Howard’s POV
"Mom, it’s impossible that you live just to ruin my plans!" Ella shouted at her mother, who was curled up in bed.
"Ella, please lower your voice. My head is splitting," Diane whispered, her face pale and drawn.
"I don’t care about your head! You’re always doing this!" Ella stormed out of the room.
I looked up from my phone when Ella stomped into the living room. Her face was twisted with anger.
"What’s wrong now?" I asked, setting my phone down.
Ella dropped onto the couch beside me. "Daddy, Mom refuses to go wedding dress shopping with me."
"She’s sick, Ella."
"She’s been ’sick’ for three days! The appointment is tomorrow. The designer won’t reschedule again."
I sighed. Ella had been planning this wedding for days. "Ask Linda to go with you instead."
"I already tried. Mom won’t give me the card. Says it has to be her."
"I put the money in her account yesterday."
"Talk to her, Daddy. Please?" Ella’s eyes watered.
I stood up. "Wait here."
The bedroom was dark when I entered. Diane lay there like she was dying. I flicked on the lamp.
"Jesus, Howard. Turn that off." She covered her eyes.
I ignored her, yanking open drawers and searching through her purse. "Where’s the card? Ella needs to go tomorrow."
"No." Diane’s voice was surprisingly firm. "I’m going with her. Next week."
"This designer won’t reschedule again. Give me the damn card."
"I said no." Diane pushed herself up, wincing. "She’s not going without me."
I slammed the drawer shut. "Diane, don’t start this. I’ve already given you the money."
"And I said no!" Her voice rose despite her obvious pain. "Do you know why I can’t go with her? Why I’m stuck in this bed?"
"You caught a cold. Stop being dramatic."
Diane laughed—a harsh, bitter sound. "A cold? Is that what you think?You were with your mistress yesterday afternoon, weren’t you? In her bed?"

Verify captcha to read the content
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Chasing His Scentless Mate (Caroline)