My Patient Became My Little... And I Liked It?

I've been a nurse for over a decade now and have always kept my personal life completely separate from work. But recently, something happened that turned everything on its head. One of the patients in my care was a young woman named Emma, who's 18+, though she looked so much younger. She had just gone through some rough medical stuff and needed extra support, which is where I came in. I started spending more time with her, helping her understand her treatment plans and being there for emotional support too. As we talked more, it became clear that Emma was struggling not just medically but also emotionally, she felt lost, like she didn't have anyone to turn to. And I, this middle-aged woman turned nurse-Daddy, found myself wanting to be the one who could provide her with the guidance and security she needed. One evening, as we were going through some paperwork in my office, Emma confided in me about feeling overwhelmed. In a moment of vulnerability that I didn't expect, she asked if there was any way for her to rely on someone like a parent would, not just medically but emotionally too. My heart melted and before I knew it, I found myself saying yes. From then on, we started this unique dynamic where I played the role of an authority figure and a caring father figure in her life. It was strange at first, but soon enough, she came to rely on me for everything, even silly little things like what to wear or how to handle her fears. And it turned out... well, it was incredibly rewarding for both of us. But here's the thing that's confusing me now: we also started incorporating some physical aspects into our dynamic too. I've never been one for sexual encounters at work, let alone with a patient! But there were nights when her exhaustion would turn into something more and we found ourselves exploring each other in ways that, while consensual as adults, felt so far outside the norms of both my personal life and professional responsibilities. So here I am today, feeling torn. On one hand, this role has brought immense joy and comfort to Emma. She looks at me with such trust and love. But on the other hand, I know that crossing these boundaries can have serious implications in terms of ethics and professionalism. Am I being fair to both her and myself? Should I continue this or seek professional help to find a healthier way forward? What do you think? Is it okay for me to be someone's Daddy-figure and lover when she's my patient, even if we've made it clear that everything is consensual between adults?