Time-Limited Love: A Contract Expired, Not Renewed novel Chapter 13

“You really messed up this time. Even if Noelle had actually been kidnapped, her parents were there, the Jensen family was there, even the Fords. Why did you have to leave your wife alone in a foreign country just to rush back?”

Chandler’s words made Landon frown. An uneasy feeling flickered through his chest, but he replied calmly, “I explained everything to her. She didn’t mind.”

“And if she had minded, would you have stayed to keep her company?” Chandler cut straight to the point, and Landon was left speechless.

Suddenly, he remembered that frantic moment in the hotel, when Zinnia called after him as he was about to leave. He remembered what he’d felt and what he’d said.

All she’d done was stop him to hand him a pair of safety glasses; she hadn’t even tried to keep him from going. And yet, he’d snapped at her, accused her of being jealous, of being petty.

He recalled the stunned look on Zinnia’s face, and a heavy weight settled in his heart.

He knew the truth. Even if Zinnia had asked him to stay, even if she’d begged, he still would have left her behind and rushed home.

He always chose Noelle, out of habit. Everything—and everyone—came after her.

Faced with Chandler’s question, Landon opened his mouth, but nothing came out. No retort, no defense.

“Zinnia’s patient, easygoing. She acts like nothing ever gets to her, but she’s human. Everyone has their limits. And the people who seem to mind things the least? When they finally do, there’s no going back.”

Chandler kept talking, but Landon just sat there in silence. He wanted to say that Zinnia didn’t care because their marriage was based on a contract.

It was all just paperwork, a deal that let him do as he pleased without distraction. In three years, they’d get a clean, quiet divorce.

Landon’s frown deepened. This time, he had nothing left to say. What could he argue? That Noelle only wanted him by her side?

He knew, deep down, he’d done nothing inappropriate with Noelle. Their relationship was clean. But saying that out loud felt wrong.

Seeing Landon’s expression, Chandler didn’t press further. He’d said what needed saying; if Landon kept reacting this way, he’d only be hurting himself in the end.

“Just think about it.”

Chandler patted Landon’s shoulder, got up, and left him alone.

Landon sat in the corner, a glass of whiskey in his hand, taking slow, distracted sips, his mind a thousand miles away.