Time-Limited Love: A Contract Expired, Not Renewed novel Chapter 414

The end of another year was approaching.

Though Christmas was still a few weeks away, the festive spirit already filled the crisp winter air.

Families were deep in holiday preparations, giving their homes a thorough cleaning. The neighborhood streets were adorned with wreaths and twinkling lights, all in anticipation of the coming celebrations.

But far away in Durmara Country, Zinnia Quinn was still fighting her own battle in the lab.

While the research institute and the local university hadn't yet closed for the holidays, the expatriate community where she lived was already aglow with festive decorations.

"Zinnia," her supervising professor said, "Christmas is just around the corner. The institute will be closed for a couple of days, so you can celebrate with your fellow countrymen."

"Thank you, Professor."

Zinnia was a force of nature. The project she was leading, originally slated to take another two years, was now on track to be completed a full year ahead of schedule. She poured every waking hour into her research, and her relentless drive had inspired her entire team, leaving them little room for slacking off.

Just two days ago, her parents, Elijah and Jessica, had called to say they’d booked their flights. They were coming to spend Christmas with her, bringing Dapper and Cozy along.

Today’s experiment was the last thing on her list before she could finally go home and prepare for their arrival.

The divorce settlement from Landon Ford had been substantial. After investing half of it into her research, she hadn't skimped on her own comfort. She’d bought a small, detached villa in a neighborhood popular with Austerland expatriates. It wasn't extravagant, but it was close to the lab and felt like home.

This year, the local council had organized a special winter festival for the community.

After getting home, Zinnia changed into some casual clothes, pulled on a light down jacket, and headed out. The festival square was bustling with stalls selling handcrafted ornaments and iconic holiday treats. All around her were the sights and sounds of celebration.

In the center of the square, the main ice rink was hosting the grand finale of a holiday pageant. Skaters in dazzling costumes glided across the ice, their movements telling a story of winter folklore, culminating in a breathtaking aerial display.

"Bravo!"

"Beautiful!"

"Incredible!"

The cheers of the crowd echoed around her.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify