Time-Limited Love: A Contract Expired, Not Renewed novel Chapter 63

The faint hint of a smile that had just begun to form at the corner of Landon’s mouth vanished in an instant.

He didn’t even feel like opening WhatsApp anymore.

With a frustrated sigh, he tossed his phone onto the table, the motion a little too forceful—almost as if he wanted to vent his irritation through it.

“You really do take this seriously, don’t you?”

Landon gave a wry twist of his lips, his tone edged with sarcasm.

Zinnia didn’t seem to mind; she just nodded lightly, going along with it.

“Well, that’s what a doctor should do. No matter what, I was the one who saved Xander’s life, so I owe his family a proper explanation.”

Landon’s breath caught in his chest, anger flaring.

Damn it.

Why had he never noticed before how infuriating this woman could be with her words?

As if he couldn’t let it go, he gritted his teeth and retorted, “I told you, I’m not Xander’s family.”

As if that wasn’t bound to change soon. Being his brother still made him family.

Zinnia just nodded dismissively. “Doesn’t make a difference.”

“Zinnia!” Landon’s voice rose, sharp with frustration.

The violinist in the corner, who had been lost in the music, jumped and fumbled a note at the sudden outburst.

But Zinnia simply picked up her purse and rose from her seat, unmoved by the irritation in Landon’s voice.

She glanced out the window.

Heavy, dark clouds pressed low over the city, and the distant rumble of thunder echoed through the air.

“It’s about to rain,” she said, her tone flat. “Let’s head back before it gets worse. We’ll be stuck in traffic if the storm hits.”

Landon stared at her, taking in the calm, almost emotionless look on her face. For a moment, his anger felt pointless, like raging in front of someone who couldn’t even see him.

Landon froze at the sound. For a second, panic flickered in his eyes and he looked instinctively at Zinnia.

But she didn’t react, her expression unchanged. Seeing him hesitate, she even prompted, “Aren’t you going to answer? Maybe it’s urgent.”

She pointed toward the nearby taxi stand. “Go ahead, I’ll just grab a cab back.”

She started to slip off his coat, but Landon caught her wrist before she could.

“It’s going to pour any minute. Let me drive you home.”

His words came out rushed, but he was already answering the call.

“Landon, there’s thunder and lightning, I’m so scared! What should I do? Oh god—help me, Landon, help!”

Noelle’s voice was shrill and panicked, on the edge of tears.

Zinnia glanced at Landon and, sure enough, saw the color drain from his face. He sucked in a sharp breath. “Noelle, don’t be scared, I’m on my way.”