This novel excerpt introduces Dr. Amber Camille, a psychiatrist and lecturer at a medical university, known for her intelligence, beauty, and popularity among students. One day, after her lecture, she is called to the office of her mentor, Madam Nancy, a retired but renowned psychiatrist who has opened her own practice. Upon arriving, Amber meets Ian Axton, the young CEO of Axton Group, a major pharmaceutical company that supports many of Madam Nancy's projects.
The meeting initially seems professional, but it soon becomes clear that Madam Nancy has ulterior motives. She orchestrates a situation where Amber and Ian are left alone for dinner, revealing it to be a setup for a blind date. Amber, unaware of the true nature of the evening, finds herself in an awkward and unexpected social scenario with Ian, who displays a cold and detached demeanor.
Ian's behavior throughout the dinner is peculiar, ranging from blunt and insensitive remarks about Amber's appearance to probing questions about her work as a psychiatrist. Despite his aloofness, he shows interest in Amber's approach to treating patients, particularly those with severe mental health conditions like Cotard's syndrome. As the evening progresses, Ian insists on continuing the date, leading Amber to a nightclub called La Marquesina, where they end up playing games and drinking.
Amber, not accustomed to such environments, drinks a potent alcoholic beverage and quickly loses consciousness. The next morning, she wakes up in a strange bed with Ian, both nearly undressed, leading to confusion and embarrassment. Amber, suspecting that nothing untoward occurred due to Ian's germophobic tendencies, decides to play along with the pretense of a one-night stand as a form of retaliation for the previous night's events. She leaves money for "services rendered" and departs, only to later learn from Madam Nancy that Ian suffers from emotional detachment, a condition that has gone unnoticed by his family until recently.
Madam Nancy reveals that she hopes Amber can help Ian through her professional expertise, as she cannot maintain a proper doctor-patient relationship with him due to their close personal connection. The story sets the stage for a complex relationship between Amber and Ian, blending professional challenges with personal dynamics, and hints at the deeper issues Ian faces, inviting Amber to delve into his psychological world.
The excerpt ends with Amber reflecting on the events and her growing awareness of Ian's condition, setting the tone for further exploration of their interactions and the potential for healing and understanding.
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