Time-Limited Love: A Contract Expired, Not Renewed novel Chapter 25

Landon fell silent, his brow furrowing almost involuntarily.

Across the room, Zinnia let out a soft, derisive laugh, the hint of a smirk tugging at her lips. “See? It’s wrong if I’m angry, and it’s wrong if I’m not. So, tell me—what exactly am I supposed to do?”

“I…” Landon was at a loss for words.

Because, deep down, he knew Zinnia was right.

If Zinnia got upset, he couldn’t stand it. If she didn’t, that bothered him too.

The problem was him, not her.

Those two weeks without a word from him—that was on him, not her.

He really had no right to blame her for any of this.

“But… if you’re not angry, then why are you sleeping in the guest room?” Landon’s eyes drifted to the comforter bundled in Zinnia’s arms.

If you listened closely, you could hear a quiet, wounded note in his voice.

Zinnia’s face remained perfectly composed, her patience just barely holding on as she repeated calmly, “I told you, I haven’t been sleeping well lately. I didn’t want to keep you up.”

“I don’t mind.” Landon’s reply came out in a rush.

Zinnia lapsed into silence. She didn’t say another word.

But Landon could see it—no matter how much he protested, her quiet refusal was a clear sign she didn’t want to share a room with him.

Maybe, despite what she said, she was still upset with him.

Well, this time, he really was the one at fault.

He shouldn’t try to argue his way out of it.

“Fine. Have it your way,” he conceded first, voice softer. “How long do you need?”

Zinnia blinked, thrown off by his sudden surrender. “What?”

She lay there, staring at the ceiling, too tense to fall asleep.

But exhaustion—physical and emotional—finally dragged her under. She drifted off without realizing it.

When the nightmares woke her again, daylight was streaming in through the window.

Breath coming fast, she steadied herself and glanced at the clock on the wall.

A little after eight.

It was her first day back at work after vacation. She hurried to the bathroom to get ready.

When she emerged, dressed and composed, she found Landon in the kitchen, setting out breakfast for two.

He heard her footsteps and looked up, offering a small, tentative smile.

“You’re up?”