Time-Limited Love: A Contract Expired, Not Renewed novel Chapter 241

Zinnia pressed her lips together, then told Zane about the contract she and Landon had signed before their wedding.

“Absurd!”

Zane burst out, his anger barely contained. “What on earth was that boy thinking? How could he come up with such a ridiculous idea?!”

Zinnia hurried to calm him, gently explaining, “I signed that agreement willingly. At the time, my grandfather was seriously ill, and he wanted to see me get married while he still could. Landon was a good choice—Grandpa liked him, and I did too. Really, it was just a way for us to help each other.”

As she finished, Zane’s frown deepened, his gaze growing more complicated, laced with concern and affection.

Finally, he let out a long, heavy sigh. “Zinnia, was your grandfather’s illness really the only reason you agreed to that contract?”

Zinnia froze, caught off guard. She looked at Zane, forcing a stiff, awkward smile.

He patted her hand, his voice softening. “I may be old, but I’m not senile. I was young once too. I know what it’s like to care for someone. How could I not notice? You’ve liked Landon for a long time, haven’t you?”

The smile on Zinnia’s lips faltered, growing even more strained.

She tried to keep up the pretense, but the facade slipped away, leaving her exposed.

“Oh, sweetheart,” Zane said gently, “when you care about someone, it shows—you can’t hide it, not really. Every time you look at Landon, I can see it in your eyes. Anyone can, except that thick-headed boy himself.”

Zinnia fell silent, her vision suddenly blurring with heat.

She’d always thought her secret longing was hers alone to bear. But now, hearing Zane say out loud that he’d seen her struggle, it was as if a dam broke inside her.

Zinnia managed a real smile this time. “Thank you, Grandpa. I’ll look forward to it.”

Zane was getting on in years, and Zinnia didn’t want to keep him in the hospital room with her any longer than necessary. “I’m fine now, Grandpa. You should go and get some rest. I’ll take care of the discharge paperwork later.”

“Alright, I’ll leave you be. Get some more rest. As for the discharge, I’ll have Landon handle it for you.”

“Okay. Take care on your way out.”

Zane leaned on his cane and made his way to the door. As he opened it, he paused, his expression clouding with annoyance when he saw who was waiting outside.

“What are you doing here?” he snapped.