𝐔𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐑 𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐂𝐀𝐑𝐄

Chapter Seven

Oliver POV

My breathing was shaky and shallow. I literally feel my lungs burning and screaming for water. But stomach was hurting and clenching like it's  trying to eat itself to subdue its hunger. I keep reminding myself of the limited time I put on me to make sure my breathing breaks weren't a second over time. The tough tree bark on my back only heightens the reality of what I created for myself. What I did for myself.

After I steadily climbed out the nearest window on the first floor in Azeil's office I started hauling ass with no plan in my mind. I wasn't dumb, I knew there had to be cameras everywhere around, and in, the house. But I didn't have enough time to deactivate every camera in my surroundings. Hell, I didn't even know how to deactivate a surveillance device. I knew that by the time the mansion was no longer in my eye sight, no one would be able to catch up to me. So I made probably one of the smartest decisions since I've been here.

Don't look back.

I headed to the back of the house; it would be too predictable if I ran to the front of the house and it would be way easier to catch me. I sprinted around the pool and climbed over the 7ft tall fence. I hadn't really been the athletic type or the strongest teenage boy. Getting over that fence was just purely adrenaline pumping through me. I knew it had nothing to do with my physical strength. After climbing that fence I just let my legs do the work and let my mind take a break. There was only one thought in my mind. And most likely the only thought that was pumping  constantly. Don't stop. Whether it was watching for surroundings, or listening to the sounds around me, or even running. I couldn't stop whatsoever.

With a groan, and a clutch to my side stitch, I get up from the soil with wobbly legs and prepped myself to keep going. One more long and deep breath. For some reason my mind went back to the time I was in the doctor's office with my grandpa. The nurse who was checking for my breathing was reminding to take deep breaths. It was so cold in that room and grandpa would make jokes about how this is the place to get better but he swore he was gonna get a cold just being there. The nurse would occasionally chuckle just so she wouldn't be projected as rude, but went on with her inspection.

"Deep breath in, now hold for five.......3, 4, 5, and release for five," she moved the medical instrument to my back, "Again..."

I lean against the tree bark and listen to her words in my head. I take a deep breath in and hold for five before exhaling for five. My side stitch wasn't protruding with pain as it was before but it was still noticeable internally. I left my checkpoint and continued on my way back to my destination. I started  off with a jog to test out my endurance but then started to sprint when I felt more confident in myself.

It was starting to feel like delusion soon enough. I was starting to doubt myself and my sense of direction. I was itching to use my phone and open my map app but I sadly remember I left it at my grandpas house. All the more reason why I just had to keep running and listen for distant cars or speedings cars on the highway. I had to trust myself.

Even if it did feel like I was running in a circle.
...
Azeil POV

"Alright, that concludes today's meeting. Anyone have any questions?" I announce, wrapping up this surprisingly quick discussion. Usually my meeting would take hours simply because so many directors gather in one place with only one idea: too stubborn let any other ideas flow through their mind. This usually rises to arguments and shouting matches. Well, when I'm running late. Directors and clients respect me deeply (as they should) and know I don't tolerate foolishness in my firm. I demand order, or you can get out of my building and leave your self-image behind.