Time-Limited Love: A Contract Expired, Not Renewed novel Chapter 59

A single, simple sentence had drawn a sharp line between them, as if their connection had been neatly severed.

Zinnia’s words sounded innocuous enough, but somehow, they left Landon with an odd sense of discomfort. He glanced at her, lingering for a moment as if searching for something in her expression, but ultimately said nothing. He pressed his foot to the accelerator, guiding the car toward the restaurant they’d reserved.

France’s reputation for romance was world-renowned, and this French restaurant was no exception. The moment they stepped inside, Zinnia was enveloped by the unmistakable air of Parisian elegance—the soft golden lights, the plush velvet seats, the lingering scent of fresh flowers. Everything whispered of intimacy and charm.

It was the sort of place made for couples—lovers celebrating anniversaries, newlyweds toasting to their future. Once, if Landon had brought her here, Zinnia would have been over the moon, her happiness lingering for days. But now, as she watched a tuxedoed waiter greet Landon in a stream of flawless French, she found herself standing off to the side, utterly unmoved.

The waiter led them to a private room Landon had reserved—a space decorated in vintage French style, all warm cream hues and soft, gentle lighting. Splashes of color from tasteful paintings and ornate furnishings gave the room a cozy, romantic glow. At the center stood a table for two, set with crystal glasses and silver cutlery—every detail spoke of luxury and intimacy.

It felt more like the setting for a date than a casual meal.

But Zinnia sat down, looking weary and distracted, and picked up the menu, all in French. She stared at it blankly. Not a word made sense.

She put it down and said to Landon, “I can’t make heads or tails of this menu. Just order whatever you like.”

Landon’s eyes lifted from his own menu, catching the light and softening the hard lines of his face. For a fleeting moment, the usual chill in his presence seemed to thaw.

A violinist followed close behind, stepping to the side and filling the air with soft, graceful music.

Zinnia had no idea why Landon was suddenly orchestrating all this fanfare. It just didn’t suit him. She couldn’t reconcile the word “romantic” with a man as stoic and rational as Landon.

She placed the bouquet to the side and looked at him.

Seeing her conflicted expression, Landon glanced at the roses and asked, “You don’t like them?”