, wait—”

He stopped and turned, irritation flashing in his eyes. The warmth he’d shown her that morning was gone, replaced by something sharp and cold.

“Zinnia, I married you because you’re considerate and sensible. Are you really going to get jealous and stop me from helping someone in trouble right now?” Disappointment and annoyance edged his words.

The jab landed hard. Zinnia stared at him, dumbfounded, a sting of hurt in her chest.

Landon seemed to realize, for a split second, how harsh he’d been. Guilt flickered across his face. “I…”