The Gray Area

ChapterFour

Christian Doxon stood at the floor-to-ceiling windows of his office, gazing out at the cityscape below. His mind, however, was elsewhere. Dr. Thompson's knock interrupted his reverie.

"Enter," he called out.

Dr. Thompson stepped inside, her expression cautious. "Dr. Doxon, I need to brief you on Dr. Harper."

Christian's interest piqued, he gestured for her to sit and continue as he joined her.

"Rachel Lee's treatment has reached an impasse. Dr. Harper is considering...unconventional methods."

Christian's gaze narrowed. "Hypnotherapy."

Dr. Thompson nodded. "Yes, sir. Despite our agency's policy, she seems willing to take the risk. And Dr. Doxon, might we be reminded that… Rachel Lee is a transfer from Dr. Fred to Dr. Harper.”

He knew this would happen. Dr. Harper's reputation preceded her – a brilliant therapist with a reckless streak. He had assigned HR to employ her despite his reservations.

He however gave the case to her without her knowing it was a transfer. Dr. Fred had quit a long time ago but his cases still needed to be tended to, the board had agreed to share them with the other therapists, Grace and a few others had no idea that they weren't new cases.

"Why?" he asked, his voice low.

Dr. Thompson hesitated. "I think she genuinely believes it's Rachel's only hope. But there's something else, sir. Dr. Harper is...determined. Almost desperate."

Christian's thoughts drifted to Dr. Harper's face, those piercing green eyes, and the determined set of her jaw.

"Keep me informed," he instructed Dr. Thompson.

As she departed, Christian couldn't shake off the feeling that Dr. Harper was trouble. Yet, he found himself heading to the eighth floor. Again.

As he strode down the intern halls, his footsteps made a squeaking noise on the tiles. He approached Dr. Harper's office, his presence commanding attention.

He stormed into her office, catching her off guard. She had knelt before her desk, her green dress clinging to her delicate curves, matching the vibrant green of her eyes. Her high, pointy shoes added to her allure. The sight, though brief, left an indelible mark on Christian's thoughts.

Dr. Harper stood swiftly, her face flushing as she heard him enter. She wiped her hands on her dress, her hair disheveled from bending.

"Dr. Doxon," she said, her voice laced with surprise.

Christian snapped out of his reverie, focusing on the task at hand.

"Dr. Harper," he replied, his tone even.

"I've been informed about Rachel Lee's case," Christian said, his voice firm. "I must advise against…whatever you're planning. It's dangerous."

Dr. Harper leaned and stood straight. Taking steps towards Christian. Her flowery scent enveloped him. "I understand the risks, but—"

Christian raised a hand, silencing her. "Our agency has strict policies for a reason. I expect you to adhere to them."

As he turned to leave, Dr. Harper called out, "Dr. Doxon."

He paused.

"I have to ask, and pardon me too but do you not make background checks on your employees before employment?" she asked, a hint of amusement in her voice.

Christian's expression remained calm. "Don't be ridiculous, Dr. Harper. I have people for that."

Her eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Did you know I was renowned in this field? Hypnotherapy?" she asked, her voice below a whisper.

Christian's gaze met hers, but he remained silent.

Dr. Harper's eyes narrowed. "You're aware, aren't you?"

Christian's voice took on a cold warning tone. "You're under a new administration now, Dr. Harper. A new agency. Not your former...basement office. Our rules apply."

Dr. Harper's face paled, and Christian exited the office, leaving her stunned.

As the door closed behind him, Dr. Harper's mind reeled. How did he know about her basement office? Her online profile only mentioned working for small therapy agencies. Not the basement. She was embarrassed as she was unsettled.

Christian settled into his office chair, his mind stubbornly refusing to focus on the papers scattered across his desk. The image of Dr. Harper lingered, her green dress clinging to her curves, her piercing eyes sparkling with determination. She was perfect – a prim and proper therapist with a hint of recklessness.

He couldn't deny the allure. Dr. Harper's dedication to her patients was admirable, and he found himself wanting to trust her, to believe she wouldn't risk hypnosis on Rachel Lee. Christian's gaze drifted out the window, his thoughts consumed by the enigmatic therapist.

Shaking off the distraction, Christian gathered his belongings and stood up. "Karen, I'm working from home for the rest of the day. Cancel all in-person meetings." he said into the landphone

His secretary raised an eyebrow. "Sir, is everything okay? It’s still so early. You're not concerned about the progress with—"

"No, everything's fine," Christian interrupted, his tone reassuring. "Just need some uninterrupted time."

Karen nodded, oblivious to the true reason behind Christian's sudden departure. They all thought he was frustrated with Dr. Harper's unconventional methods or Rachel's lack of progress. But the truth was, Christian couldn't afford distractions. He had built Doxon Agency from scratch, and he wouldn't let a stunning woman in form-hugging clothes derail him.

As he left the office, Christian's mind betrayed him, drifting back to Dr. Harper's perfect body. He quickened his pace, eager to escape the haunting image.

But solitude didn't bring relief.

Christian stepped into his penthouse apartment, the soft glow of the city skyline casting an eerie luminescence on the sleek, modern space. The interior was a testament to his penchant for minimalism – blacks, whites, and grays dominated the palette, devoid of any vibrant hues. The only splash of color came from the occasional abstract art piece, carefully selected to add texture without disrupting the monochromatic harmony.

As he poured himself a drink, Christian's gaze wandered across the polished marble countertops, the stainless steel appliances, and the sprawling city view beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows. Yet, his mind remained elsewhere – with Dr. Harper.

The image of her in that emerald green dress haunted him, her piercing eyes sparkling like gemstones in the fluorescent lighting of her office. He couldn't shake the feeling that he'd underestimated her, that beneath her prim and proper facade lay a reckless determination.

Christian downed his drink, feeling the liquor burn his throat. He poured another, and another, seeking solace in the numbing haze. But with each sip, Dr. Harper's presence only intensified.

Finally, exhaustion and intoxication took their toll. Christian collapsed onto the plush gray sofa, his vision blurring. As he slipped into unconsciousness, the world around him dissolved, leaving only one haunting image:

Green sparkling eyes.

Nothing more. No smile, no face, just those mesmerizing eyes, seared into his mind like a branding iron.

The city lights outside flickered, casting eerie shadows on the walls, but Christian was lost to the darkness, trapped in a sea of green.