Chasing His Scentless Mate-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.

"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.

"Hello?" I answered.

"Ava! How are you this evening?" His voice came through warm and friendly as always.

"I’m good, just doing some chores."

"Well, I have the perfect excuse for you to skip those chores. There’s a new comedy playing at Harbor View Mall. I thought you might enjoy an evening of laughter."

Dr. Marlowe’s warning words played in my mind. Maybe I should keep some distance.

"Oh, that’s really nice of you, but I should probably..."

"I’ve already bought the tickets," Kenneth said, his voice dropping slightly. "For the 7:30 showing. I know your therapy sessions end at 5, so I thought you’d have time to get home and relax first."

I stopped. How did he know my therapy schedule? Had I told him?

"I understand if you’re too tired," he continued, sounding disappointed. "I just thought after everything you’ve been through, you deserved some fun."

His thoughtfulness made me feel guilty for being suspicious. Dr. Marlowe was making me paranoid.

"No, that sounds wonderful," I heard myself saying. "I could use a good laugh."

"Excellent!" His voice brightened immediately. "Shall I pick you up at seven?"

"I can meet you there," I suggested, keeping at least that small boundary.

"Of course. I’ll be waiting by the snack stand. And Ava? I’m looking forward to seeing your smile again."

After we hung up, I stared at my phone. Was I being foolish? Or unfair to Kenneth?

The mall was busy with Friday night crowds when I arrived. Kenneth spotted me first, waving from near the snack stand. He looked good in casual pants and a blue shirt.

"You look lovely," he said, greeting me with a warm smile.

"Thank you. This place is packed tonight."

"It is. Shall we get some popcorn before the show?"

We got in line at the snack stand. Kenneth was telling me about something funny at his office when a familiar voice called out.

"Ava auntie! We always seem to meet at the movies!"

I turned to see Antonio’s smiling face. My heart jumped at seeing Joseph’s nephew.

"Antonio! You practically live in this mall," I teased, genuinely happy to see him.

"True enough. What are we watching today?" he asked cheerfully.

"A comedy," Kenneth replied, turning toward us. I quickly introduced them.

"Antonio, this is Alpha Kenneth. Kenneth, this is Antonio."

"I’ve heard so much about you!" Kenneth held out his hand warmly. Antonio shook it with his usual charm.

"Yeah, I’m kind of a big deal," Antonio joked. "Nice to meet you, Alpha Kenneth."

"Antonio, where’s Mia?" I asked, noticing he was alone.

"She’s at home. I’m meeting some friends and heading back soon." 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

Antonio’s face grew more serious as he looked at me. "Auntie, are you okay? I wanted to call you, but mom said Louise and I should give you and uncle some space. You know he’s traveling, right?"

My heart quickened. "Yes, I know. Has he... has he not returned yet?" I tried to keep my voice casual.

"I think he’ll be back this week," Antonio rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. "Auntie, I’m sorry, but I think you two need to talk."

I just stared at him, trying to process what this might mean. Joseph was coming back? Did he want to see me?

"Well, I should get going. Can I call you this week?" Antonio asked.

"Of course, dear. You’re welcome anytime."

Antonio gave me quick kisses on both cheeks, said goodbye to Kenneth, and disappeared into the crowd.

"I like that boy!" Kenneth commented as we collected our popcorn and drinks.

"Yes, he’s wonderful," I replied, my mind still stuck on the news about Joseph.

"Now, let’s relax and have some laughs," Kenneth said, gently leading me toward the movie theater.