Time-Limited Love: A Contract Expired, Not Renewed novel Chapter 66

Zinnia’s steps faltered, her attention snapping toward the living room.

There, on the sofa, sat Landon—already changed into light gray loungewear, looking every bit as if he’d been waiting for her.

She couldn’t hide her surprise.

How had Landon gotten home so quickly?

“What’s wrong? Surprised to see me here?”

Landon caught the look on her face and spoke up, his tone tinged with annoyance.

Snapping out of her shock, Zinnia replied, “Aren’t you supposed to be with Noelle right now?” Her question was offhand, almost casual, as she grabbed a pair of slippers from the shoe rack, swapped out her wet shoes, and walked further inside.

The rain outside hadn’t let up—she could still hear the distant rumble of thunder as she’d made her way back home.

She’d honestly thought Landon would be staying at the Jensen house with Noelle.

With the storm raging, did he really feel comfortable leaving Noelle all alone?

Her words made Landon’s expression darken instantly.

But Zinnia didn’t look at him. After dropping that remark, she headed straight for the guest room.

Ever since they’d started sleeping in separate rooms, she’d gradually moved all her clothes out of the master bedroom and into this one.

She’d just pushed open the door when Landon’s voice, cold and sharp, called her name—

“Zinnia.”

She glanced back, startled to find him standing right behind her, his gaze deep and complicated.

“What is it?” she asked, pausing in the doorway.

Landon stared at her, as if wrestling with words he couldn’t quite find. For a moment he just stood there, then pressed his fingers to his brow, visibly frustrated.

Landon was still on the sofa, face set in silence, lost in thought.

When he heard her return, he turned, opened his mouth as if debating, then finally spoke:

“Noelle’s depression was acting up again. I just went over to make sure she took her medication. Once she fell asleep, I came straight home.”

He’d never bothered to explain himself like this before.

Maybe it was Chandler’s words echoing in his head, or maybe it was guilt over leaving Zinnia alone in Norway. Whatever the reason, this was the first time Landon found himself trying to explain.

Zinnia paused, then nodded.

“Okay. I understand.”

Her calm response was the last thing Landon wanted.

The more indifferent she became, the deeper that strange sense of panic gnawed at him.