Time-Limited Love: A Contract Expired, Not Renewed novel Chapter 102

"Hello, Dr. Naomi, do you have a moment?"

Twenty minutes later.

"Dr. Naomi, sorry to bother you again. I’m feeling much better now."

After hanging up, Zinnia turned and started back the way she came.

The anxiety that had been weighing her down had eased considerably, thanks to her therapist’s gentle guidance.

"Ms. Quinn?"

A familiar voice called from behind.

She turned to see Dr. Warner, the attending physician from the animal hospital, standing there with a small, fluffy white Bichon cradled in his arms.

[Note: In this story’s setting, therapy dogs are allowed in the hospital.]

"Dr. Warner," she greeted him, though her gaze quickly drifted to the dog in his arms.

She stepped closer and gently took the Bichon’s paw, giving it a playful squeeze.

"Is she yours?"

"No, she belongs to my girlfriend. Her stomach’s upset and she’s running a fever, so she’s next door getting an IV. My girlfriend didn’t want to leave Pearl alone, so I just ran home to bring her over."

As he spoke about his girlfriend, Zinnia noticed his eyes lit up, almost glowing with affection.

She thought, so this is what real couples look like—when you mention the person you love, your whole face can’t help but brighten.

Pearl was the name of the little Bichon in his arms.

"Pearl, say hello," Dr. Warner coaxed.

She watched the pair—doctor and his “daughter”—disappear into the next room before she could tear her gaze from Pearl.

Then she poured a fresh glass of water for Landon and headed back to the treatment room.

"Hey, Dr. Quinn, where’d you go? Your husband just went out looking for you," the nurse remarked as Zinnia reentered.

Zinnia paused mid-step. "He went to find me? He’s finished already?"

The nurse covered her mouth, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Didn’t know your husband was so attached to you. You’d barely stepped out and he’d already left his IV half-done to go after you."

Just as she finished speaking, Landon appeared behind Zinnia.

The nurse nodded in his direction. "Look, your clingy husband’s back."

Zinnia turned to find Landon standing there, expression unreadable.