Time-Limited Love: A Contract Expired, Not Renewed novel Chapter 20

For a long moment, the silence stretched between them. Finally, Landon spoke.

"I promised I'd go with you to see the northern lights that night," he said quietly. "But I ended up leaving you alone in Norway. I’m sorry."

His apology caught Zinnia off guard. She hadn’t expected Landon—someone so used to always being in control—to lower himself and apologize to her.

Apparently, even he realized how harsh he'd been, enough to make him swallow his pride and admit he was wrong.

Was this the part where she was supposed to feel honored, look properly flattered, and graciously forgive him for abandoning her that night?

She gave a self-mocking smile. Honestly, she had no reason to care about Landon’s attitude anymore.

He’d made things clear from the start. He had no intention of marriage. What existed between them was nothing but a contract.

There was never any talk of love, and she’d always known that.

She’d willingly signed the three-year agreement, no one had forced her hand.

So even if he chose Noelle over her again and again, what right did she have to feel wounded?

It wasn’t as if she ever held a place in his heart.

She’d known it was a gamble from day one. And if you lose a bet, you pay the price, fair and square.

Zinnia nodded. “It’s fine. I understand.”

“So… it really doesn’t bother you?” Landon pressed, his eyes fixed intently on hers, searching for the slightest flicker of emotion.

All he found was confusion.

Zinnia looked back at him and asked, “Bother me? About what?”

“I…” Landon faltered, her question catching him off guard. Whatever he’d meant to say died on his lips.

What did she have to mind, really?

He’d left her so righteously that night—he’d gone back for Noelle because it was a matter of life and death.

He’d gone to save someone. It wasn’t as though he’d done anything to betray Zinnia. Why would she be upset?

She met his searching gaze. “You went back to save someone’s life, didn’t you? When it comes to something that serious, why would you think I’d be upset?”

Landon was left speechless. “I…”

“Landon Ford, I’m not unreasonable. There’s no need to dwell on that night. It’s over.”

He’d had no problem accusing her of lying and leaving her beneath the snow, struggling to survive. What was the point of asking now if she was angry?

Landon Ford…

It was the first time she’d addressed him by his full name like that.

Landon jerked his head up, startled, and stared at her.

Her cool, detached expression only made the unease in his chest grow stronger.

Once again, Zinnia’s words left him at a loss for any reply.