Time-Limited Love: A Contract Expired, Not Renewed novel Chapter 242

Zane’s voice drew Zinnia’s gaze instinctively toward the door.

Standing just outside was Landon, looking utterly disheveled, his face pale as a sheet. In his hand, he clutched an insulated container, eyes clouded with confusion and helplessness.

“Grandpa, I brought Zinnia something to eat. She hasn’t had a bite all day,” he rasped, his voice hoarse.

His eyes flickered toward Zinnia, pleading silently for permission.

Zinnia lowered her gaze in thought for a moment before finally speaking. “Let him in.”

Zane opened the door and stepped aside to clear a path. As he exited, he shot Landon a long, meaningful look, then shook his head and sighed before leaving.

Landon pushed open the door and stepped inside.

“I asked Sally to make you some chicken soup. I thought you might like it,” he said, his voice still rough.

He raised the tray table and carefully set the soup in front of Zinnia. For a moment, he just stood there, awkward and uncertain, like a child waiting to be scolded for a mistake.

But Zinnia said nothing to reproach him. Instead, she simply nodded with calm composure. “Thank you.”

She gave Landon a gentle nod, picked up the spoon, and took small, careful sips of the soup.

The savory warmth of the chicken soothed her, and after a few mouthfuls, she felt her stomach settle.

“I’m sorry.” Landon’s husky apology broke the quiet between them.

“No, Zinnia, it’s not like that,” Landon blurted out, his voice cracking with desperation as he reached for her hand. “Please, yell at me. Get angry, scream, anything. Just don’t be so calm. Please, Zinnia—blame me.”

But her eyes remained unruffled, serene as ever. She simply shook her head again. “It wasn’t your fault.”

“How can you say that? If I hadn’t left you there alone, even if there was an avalanche, at least I would’ve been with you. You wouldn’t have—”

His words faltered as emotion overwhelmed him, eyes growing even redder.

“You wouldn’t have—”

“You weren’t obligated,” Zinnia interrupted quietly, her gaze steady and unwavering as she looked into his anguished eyes, repeating, “It wasn’t your fault.”