Time-Limited Love: A Contract Expired, Not Renewed novel Chapter 10

The car—sleek, high-end, and unmistakably expensive—immediately drew stares from passersby. Whispers floated through the air as people slowed down to get a better look.

Connor, Landon and Noelle’s childhood friend, stepped out of the driver’s seat, his black sunglasses reflecting the bright morning light. The moment he spotted Zinnia, the easy smile on his lips froze.

“Oh, Zinnia. You’re here too.”

Zinnia nodded at him in polite acknowledgement.

Connor’s arrival seemed to be the cue for Noelle, who tugged gently at Landon’s sleeve. “Come on, Landon. Let’s get going before we block the cars behind us.”

Noelle’s gaze flicked meaningfully toward Zinnia, a subtle smile playing at her lips.

Landon, however, remained rooted to the spot, his expression clouded as he stared at Zinnia—searching, as if hoping to find some crack in her calm façade.

But Zinnia’s face was unreadable, as always—composed, detached. The lack of emotion only managed to stoke a strange irritation deep in Landon’s chest.

Connor slipped off his sunglasses and approached, but his attention was fixed on Zinnia. His tone was apologetic. “Sorry, Zinnia. I didn’t realize you’d be coming back today too, or I wouldn’t have brought this car. There’s just not enough room.”

His Rolls-Royce was a four-seater. Connor’s girlfriend was already occupying the passenger seat, which meant the two seats in the back were reserved for Landon and Noelle.

Zinnia knew Connor always called her by her first name, but it was never warm. He’d never truly accepted her, and she hadn’t forgotten that it was Connor who’d left the comment on Noelle’s Instagram urging Landon to just marry Noelle already. Whether the excuse about the car was genuine or just a conveniently polite way of refusing her a seat, Zinnia had no intention of inviting herself along.

“It’s fine. I already called a ride, anyway. You guys go ahead. My car’s here.”

“Zinnia—” Connor started, but right then, her ride pulled up to the curb.

The window rolled up, shutting out Landon’s conflicted, icy gaze.

“Come on, Landon,” Connor urged from beside the car. “Chandler and the others are already waiting.”

Landon finally tore his eyes away from Zinnia’s departing car and slid into the passenger seat.

He sat in silence, staring at his phone, the chill in his demeanor lowering the temperature inside the car.

Connor, keeping one eye on Landon in the rearview mirror, felt the tension so keenly that even his voice grew subdued.

“Landon, maybe… maybe we could call Zinnia and have her come with us?”