Time-Limited Love: A Contract Expired, Not Renewed novel Chapter 181

Suddenly, Landon remembered that photo he’d snapped of the clouds through his office window—the one he’d meant to send Zinnia before Leanna barged in and, in the chaos, he’d accidentally hit send on a half-written message.

*Look at this silly dog. Doesn’t it remind you of yourself?*

Landon winced at the memory.

He opened his mouth to explain, but Zinnia spoke first.

“If you’re not in the mood to talk, let’s not force it. I’ll head back to the hospital.”

Maybe he’d been worn down by Zinnia’s coldness all morning, or maybe he just didn’t have the energy to fight anymore. For once, he didn’t feel angry at being misunderstood. Instead, a strange calm settled over him.

“It was my fault. I said the wrong thing,” he admitted, voice low and even.

Gone was the imposing, self-assured CEO Zinnia had always known. For the first time, Landon looked almost humble.

He watched her, eyes clouded. “Can we just talk? Really talk this time?”

His tone was softer now, almost pleading.

For a moment, he actually sounded like he wanted to work things out.

“Alright,” Zinnia agreed, and she didn’t hesitate to lay her cards on the table.

“We don’t have any deep grudges between us. We signed the contract from the very beginning. There’s no need to turn this sham of a marriage into a messy fight. A clean break is best for both of us, don’t you think?”

Landon didn’t answer right away. He pressed his lips together, quietly repeating her words, “A clean break…”

Then he gave a bitter little laugh. “Yeah. A clean break.”

—

The Jensen family home.

“Dad, I’m not apologizing online! I’ve already been branded a homewrecker and a liar—if people find out I was responsible for my brother’s death, the internet will eat me alive!”

Noelle sat fuming on the sofa, her face twisted with anger and spite. “That witch Zinnia just won’t leave me alone.”

Juniper, seated across from her, cut in coldly, “You’re still this naive? Do you really think a public apology is all it will take to fix this?”

Noelle faltered, a bitter resentment flickering in her eyes. “What do you mean, Dad? Are they trying to ruin me completely?”

“Ruin you?” Juniper snapped. “You committed a felony this time. If the hospital files a report, there’s no talking your way out of it. Zinnia asking you to apologize online—did you really think that’s all she’s planning?”