Time-Limited Love: A Contract Expired, Not Renewed novel Chapter 214

Zoey fell silent, the corners of her mouth twitching despite herself.

She couldn’t help but recall how, just moments ago, Landon had been racking his brain for something—anything—to say to Zinnia. The whole performance had her fighting back laughter. It just didn’t fit the image of the cold, aloof, heartbreaker CEO he’d always projected.

Honestly, Zinnia was starting to wonder if Landon had been possessed by some mischievous spirit.

Why was he suddenly acting so weird?

But if Landon noticed Zinnia’s indifference, he didn’t seem to mind. Right now, he was in such a good mood that nothing could bother him.

He kept at it, still trying to make conversation with her. “So, you’re quiet—does that mean you don’t agree with me? Or is it that Dapper doesn’t like this place?”

Zinnia stopped walking, exasperated, and looked up at him. “Can you please just keep quiet for a minute?”

Landon shut his mouth at once, trailing after her in silence as they headed toward the apartment building.

Just then, Chandler let out a low whistle, his teasing voice ringing in Zoey’s ear. “See that? The golden boy’s lost his sunshine.”

Zoey shot Chandler a sidelong glance. “How about you keep quiet too?”

Chandler pouted, looking wounded. My girlfriend’s ignoring me, he thought miserably.

But Zoey simply ignored his theatrics and sped up her pace.

“Wait up, babe!” Chandler hurried after her.

When they reached their building, they ran into a neighbor waiting for the elevator, a little girl in his arms.

The apartment was decorated in a cozy, minimalist style, with soft cream tones that made the place feel peaceful and inviting. There was a fluffy ivory dog bed set up in the living room, but Landon didn’t put Dapper down.

Zinnia emerged from the kitchen with a bowl of warm water, noticing Landon still standing in the middle of the room, Dapper in his arms. She reminded him gently, “Thanks for your help today. Put Dapper in his bed—I’ll clean him up a bit.”

Since Dapper was injured, Zinnia couldn’t give him a proper bath. All she could do was soak a towel in pet-friendly wash and gently wipe him down.

“I’ll just hold him,” Landon said. “You can clean him more easily this way. If he’s in the bed, it’ll be hard to reach him, and moving him around might hurt him.”

Zinnia glanced at the dog bed she’d bought for Dapper. He was still small, so the bed was tiny but deep—Dapper usually loved to burrow all the way inside. But if she put him in there now, she’d have to jostle him to get him out again.

Landon’s suggestion made sense. She nodded, convinced.