Time-Limited Love: A Contract Expired, Not Renewed novel Chapter 71

Zinnia stepped out of the kitchen and walked over to the entryway, slipping on her shoes.

Landon approached, his expression a mix of concern and resignation as he looked at her.

“Are you upset?”

Zinnia hesitated for a second, then answered, “No.”

She finished putting on her shoes and grabbed her bag, ready to head out, but Landon caught her by the arm.

She turned to him. “Is there something else?”

“Wait for me.”

Zinnia blinked. “What?”

“I’ll drive you.”

“That’s—”

She was about to refuse, but Landon cut her off, “I’m heading to the hospital too. It’s on the way.”

Zinnia remembered that Xander was supposed to be moved out of the ICU today. She hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

“Alright. Thanks.”

Landon glanced over at her, catching the distant, polite tone in her voice. He studied her profile for a moment before looking away.

They stood side by side, waiting for the elevator. The silence stretched until finally, Landon spoke in a low, even voice.

“You don’t have to be so formal with me.”

But I do, Zinnia thought, though she kept the words to herself.

When the elevator arrived, she stepped in first, Landon following close behind.

As soon as he pressed the button for the parking garage, his phone rang.

Landon glanced at the screen. When he saw the caller ID, a flicker of guilt crossed his face as he looked at Zinnia, then he answered, “Hello? Noelle.”

He switched off the speaker and, voice edged with frustration, said into the phone, “This has nothing to do with Zinnia. I have things to take care of. The driver will be there soon.”

“But Landon—”

He hung up before she could finish.

Honestly, what’s the point? Zinnia sighed inwardly and reached over to press the button for the first floor.

Landon frowned. “Why are you pressing one?”

“You should go pick up Noelle. I can take the subway,” she replied.

Just then, the elevator reached the ground floor.

As Zinnia stepped forward to leave, Landon caught her by the arm, holding her tight.

“Zinnia, must you really do this?” His voice was tight with irritation.

She glanced down at the hand gripping her arm and let out a weary sigh. “You heard her—Noelle has a misunderstanding about me. Her health is what matters. Don’t let anything happen to her because of me.”