Time-Limited Love: A Contract Expired, Not Renewed novel Chapter 16

“Chandler—”

Before Landon could finish, Chandler slammed the door and strode away, leaving nothing but a heavy silence in his wake.

Noelle glared at the closed door, her teeth clenched in frustration. She was certain Zinnia must have said something to Zoey, twisting the story and making Chandler see her in the worst possible light.

Beside her, Landon reached for his coat, his voice rough and tired. “Come on. I’ll take you home.”

At once, Noelle smoothed away the gloom on her face and slipped into her practiced, helpless expression.

“Landon, I really envy how Zinnia gets along with people. Even Chandler, who’s usually so indifferent, came in here just to scold me for her. It’s not like me… I’ve only ever been close to you. I guess it’s my fault for leaning on you so much. Maybe that’s why Zinnia went to Chandler to complain about me…”

Each word was carefully chosen, layered with implication—Chandler and Zinnia were closer than they let on, Landon held a special place in her heart, and Zinnia was badmouthing her behind her back.

Noelle was good at this. She always knew how to twist things just right, and usually, it worked.

But tonight, Landon just stayed silent, showing not the slightest hint of annoyance toward Zinnia. Instead, there was a thoughtful look in his eyes, and under his breath, he murmured, “Is Zinnia… really upset?”

His voice was so low it could have passed for a private thought, but Noelle caught every word. Her heart skipped anxiously, though her face remained the picture of innocence as she followed his lead.

“She must be mad. It’s my fault. I shouldn’t have let my depression get the best of me and ruin her night out.”

As she spoke, she watched Landon’s brooding face, searching for any sign of a reaction.

Noelle hid the triumph in her eyes. “Alright, if you insist.”

As they stepped out into the hall, the club manager appeared, carrying a small box. “Miss Noelle, here’s the cake you ordered.”

“Thank you,” Noelle said, accepting it with a sweet smile. Once the manager had left, she handed the box to Landon.

“Landon, I had this cake made just for Zinnia. Please, for my sake, take it to her and try to patch things up. I’d feel terrible if you didn’t.”

When Landon hesitated, she clasped her hands at her chest, her voice soft and imploring. “Please? Just this once?”