CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE - Rising Tensions

As she turned to leave, already mentally compiling a list of recommended therapists, Max called out to her. "Ava?" She paused at the door, looking back at him. "Yes?" Max's expression was soft, vulnerable in a way she rarely saw. "Thank you. For caring enough to push me on this." Ava felt a warmth bloom in her chest. "Always, Max." As she closed the door behind her, Ava couldn't help but feel a sense of triumph and hope. It was a small step, but an important one. ____________________________________________________________________________________ Max Bennett sat in his car, engine off, staring at the nondescript office building before him. The placard next to the door read "Dr. Elena Rossi, Licensed Psychologist." His hands tightened on the steering wheel as he contemplated, for the hundredth time that morning, simply driving away. "This is ridiculous," he muttered to himself. "I'm the CEO of a multi-million dollar company. I don't need this." But even as the words left his mo