Time-Limited Love: A Contract Expired, Not Renewed novel Chapter 195

Afraid her husband would let the conversation stall, Lydia quickly chimed in, “That’s right! Brian and I are really close, but even we don’t know every single thing about each other.”

She shot a glance at Zinnia, then turned to Landon, whose face had gone pale, and teased him, “Look at you, Landon, acting all nervous while Zinnia’s as cool as ever. Guess we know who really wears the pants in your marriage.”

Zinnia mustered a polite smile for Lydia.

She truly wasn’t angry—there just wasn’t any point. If she didn’t care anymore, what difference did these little things make? She was here for dinner just to go through the motions. Besides, the Fords had always treated her kindly. There was no reason to ruin the mood just because of Landon.

“Don’t mind me. Let’s just eat. There are still plenty of dishes I love on the table.”

She helped herself to some garlic butter scallops and took a bite.

“Yes, yes, let’s eat before everything gets cold,” Lacey jumped in, eager to smooth things over.

With that, the awkward moment seemed to pass.

Only Landon sat there, frowning in silence, stealing glances at Zinnia from time to time. But she looked perfectly content, savoring her meal as if nothing had happened.

Well, of course.

All Zinnia wanted now was a divorce. Even her willingness to play along was just to make sure he’d agree to it without a fuss. Why would she care if he remembered details about her or not?

Landon’s lips twisted in a bitter, self-deprecating smile. The food tasted like cardboard.

After dinner, the family gathered in the living room to chat. Zinnia kept checking her watch, her brow furrowing deeper each time.

Her refusal was so swift that Landon’s brow creased in annoyance. The rest of the family looked her way.

Zane chimed in, “He’s right, Zinnia. It’s been ages since you two stayed over. Since you’re here, why not keep your grandfather company for a bit and stay the night?”

Zinnia looked torn but clenched her jaw and shook her head. “I’m really sorry, Grandpa. I just can’t stay over tonight. But I’m off this weekend—how about I come back then and spend more time with you?”

She could bring Dapper along, too. Grandpa wouldn’t mind a little dog underfoot, unlike Landon.

Zane saw the distress in her eyes and didn’t press her. “Alright, I won’t force you. Sit with us a while longer before you head home.”

Landon shot his grandfather a wounded look, feeling even more aggrieved. Other grandfathers would be on their grandson’s side, but his seemed to go out of his way to help everyone else—even if it meant undermining his own family.