Chapter 125

Alicia was already waiting downstairs in Caden's office building. "I can come up if you're free now," she texted. Caden was surprised by her impatience. He wondered if she wanted to meet in his office; the idea intrigued him. He replied, "Yes. I've granted you access. Come on in."

Alicia quickly responded, "Aren't you in the office?"

"I'll be there soon. Wait for me," Caden replied. He had just arrived at the pharmacy and was picking up a few items. He carefully selected two boxes of condoms and added several aftercare products to his basket.

After completing his purchase, Caden returned to the company, encountering Hank along the way. Hank looked anxious, clutching his phone as if it were burning his hand. "It's Mrs. Ward," he said.

Caden frowned. "Why didn't you answer?"

Hank explained, "I answered the first call, but she insisted on speaking to you directly. She seemed very upset. I think she's about to come here." The phone continued ringing, the sound increasingly shrill.

Caden sighed, realizing he had no choice. He headed to the living room to take the call. Ciara immediately began demanding answers. "Your doctor told me you haven't had a checkup in ages. Can you explain why?"

Caden had anticipated this. He replied flatly, "I've been feeling fine."

"Not again! You always use that excuse to avoid your treatments. Do you think I'm that easy to fool?" she snapped.

"This time is different," Caden replied.

Her anger intensified. "You said exactly the same thing last time! Can't you at least come up with something new? I'm sick of hearing this."

Caden remained silent.

Ciara continued, "If you refuse treatment, I will come myself to ensure you're doing what you're supposed to be doing. I'll be there next week, so you better take care of yourself. And if I find something wrong, you'll regret it!"

Caden rubbed his temples in frustration. "Why bother with treatment anyway? It's just a minor issue."

Ciara retorted, "How do you expect me to have great-grandchildren if you don't take care of yourself? Don't you want to get married? Are you planning to stay single forever?"

"You want great-grandchildren? I'll have Hank sort that out for you," Caden replied.

Hank was stunned. Why me? he thought.

Caden knew continuing the argument would only anger Ciara further, so he ended the call. Hank picked up the phone again, looking worried. "Mrs. Ward seems serious this time. Maybe I should listen and cooperate with the treatment."

Caden replied nonchalantly, "If she hadn't called, I would have already been treated."

Hank stood, momentarily bewildered. His eyes fell on the pharmacy bag in Caden's hand. "Mr. Ward, are you buying random drugs again?"

Caden stepped into the elevator, shifting the bag to his other hand. Hank rushed in after him.

"Are you sure it's safe?" Hank asked, worried Caden might be taking the wrong medication. "You're not a doctor. What if you make a mistake? What if it causes a problem?"

Caden replied, "You don't have to worry."

"Of course I have to worry! Mrs. Ward made it clear I have to keep an eye on you. It's one thing for you to refuse proper treatment, but if you take the wrong medicine, she'll kill me."

When they arrived at the office, Alicia was nowhere to be seen. Caden assumed she was late and put the pharmacy bag in a drawer. Hank noticed how carefully Caden handled the bag, his concern growing.

"Mr. Ward, forgive me for being blunt," Hank said, "but you're already on a lot of medication, and it's straining your kidneys. If you keep buying more on your own, I'm worried you won't make it to thirty."

Caden had heard this countless times; Hank sounded like a broken record. He knew his own body and how much medication he could tolerate. Since Hank enjoyed nagging, Caden ignored him and focused on his work.

Then something seemed to click in Hank's mind. "Mr. Ward, is all this medication because you're getting ready to have sex?" he asked tentatively.

Caden leaned back, not answering. He texted Alicia: "Where are you?"

Alicia was in the bathroom. She was about to reply after washing her hands when she heard Hank's voice from the other side of the door. "Is that Miss Bennett?" Hank asked.

Hearing her name, Alicia stopped. She put down her phone and listened.

"Yes," Caden replied.

Hank's tone shifted to exasperation. "Aren't you and she on the same page? Then why do you need medication?"

"Who said I was on medication?" Caden replied.

"Don't lie to me!" Hank argued. "Who used Viagra last time, then?"

Caden was speechless. It had been an accident, a joke Alicia had played on him. He didn't bother to explain. Annoyed that Alicia still hadn't responded, he frowned. Why was it taking so long?

Hank, sensing something was amiss, thought for a moment. "Mr. Ward, you do react to Miss Bennett, don't you? Then why does she need the medication? Is it because she can't last long?"

Caden was again speechless.

Hank continued, "If you really want to last longer, you should go to a real hospital. You can't just buy random pills at a pharmacy."

Caden's expression hardened. "Just go away, will you?"

Hank fell silent. Caden, increasingly impatient with Hank's persistent questions, decided to call Alicia. Alicia was focused on the conversation. Her phone rang, startling her. She quickly ended the call, but it was too late; Caden had heard her. He turned, and their eyes met.