Time-Limited Love: A Contract Expired, Not Renewed novel Chapter 82

The sharp edge in Landon’s voice made Zinnia arch an eyebrow in irritation.

He was getting way too controlling.

When he went off to spend time with Noelle, she never questioned him, never made a scene. But the moment she came home late after work, he acted like she was cheating on him.

Who would’ve guessed the great CEO of the Ford Group could be so hypocritical?

Landon’s eyes stayed fixed on her, catching the flicker of annoyance and resistance that flashed across her face.

Was she… actually annoyed with him?

Stunned, Landon’s eyes widened as he stared at her, disbelief written all over his face. How could she look at him like that, with so much distance? She’d never looked at him that way before. Her gaze used to be warm, holding emotions she never put into words, but always managed to show him everything she felt.

Now, no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t find a trace of that old tenderness in her eyes.

The realization unsettled him so much that his grip on her arm unconsciously tightened.

Zinnia winced, unable to keep a pained gasp from slipping out.

“You’re hurting me,” she said, her voice even and cool as she looked at him, her expression calm and collected—neither angry nor gentle.

But that composure stabbed Landon deeper than any accusation.

Even the scent of her perfume—once soothing—seemed to sting his senses, making the tension between his brows tighten painfully.

His eyes rimmed red, Landon clung to the need for answers. “Where were you?”

Zinnia opened her mouth, ready to toss out the same excuse she’d used yesterday, but Landon cut her off.

“Don’t tell me you went shopping at the mall again.”

Just like that, he’d blocked her half-hearted excuse before she could even use it.

His question made Zinnia frown. “That’s what you want to ask?”

He almost denied it, but then fell silent.

“It’s just a name, Landon. Why get worked up over something so trivial?” she replied, her tone dismissive.

But Landon wasn’t ready to let it go. For the first time, he looked almost desperate, his stubbornness laid bare. The man who’d spent all day telling himself not to waste any more time on Zinnia was gone, replaced by someone raw and real.

“If it’s no big deal, then say it—call me by my name, like you always used to.”

Only now did Zinnia realize something was seriously off with him. Landon was always so composed, so in control—even with Noelle, he never let his guard down like this.

But now, the fierce determination in his reddened eyes left her both puzzled and taken aback.

“Zinnia, we’re still married,” Landon said, his words echoing through the room like a final verdict.