Time-Limited Love: A Contract Expired, Not Renewed novel Chapter 79

As the end of the year approached, the Ford Group was busier than ever, with a flurry of projects all scheduled to wrap up at once.

No one felt the pressure more than Landon, the company’s CEO.

He barely looked up from the mountain of paperwork on his desk all day, immersing himself in work as if deliberately trying not to think about Zinnia.

The strategy seemed to be working. For the entire day, he had managed to keep himself too busy to spare even a stray thought for her.

By the time he finally glanced at the clock, it was already late, and rain had started to fall outside.

Unlike yesterday’s torrential downpour, today’s rain was gentler, though steady. In Veridian City, winter was always a toss-up between rain and snow, and whenever sleet fell, the temperature would drop several more degrees without mercy.

“Mr. Ford, should I take you straight home?”

Landon pressed his fingers to his aching temples, pausing at Richie’s question.

He looked out at the rain streaking down the windows, considering for a moment before replying, “Take me to Veridian University Affiliated Hospital.”

“Yes, sir.”

—

At Veridian University Affiliated Hospital, Zinnia’s shift had ended. She wasn’t on the night roster tonight, so after seeing the last of her outpatients, she packed up her things and got ready to leave.

“Zinnia, it’s raining out—do you have an umbrella?” Zoey called after her, concern in her voice.

“It’s fine, it’s only a short walk. I’ve already called a cab,” Zinnia replied.

Zoey hurried over, pressing her own umbrella into Zinnia’s hands. “It’s flu season—you don’t want to catch a cold. I’m on the overnight shift tonight, so I won’t need it. Just take it.”

Zinnia accepted the umbrella without protest.

“Oh, by the way—you mentioned you were looking for a place to stay, right? My friend’s younger brother has an apartment near the hospital. Their whole family is moving to Mireland, so I told her you might be interested in renting the place. Want to check it out?”

Zinnia’s eyes lit up. “Absolutely! Just let me know when would be a good time to see it. It’s perfect, actually—Dapper’s vet said he’s recovering well and should be ready to come home in a few days.”

Zoey knew all about the little puppy Zinnia had rescued, and her hopes of adopting him. She also understood Zinnia’s desire to move out and find her own place.

“I’ll set something up with her tomorrow.”

Frustration simmered in Landon’s chest, coiling tighter and tighter with nowhere to go.

“Zinnia, you’re really something else,” he muttered through clenched teeth.

From the driver’s seat, Richie risked a glance at the rearview mirror, catching a glimpse of his boss’s stormy expression.

Even Richie, tall and broad-shouldered, couldn’t help shrinking into his seat. The CEO was downright terrifying.

“No need to wait. Take me home,” Landon ordered curtly.

“Yes, sir.”

Richie started the engine, but before he could pull away, Landon spoke again.

“Wait.”

Richie looked back to see Landon holding out his hand.

“Give me the umbrella.”