Time-Limited Love: A Contract Expired, Not Renewed novel Chapter 222

“Dapper’s only just a month old, and now he’s hurt. How do you plan to take care of him during this time?”

Zinnia looked at Landon, her eyes full of uncertainty, waiting for him to go on.

“Your hospital might allow pets in the building, but they don’t let you bring Dapper with you to work, do they?”

Landon’s words made Zinnia’s face shift ever so slightly.

Even if the hospital permitted it, she wouldn’t have time to look after Dapper while she worked. There were so many patients coming and going—some of them were probably afraid of dogs. And the people who saw her were all heart patients. If someone got startled and something serious happened, she didn’t even want to imagine the consequences.

When Dapper was healthy, she could leave him at home. But now, with his broken ribs, there was no way he could be left alone. When she’d adopted Dapper, she’d just wanted to give him a home—she couldn’t bear to leave such a tiny pup to freeze to death in the winter. She’d always wanted a dog for company, but she hadn’t really thought about what she’d do if he got sick.

Seeing her hesitate, Landon pressed on. “Why don’t I take care of Dapper for a while? I can have the PR department put out a statement. That way, those rumors about us being on bad terms will disappear. It’ll help Ford Group’s image, and Dapper gets the care he needs. What do you think?”

She had to admit, it was a good plan. She wouldn’t have to keep up appearances with Landon for the press, and Dapper would be well looked after. On top of that, it would quiet the gossip about their separation and help the company. Zinnia couldn’t see a reason to say no.

She nodded. “Alright, then. I’ll leave Dapper in your care.”

When Zinnia agreed, Landon finally relaxed, letting out a quiet breath he hadn’t realized he was holding.

“Great. I’ll come by early tomorrow to pick up Dapper.”

A smile spread across Landon’s face, soft and genuine.

The next morning.

Meanwhile, Landon walked over to Dapper’s bed and greeted him. “Hey, Dapper, your brother-in-law’s here to see you.”

Hearing Landon call himself her brother-in-law still made Zinnia uncomfortable, but Landon seemed perfectly at ease with the title, even enjoying it.

Dapper seemed to understand. He pressed his little head against Landon’s hand.

Landon grinned at the response. He’d always heard that if you wanted to win your wife over, you had to win over her little brother first. Turns out, it was true. His wife was still distant, but she wasn’t shutting him out the way she used to. All thanks to Dapper.

He leaned in close and whispered in Dapper’s ear, “I bought you a whole stash of treats.”

Dapper’s eyes lit up, and his floppy ears twitched in delight.