"Forbidden Feelings" sounds like a psychological romance about the romantic relationship that develops between a psychologist, Emma, and her patientâRyan. As Emma learns more and more about Ryan's past, she finds that she has growing feelings for him, even if itâis immoral to do so. Ryan copes with them, but not withoutâthe lifeline that is Emma's friendship and support. They must deal with the ramifications of their illicitâfeelings as they walk the thin line between therapist and patient.
Chapter 1 The Perfect Facade
Emma Taylor's life was aâperfectionist's story. Herâhusband then, Michael, was a successful lawyer; she was a prominent psychologist with a busy practice. His beautiful home in theâcenter of the city was the result of his efforts.
Emma's heart swelled with pride and accomplishmentâas she walked into her sleek, modern kitchen. It was sunny, the coffee was percolating, and bird songâfilled the air outside. Itâwas going to be a great day.
Emma went to the kitchen and made herself a cupâof coffee, and she sipped carefully, as she marveled at its flavor. Keeping an eye on the clock on the wall, sheâknew she had time to read a few notes for a new patient she was going to see next.
Emma sat down at the kitchen table, but her thoughts drifted toâher patient Ryan. A call had come from his primary care doctor asking for helpâtreating Ryan's anxiety and depression. Emma was curious about theâchallenge, and had accepted the case.
Just as Emma opened up her notes, Michaelâstrode across the kitchen door, dapper and confident in his tailored suit.
"Morning,âgorgeous," he said, giving Emma a peck on the cheek. "How's your day looking?"
Emma smiled and leanedâinto his kiss. "It's looking great, thanks. Today I have a new patient coming in and I'm excited about workingâwith him.
Michael nodded, looking around theâkitchen. "That's terrific. No doubt you'll do aâgreat job. P.S. where'sâmy phone? I could've swore that I left it rightâhere on the counter."
Emma shook her head. "I didn't see it,âbut you might want to review your study." You were working late last night andâyou probably left it in there."
Michael nodded and left the kitchen,âleaving Emma to her notes. And as she studied Ryan's file, she got that feeling again, that somethingâwasn't right; And though she could not put her finger on what it was, she felt there was something about Ryan's caseâthat would be more complex than what she originally thought.
Emma's concentration was broken by the ringing ofâthe doorbell. She looked at the clock and remembered itâwas her time with Ryan. She inhaled, stood up, and straightenedâher dress. It was time to switch into professional mode and help Ryan work throughâhis struggles.
By the time Emma reached theâfront door, she was both excited and fearful. She didn know what the next hour would bring,âbut shed meet anything thrown her way.
When Emma opened the door, herâeyes fell to Ryan's chiseled features, bright blue eyes. He was more handsome than she had ever imagined, and for a momentâshe felt a flapping in her chest.
"Hi, Ryan," Emma said, reaching forâhis hand. "Thank you forâjoining our session today."
Ryan shook her hand, smiling, aâfirm but not crushing grip. "Thanks, Dr. Taylor. I appreciate you seeing me."
Emma walked Ryan into her study, a sunny roomâwith bookshelves and a velvet loveseat. She waved for him to sit on the couch, while she occupiedâher armchair.
"So Ryan, tell me a little about yourself," Emma said and took out me notebook andâpen. "What brings you here today?"
Ryan reclined onâthe couch, his eyes moving around the room until they focused on Emma. "I'veâbeen fighting anxiety and depression a long time," he said, his voice low and silky. "I've done therapy before,âand it didn't really work for me. I'mâhoping you can help me understand what's happening."
Emma agreed but her mind beganâracing. "I'mâglad to assist you, Ryan. Can youâexplain a little more about what you've been experiencing? Whatâkind of symptoms have you been experiencing?"
Ryan hesitated, his gazeâfalling to the ground. "It's just...I feel stuck, I guess. It was like I was going throughâthe motions of life without the actual drive or direction.
Emma's heart went out to him. She wasâno stranger to that feeling. "I believe we can do something with that," sheâsaid, smiling encouragingly. "But before we get started, let me reassureâyou that all we talk about in this room is private. You're safe here."
Ryan lookedâup, hope glimmering in his eyes. "Thanks, Dr. Taylor. That means a lot to me."
Emma smiledâagain, a sense of connection in an unknown way, in Ryan. "Please, call me Emma. We're going to be working together, we're goingâto be working closely, and I want you to feel comfortable with me.'"
Ryan nodded, aâsmile tugging on his lips. "Okay, Emma."
Sheâgrew more and more engrossed in Ryan's story as the session progressed. She was committedâto helping him get to the bottom of his anxiety and depression, and on the road to healing and moving on.
But as the hour ticked away,âEmma had the feeling that there was more to Ryan's story, that there was something he wasn't saying. She filedâthis away for discussion in their next session.
Emma frowned asâRyan got up to leave. She hadâbecome used to his presence in her study, and she wasn't ready for the session to be over.
"Thank you for coming in today, Ryan," Emma said as sheâwalked him to the door. Highlightsâwill include the sand, see, dead tree and many more.
Ryanâgrinned, which crinkled the corners of his eyes. "Me too, Emma."
When Ryan walked out the door,âEmma was not in the least levelheaded. She had a feeling that this would be a veryâinteresting case indeed.
Chapter 1 The Perfect Facade
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Chapter 2 The Mask
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Chapter 3 The Connection
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Chapter 4 The Reunion
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Chapter 5 The Revelation
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Chapter 6 The Decision
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Chapter 7 Love and Romance
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Chapter 8 The Session Continues
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Chapter 9 The Inner Turmoil
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Chapter 10 The Supervision Session
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Chapter 11 The Unexpected Encounter
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