Time-Limited Love: A Contract Expired, Not Renewed novel Chapter 197

Zinnia kept her polite smile, never once offering an explanation for why she and Landon had gone three years without sharing a bed. If she said it out loud, it would only sound ridiculous.

She wasn’t sure whether to laugh at herself or at him.

“Thank you for your concern, but I believe everyone should live their own life. Having children isn’t an obligation.”

Though Zinnia’s lips curved gently, her eyes remained cold.

“Lydia, since you love kids so much, maybe you and Brian should have a little one soon. That way, Grandpa will finally have someone to call him Grandpa.”

Lydia’s face changed instantly.

“I—we’ve always agreed to stay childfree. Why would we have a baby?”

Zinnia just kept smiling at her, saying nothing more. But her gaze made it perfectly clear: mind your own business.

Lydia understood, and her frustration nearly boiled over.

She opened her mouth to retort, but Landon’s calm, steady voice cut in.

“What a coincidence—Zinnia and I have decided not to have children either, so you don’t need to worry about us.”

He glanced at Zinnia, his eyes flickering with a complicated emotion.

Sitting next to their parents, Leanna couldn’t help but mutter under her breath, “It’s obvious Zinnia doesn’t want kids with him. Landon’s just saving face.”

Landon heard her, but pretended not to.

Her words stung more than he cared to admit.

Zinnia endured a few more minutes of polite conversation with Zane before finally seizing the chance to excuse herself. “Grandpa, I should get going. I have an early shift tomorrow and need to cover for a coworker.”

Only once they were out of sight did Zinnia speak up. “You can let go of me now.”

This time, Landon complied, dropping his arm without protest.

Once in the car, Zinnia checked her watch and said impatiently, “Let’s go.”

Landon shot her a sidelong glance, his tone annoyed. “What’s the rush? Is the dog at home really that desperate for you?”

Zinnia gave him a cool look and nodded. “Yes. He’s timid. If I’m gone too long, he gets anxious. Can you drive a little faster?”

Landon caught the genuine concern in her voice, and a wave of bitterness rose in his chest.

With a hint of spite, he pressed down on the brake, slowing the car even more.