Time-Limited Love: A Contract Expired, Not Renewed novel Chapter 50

Landon had just started after her when he saw Xander being wheeled out of the operating room.

“Noelle hurried forward, clutching the side of the gurney as fresh tears welled in her eyes. “Xander…”

Landon could see there was nothing more he could do, so he tamped down the restless anxiety gnawing at him and stepped aside to wait.

“Are you family?” a nurse asked, approaching with a clipboard.

“Yes, we are,” Noelle replied quickly, glancing at Landon.

Landon hesitated for a heartbeat. He didn’t nod, nor did he correct her. He simply looked at the young doctor in front of him and said, “If there’s anything we need to know, please tell me directly.”

Dr. Zuma nodded, motioning Landon aside. He handed over a stack of forms, explaining each post-surgery precaution in careful detail before asking, “If you understand, please sign here.”

Landon took the pen and scrawled his signature, then watched as Xander was transferred to the ICU.

Visitors weren’t allowed in the ICU. Landon turned to Noelle. “It’s late. The driver’s waiting outside—let him take you home.”

“What about you?” she asked, worry creasing her brow.

“I have other things to handle.”

Noelle understood instantly—he was going to look for Zinnia. She didn’t love the idea, but she couldn’t think of a good reason to stop him. Resigned, she gave a small nod.

“Alright, I’ll go. Thank you so much, Landon. Really, if you hadn’t been here tonight, I wouldn’t have known what to do.”

“Landon, help me, I’m so scared…”

“Landon, why won’t you save me? I’m your wife…how could you be so cruel…”

He froze, every muscle tensing. His gaze snapped to her face. Her brow furrowed deeper; behind her closed lids, tears gathered, trembling on the edge.

The raw desperation in her choked voice sent a shudder through him.

“Zinnia…” he whispered, leaning down, gently calling her name.

She didn’t stir. At last, a tear slipped free, landing squarely on the back of his hand.