Time-Limited Love: A Contract Expired, Not Renewed novel Chapter 398

Despair weighed heavier and heavier on Zinnia’s heart.

After surviving the avalanche, she’d truly believed she was meant for better things—that fate had spared her for a reason. Yet here she was, having escaped disaster and kidnapping, only to realize she might meet her end in this cold, dark place.

“…Okay, I’ll talk with you,” she whispered.

Zinnia pushed herself into Landon’s arms, pressing her back against his chest to give him some support—a little buffer so he wouldn’t slide further.

“Try to loosen your grip, just a bit,” she urged gently.

But Landon understood what she was doing and ground out a refusal through clenched teeth. “No.”

“I know what I’m doing. If you lean on me, my back will hold you. It’ll give you some time, a little more strength,” she coaxed, almost as if she’d expected him to resist.

“If you leave me here alone, Landon, I swear, I’ll never forgive you. Not in this life, not in any other,” she threatened, tears stinging her eyes.

“Zinnia…”

She tried to steady her breathing, but the thin air made every breath an effort. Panic clawed at her, and her voice trembled.

“Landon, I’m so scared. I don’t want to die here by myself. Please, just talk to me. Help me take my mind off it, just for a little while.”

Her hands clung tightly to his arm. “Please, stay with me. Just for a bit. Will you?”

For a long moment, Landon was silent. Finally, he managed to force out a single word. “Okay.”

He didn’t dare let go at first, but slowly, carefully, he leaned against Zinnia’s back. Only then did he realize that his arms had long since gone numb—they felt like they weren’t even part of his body anymore.

Feeling Landon’s weakening breath behind her, Zinnia couldn’t hold back her tears any longer. All the calm and self-control she’d mustered shattered completely.

“Landon,” she called softly.

“Yeah?” His voice was so faint, she could barely hear it.

She’d never expected those words would ever apply to her, never imagined that one look would lead to so much heartache and hardship.

Another silence. The kind that gnawed at her soul and threatened to pull her under.

“Landon…” Her voice was barely more than a rasp, as vulnerable as a wounded animal.

“I’m here… still here. Don’t be afraid, Zinnia. I’m with you…”

She gripped his hand as if it were a lifeline.

“You once asked me—after the divorce—if I’d ever give you another chance.” Her voice shook. “If we make it out of here alive, Landon, I will. I promise you another chance.”

“I’m not meant to be alone,” she choked out, tears streaming down her face. “As long as you live, we’ll start over.”

Landon didn’t answer. It was only after a long, long silence that he finally spoke, using what little strength he had left.