Time-Limited Love: A Contract Expired, Not Renewed novel Chapter 371

“How could I not be hurting? Of course it hurts.”

Sensing Zinnia’s low spirits, Jessica let out a quiet, helpless sigh.

“I’m really fine, Mom.”

“Alright, as long as you’re alright.”

Jessica gently stroked her daughter’s back. “No matter what happens, your dad and I are always here for you.”

Zinnia nodded, but her eyes grew hot despite herself.

“So, what are you planning to do next?”

After a moment, Jessica’s voice broke the silence.

“What do you mean, ‘plan’?”

Zinnia lifted her head from Jessica’s shoulder, confusion flickering in her eyes. It was just a divorce. Life would go on—wasn’t that all there was to it?

Jessica caught her daughter’s bewildered look and poked her forehead, exasperated. “You really haven’t noticed? Yuri likes you.”

“What?”

Zinnia stared at her, stunned, disbelief written all over her face. “Yuri likes me?”

She couldn’t help it—a laugh escaped her lips.

“Mom, seriously? You’ve got such mom-goggles on. Just because a guy is around your daughter doesn’t mean he likes her.”

Jessica shot her a look. “He’s always so good to you. You honestly can’t tell?”

Zinnia waved her off. “Yuri’s just a nice guy, that’s all. Besides, we trained together under the same mentor. Isn’t it normal for an older student to look out for a younger one?”

Jessica opened her mouth as if to protest, but Zinnia quickly cut in. “Please, Mom, just don’t say anything weird in front of Yuri. It’d be so awkward if he heard you.”

Jessica relented, simply saying, “Alright, I’ll drop it. Just… keep it in mind, okay?”

“I’ll go see Elijah with you,” he said.

Jessica nodded. “Alright then.”

The three of them walked off together, unspoken agreement hanging between them not to mention anything from the room.

Elijah was recovering well. After Zinnia and Yuri spent a while with him, Jessica shooed them out of the room.

“It’s sunny outside—want to go for a walk?” Yuri suggested.

Zinnia, remembering her mother’s words and knowing Yuri had overheard them, realized she needed to clear the air.

She nodded. “Sure.”

Behind the hospital building, a broad lawn stretched out, bathed in the gentle warmth of the winter sun.