Time-Limited Love: A Contract Expired, Not Renewed novel Chapter 413

“Thank you, Dr. Lanier. I’m sorry to have bothered you.”

Noticing her pale face, Dr. Lanier sighed and offered a word of comfort. “It’s a miracle that Mr. Ford is even awake. As long as he’s alive, that’s all that matters, right?”

Zinnia nodded, forcing back the tears welling in her eyes, and said her goodbyes. It wasn’t until she was outside the hospital doors that the tears finally began to fall.

In the days that followed, Zinnia didn’t visit Landon again. She heard he had been discharged and was continuing his rehabilitation at home with a private therapist. Yale was still at the helm of the Ford Group.

The day before she was scheduled to leave for Durmara, she went to the Ford estate.

“Mrs. Ford, welcome!” the housekeeper greeted her, still using her old title out of habit.

“I’m here to see Zane and the others.”

“Please, come in. Mr. Zane and Mr. Yale are speaking in the study. You can wait here.”

While she waited, Zinnia went to see Landon. He had just finished a physical therapy session.

“Mr. Ford, Zinnia is here,” a staff member announced.

Landon stiffened for a moment before waving the staff and therapist away. “You can go now.” Once they were alone, he sat in his wheelchair and managed a relaxed smile. “Zinnia, what can I do for you?”

Zinnia walked over to him and placed her hands on the arms of his wheelchair, leaning in slowly until her lips were just an inch from his. “I came to say goodbye,” she whispered.

The words seemed to jolt him. He jerked back, but Zinnia swiftly cupped the back of his neck, holding him in place.

“You didn’t even flinch when I was about to kiss you, but you jump when I speak?” she asked softly, her eyes locked on his.

Landon froze completely. After a long moment, he said, “I knew you wouldn’t actually kiss me. You were just teasing, weren’t you?” He smiled first. “Don’t mess with me,” he said gently, trying to push her away. His hand missed its mark for a split second before finding her shoulder and gently easing her back.

He quickly changed the subject. “I hear you’re leaving for Durmara tomorrow?”

Zinnia stared into his eyes and answered quietly, “That’s right. So I came to say goodbye. I probably won’t be back for many years.”

The smile on Landon’s lips faded. “Well… take care of yourself over there,” he said, his voice raspy.

“I will.”

“If you need anything, you can call… Charles. He’ll help you.”

A small laugh escaped Zinnia. “Charles works for you. Why would I have any right to ask him for help? We have no relationship now.”

Landon fell silent, his jaw tight. “We’re still friends. Friends can help each other.”

“I’m not in the habit of being friends with my ex-husband.”

He was silent again, but this time he didn’t argue. A bitter smile formed on his lips. “Okay,” he said, the word strained.

“I’m leaving now, Landon,” Zinnia said, straightening up.

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