Time-Limited Love: A Contract Expired, Not Renewed novel Chapter 376

Landon stared at the carefree smile on Zinnia’s face, saying nothing as a dull ache crept behind his eyes.

It struck him—she only ever laughed like this when she was with other people. In front of him, she was always reserved, measured.

But now, sitting casually on the stone steps, she seemed at ease in a way he’d never witnessed before. Gone was the composed woman he knew; in her place was someone relaxed, almost radiant.

She laughed with the pure delight of a child, waving a sparkling wand in her hand, her eyes crinkling with joy—like a little girl who’d just gotten her favorite toy. With Dapper bundled in her arms, she struck silly poses as Yuri snapped photos, the two of them giggling between takes.

He realized he’d never seen this side of Zinnia.

He remembered their years of marriage, the holidays spent at the old family house. She would always sit quietly beside him, careful and unobtrusive, nibbling at the snacks the housekeeper had prepared, sometimes chatting politely with Zane. She was well-read, always able to pick up on any topic Zane introduced, never letting the conversation falter.

Every Christmas Eve, the family would bring out sparklers and fireworks, but only Leanna ever played with abandon. He’d assumed Zinnia wasn’t interested—after all, each time Leanna invited her to join, Zinnia would decline with a gentle smile. When Leanna insisted, Zinnia looked uncomfortable, too polite to refuse outright.

Eventually, he’d stepped in to turn Leanna down on her behalf, telling Zinnia she could say no to anything she didn’t want to do.

But now…

She looked so happy, so genuinely thrilled, playing with sparklers. Maybe it wasn’t that she disliked them—maybe it was just about who she was with. Maybe it was only because Yuri was there.

A sharp, almost physical pain stabbed at Landon’s chest, draining the color from his face. He wanted to walk over, to join them, but he felt like an outsider—an uninvited guest who would only ruin her fun.

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