Chasing His Scentless Mate (Caroline) novel Chapter 369

Chapter 369: Chapter 369 Professional Advice

Ava’s POV

"How are you feeling this week, Ava?" Dr. Marlowe asked.

I settled deeper into the plush chair, considering the question. Joseph had been gone for over two weeks now with absolutely zero contact. Not a call, not a text. Nothing.

"Better," I admitted, surprising myself with the truth in my words. "Still hurt, obviously. But... I’m starting to adjust to life without him."

Dr. Marlowe’s eyebrows rose slightly. Last session, I’d been a complete wreck.

"That’s significant progress. What’s helped you through this difficult period?"

I hesitated. "I’ve been spending time with someone who makes me feel... valued."

"Someone new?" Her pen hovered above her notepad.

"Not like that," I quickly clarified. "His name is Kenneth. He’s older—in his fifties. He’s been incredibly kind to me."

Dr. Marlowe nodded encouragingly. "Tell me more about this relationship."

I found myself smiling as I recalled our recent adventures. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

"That’s quite generous of him," she noted. "Taking you to Las Vegas on a private jet."

"Kenneth is just that kind of person. He treats everyone wonderfully. He has this way of making you feel special without any pressure." I leaned forward, eager to explain. "He’s like the father figure I never really had."

Dr. Marlowe asked. "And how long have you known Kenneth?"

"Not long," I admitted. "But we connected instantly. He understands me."

"I see." She set her pen down completely. "Ava, I typically don’t interject my personal opinions about my patients’ relationships..."

"But?" I could hear the reservation in her voice.

"But I’m professionally concerned about this relationship’s timing and nature."

I sat up straighter. "What do you mean?"

"You’re going through a significant emotional trauma with Joseph’s departure. It’s natural to seek comfort, but sometimes we can unconsciously substitute one attachment for another."

"It’s not like that," I insisted. "Kenneth is just being nice."

Dr. Marlowe tilted her head. "May I ask—do you think Kenneth might have romantic interests in you?"

"God, no!" I laughed, the thought absurd. "He’s old enough to be my father."

"Age gaps don’t preclude attraction," she said carefully. "Successful men in their fifties often find younger women appealing. Especially vulnerable ones."

"I’m not vulnerable," I shot back, then winced at my defensive tone.

"Everyone experiencing heartbreak is vulnerable, Ava. That’s completely normal." Her voice softened. "From what you’ve shared about your childhood, it sounds like you didn’t have a consistent father figure growing up. Sometimes that can make us more receptive to attention from older authority figures. Does that resonate with you at all?"

I crossed my arms. "Kenneth is just being kind."

"Kindness usually comes with boundaries. Flying someone you barely know to Las Vegas on a private jet and giving them ten thousand dollars to gamble with... that’s beyond typical kindness."

When she put it that way, it did sound strange.

"I’m not suggesting anything improper has happened," Dr. Marlowe continued. "I’m simply asking you to consider his potential motivations. Men rarely invest significant time and money without expecting something in return."

"Not everything is transactional," I argued.

"No, but psychology often is. Just proceed with caution, Ava. That’s my professional advice."

I nodded reluctantly, though I was certain she was wrong about Kenneth.

"Our time is almost up," Dr. Marlowe said, glancing at her watch. "I want you to think about establishing some healthy boundaries in this new friendship, especially while you’re healing from your relationship with Joseph."

"I will," I promised, standing to leave. "Thank you."

"Same time next week?" she asked.

"Yes. See you then."

Back at my apartment, I couldn’t stop thinking about Dr. Marlowe’s warnings. Was I really replacing one attachment with another? Was Kenneth’s kindness truly selfless?

No, she was wrong. Kenneth was just a nice man who saw someone in pain and wanted to help. Not everyone had hidden reasons.

I was folding laundry when my phone rang. Kenneth’s name appeared on the screen.

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