Chapter 1 Leaving Without A Trace

Morning rays comes through the window. Adrian, 25-year-old guy, opens his eyes and sees no one beside him. He sighs and gets up from the bed and goes into the bathroom to wash up.

As he looks at the mirror, he sees his reflection: Dull eyes, aged face, unkempt hair. For 3 years, Adrian have been living this cold arranged marriage.

After washing up, Adrian goes downstairs and starts to cook for himself. Afterwards, he leaves their house, meeting with his long-time friend to discuss something.

At the restaurant, Adrian arrives and sees Simon, his best friend, sitting at the empty table. He sits down and order some drink.

"You're late. I thought you will not come." Simon says.

"I'm sorry, but it's a long story. You'll know when I tell you." Adrian replies.

"I don't care. We are not meeting each other for some time."

"So what is it that you want to discuss?"

"I'm moving."

"Where are you going? US?"

Adrian nods, already made a decision yesterday night. "Help me erase my existence. That way, I can focus on my dream again to become a soldier. I already accepted the offer, just needed 3 days to passed."

Simon frowns, a bit of disapproval. "I'm your best friend since childhood, but are you sure you're making the right choice?"

"For the past 3 years, I already did the right thing and I'm tired. I'm willing to risk it all, even my whole life, just so that I can be who I really am."

"I know, man. I know. But can't you wait a bit longer? I'm sure your wife will realize how much she loves you."

Adrian looks at Simon before sighing. "Simon. You might not know this, but... Bella is with Carlos right now. And yes, she's been seeing him ever since we married. There's nothing to salvage in this marriage arranged by our parents."

"Just help me erase my identity like I never existed. It's for our own good." Adrian looks at him with determination.

Simon sighs, nodding.

"I know. I'm not gonna make a big fuss over this."

After finishing their drink, the two men shake hands to say goodbye to each other.

The next morning, Adrian wakes up early to pack his things and get ready for his flight. As he's about to go downstairs, he sees the letter on his table, the letter he had written last night after he came back to the house, still have no sign of Bella, probably still with Carlos as Adrian thought that night. He opens it and reads the content, the letter explaining his disappearance, a perfect excuse he had written to not raise any suspicion.

Adrian sighs before putting the letter back onto the table.

"I'm sorry, Simon. I know I'm asking for much."

The two of them are already at the airport, waiting for their turn to board the plane.

"Are you sure about this?" Simon asks.

Adrian nods, "Yes. Thank you for helping me."

Simon pats on Adrian's shoulder. "Be careful. You might not have to worry about Bella anymore, but you'll have to be extra cautious if you're going to make contact with her."

"Don't worry," Adrian reassures Simon. "The military offered complete secrecy and a codename to live by. That way, I will be able to pursue my dreams, and who knows. I might returned with a much better look."

Adrian glances at the clock and starts holding on his suitcase. "I'm going now. After arriving there, I need to wait another day before I officially start my training there. Make sure there's no trace of me left everywhere, and take care of my family. I'm sure they already knew what's going on."

Simon nods.

Adrian then stands up and shakes hands with Simon. "Thank you for being a true friend. I'll never forget how much you did for me."

"Take care." Simon says.

Adrian then walks out of the airport and board the plane, while Simon sits down and waits for Adrian's flight to take off.