His name was Nathaniel

22

The days leading up to Nathaniel's planned escape were filled with meticulous preparations and mounting tension. Adaliya and Nathaniel worked tirelessly to ensure that everything would go according to plan.

Adaliya had taken the bold step of confiding in her parents about Nathaniel's predicament. They were initially taken aback by the gravity of the situation but were ultimately supportive of her decision to help him. They understood the risks involved but knew that Adaliya's determination and love for Nathaniel were genuine. Despite their support, they remained cautious, fully aware of the power and reach of Mr. Donovan.

Meanwhile, Nathaniel was doing his best to avoid his father and stay out of his way. The plan was to keep a low profile until the night of the escape. His movements were careful and calculated, ensuring that his father remained unaware of his intentions.

One evening, as Nathaniel was preparing for the night, he heard a commotion coming from his father's study. Curious and concerned, he cautiously approached the door. He was about to retreat when he felt a firm hand on his shoulder. His father stood behind him, his eyes bloodshot and unfocused from too much alcohol.

"Nathaniel," Mr. Donovan slurred, his voice thick with inebriation. "Come in here."

Nathaniel hesitated, fear and apprehension mingling in his chest. But with no easy way out, he complied and followed his father into the study. The room was dimly lit, the flickering light casting long shadows across the walls.

Mr. Donovan slumped into his chair behind the desk and gestured for Nathaniel to sit across from him. He poured himself another glass of whiskey, the bottle already half-empty. "Sit down," he ordered, his tone heavy with exhaustion and regret.

Nathaniel sat, trying to maintain his composure despite the growing unease. Mr. Donovan took a long swig from his glass before slamming it down on the desk.

"She was... she was everything to me," Mr. Donovan began, his voice unsteady. "Your mother... she had a light in her that I... I never appreciated until it was too late."

Nathaniel watched as his father's hands trembled, the alcohol making his emotions raw and unfiltered. "I pushed her away, Nathaniel. I was so obsessed with control and power that I lost sight of what really mattered. She tried to make me see, but I... I refused to listen."

Mr. Donovan poured another glass of whiskey and gulped it down quickly. His face was flushed, and his eyes were clouded with regret. "She deserved better. I thought I was doing what was best, but all I did was destroy the one thing that brought me happiness."

Nathaniel remained silent, his own emotions a tumultuous mix of anger, confusion, and reluctant empathy. He had never seen his father so vulnerable, and it was both unsettling and eye-opening. The man who had always been a symbol of fear and control was now revealing a depth of remorse that Nathaniel had never expected.

As Mr. Donovan continued to drink and rant, Nathaniel seized the opportunity. The heavy alcohol was starting to take its toll, and his father's slurred speech made it clear that he would be incapacitated for a while. Nathaniel quietly slipped out of the study, careful to avoid making any noise.

He made his way to the study's hidden safe, where his father kept important documents and large sums of money. Nathaniel had always been aware of the safe's location and the combination, but he'd never had the courage to access it. Tonight, however, was different. The safe was unlocked, apparently forgotten in the haze of his father's inebriation.

With trembling hands, Nathaniel pulled open the safe and quickly rifled through its contents. He found several bundles of cash and important documents that might prove useful for his escape. He grabbed a substantial amount of money, stuffing it into a small bag he had brought with him for this purpose. He also took a few documents that could help him establish a new identity or provide crucial information about his father's business dealings.

Nathaniel's heart pounded as he hurriedly closed the safe and slipped back into the study. He checked on his father, who was now passed out, slumped over the desk. With a final glance to ensure everything was in place, Nathaniel quietly exited the room and made his way back to his own quarters.

The plan was coming together, but the stakes had just been raised. As Nathaniel prepared for the night ahead, he felt a renewed sense of urgency. The escape plan was not just about freeing himself but also about securing a future where he and Adaliya could be together without the shadow of his father's oppressive control.

He knew the next few days would be critical. Every detail needed to be perfect, and he could only hope that the risks they were taking would ultimately lead to a chance at freedom and a new beginning.