Time-Limited Love: A Contract Expired, Not Renewed novel Chapter 24

Zinnia was unflappably calm—so calm, in fact, that even when Landon had left her alone in Norway for two weeks without a single message, she hadn’t once lost her temper with him.

And now, she was even considerate enough to suggest they sleep in separate beds so she wouldn’t disturb his rest.

Ha! Exactly the kind of wife he’d chosen for himself—undemanding and thoughtful, always making things easy for him.

Landon fought hard to keep his anger in check. It took everything he had not to snap at Zinnia right then and there.

He took a deep breath, forcing his voice into a steady calm as he reminded her, “Zinnia, we’re married.”

She nodded. “I know.”

In just two months, this marriage would be over. That was precisely why she wanted things to end amicably—to give some dignity to the relationship that had started as nothing more than a contract.

“So, if we’re married, why are we sleeping in separate rooms?” Landon pressed, rubbing his brow and trying to keep his patience.

Zinnia pressed her lips together, feeling the last of her patience slipping away. She repeated herself, “I have trouble sleeping. I don’t want to keep you up.”

Same answer as before. Landon could hear the dismissiveness in her voice this time.

He stared at Zinnia’s composed expression, growing more and more agitated. With a frustrated sound, he tugged at his collar, planted his hands on his hips, and began pacing the room.

Zinnia had no interest in watching him wear a groove in the floor. She gathered up her blanket and turned to leave.

But just as she opened the door, Landon blocked her way.

She looked up at him—his gaze was dark and intense.

Shielded by the blanket in her arms, Zinnia pressed a hand to her chest.

It didn’t hurt, not really—just a little tight, a little sore.

It didn’t matter. Two more months. That was all she needed to break the habit.

She let out a long breath and asked, “So, you want me to tell you that I’m mad at you?”

Landon paused, caught off guard.

“Fine,” she said. “I’m mad. Really mad. Why did you leave me alone in Norway for two weeks and not bother to check in?”

Landon stared at her, stunned, already opening his mouth to defend himself. But Zinnia cut him off, continuing, “And now you’ll probably say you had to go back to save someone, that it was a matter of life and death, and accuse me of being unreasonable, unsympathetic, not trusting you, and acting jealous for no reason—isn’t that right?”