Time-Limited Love: A Contract Expired, Not Renewed novel Chapter 53

After finishing her shift and handing over to a colleague, Zinnia left the hospital.

She stepped out of the building and headed straight for the subway, but as she passed a trash bin near the station entrance, a faint, whimpering sound caught her attention.

The sound was so feeble, so plaintive, that it made her chest tighten with unease.

Instinctively, Zinnia moved closer to the bin.

A single glance was enough to spot a tiny golden puppy, struggling to climb out from the pile of filthy garbage.

It whimpered weakly, its voice desperate, as if begging for help from the indifferent crowd hurrying past.

That fierce will to survive, that desperate attempt to claw its way up, reminded Zinnia of herself that day—trapped beneath the snow with no way out, praying for a miracle.

It was the dead of winter in Veridian City, and the wind cut through her coat like a knife.

Without a second thought, she unwound her scarf and gently lifted the trembling puppy from the trash.

She wrapped it snugly in the scarf, its tiny body absorbing the lingering warmth. The puppy seemed to relax, curling up in the softness, and its cries faded to a faint, muffled murmur.

Without stopping, Zinnia clutched the bundled puppy to her chest and hurried to the nearest animal clinic.

The vet gave the puppy a quick once-over and turned to her.

“It’s a golden retriever pup, probably just opened its eyes—a couple weeks old at most. Looks like it’s caught a chill, but otherwise nothing too serious. We’ll know more once the bloodwork comes back.”

Half an hour later, the results were in.

“Unfortunately, the test for distemper is positive. He’ll need to be hospitalized for treatment.”

This was perfect. While the puppy was recovering in the clinic, she could find a place of her own. By the time he was healthy, she’d have a home ready for the both of them.

The thought lifted her spirits.

Meanwhile, on the ICU floor of the surgical building, Landon listened to the doctor’s update on Xander’s condition, but his mind was elsewhere.

“At the moment, the patient’s condition is stable. If there are no complications, we’ll transfer him to a regular room tomorrow morning.”

“In addition, since the patient had surgery for an aortic dissection, the post-op care is crucial. Any negligence could lead to life-threatening complications.”

“Here’s a list of things you’ll need to pay special attention to. Please read it carefully and sign here.”

Landon murmured his acknowledgment, signed the form, and then, almost as an afterthought, asked, “Where’s Zinnia?”