CHAPTER TWO
1228 Words
A DREAM WORTH FIGHTING FOR .
The next morning, Adrian woke up and prepared for his usual morning run.
But today was different. Ever since his conversation with his parents the previous night, he hadn't been himself.
Their words lingered in his mind, constantly stealing his peace.
Every step he took that morning echoed with the dream he had cherished since childhood,
to serve his country with honor and make a name for himself through courage and sacrifice.
He knew exactly what his parents were trying to do, tie him down with marriage and family before he could pursue his dreams.
But Adrian wasn't ready to surrender his dreams. Not now, and most certainly not for love.
Adrian had just finished his morning run.
On his way home, he accidentally bumped into Clara.
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The moment Clara spotted him from a distance, her heart skipped a beat.
A warm blush spread across her cheeks, and she couldn't stop smiling.
"He looks so freaking handsome... even covered in sweat," she thought, unable to look away.
"Clara, are you okay?" Adrian asked, noticing the strange expression on her face.
"U-Um... yes. Of course, I'm fine," she replied nervously.
"You look like you're out of breath."
Without saying another word, Clara handed him the chilled bottle of water she had been holding while waiting for him.
"Oh, Clara, that's so thoughtful of you. Thank you, I really appreciate it," Adrian said with a grateful smile.
As he accepted the bottle, Clara also handed him a small pocket towel.
"Oh, thank you. You didn't have to go through all this trouble," he said.
"It's okay. I don't mind," Clara replied, smiling softly.
Adrian wiped the sweat from his face before taking a long drink of water. When he was finished, he handed the bottle back to her with another warm smile.
That single smile was enough to make Clara's heart race wildly.
She felt as though she might faint, but somehow managed to keep herself standing.
For a few seconds, neither of them spoke.
The silence wasn't awkward.
It was peaceful.
"So..." Adrian finally said.
"How have you been?"
"I've been good."
"And your parents?"
"They're doing well."
"That's good to hear."
Clara nodded, though she secretly wished the conversation would last forever.
She wanted to tell him how proud she was of him.
She wanted to tell him how she had admired him since they were children.
Most of all, she wanted to tell him that she loved him.
But the words refused to leave her lips.
Adrian glanced at the sky.
"I should probably get going.
My parents are waiting for me."
The smile on Clara's face faded ever so slightly.
"Oh... okay."
"Thanks again for the water."
"Anytime."
He gave her one last smile before turning and walking away.
Clara stood there watching him until he disappeared around the corner.
Only then did she let out the breath she had been holding.
She hugged the empty water bottle tightly against her chest and laughed softly at herself.
"One smile from him, and I completely forget how to act,"
she murmured, shaking her head.
Even so, her heart was full.
She would happily wait every morning if it meant seeing him for just a few minutes.
Little did she know, fate had already begun weaving their lives together in ways neither of them could imagine.
And back at the Sterling mansion, Adrian's parents were quietly discussing a plan that would soon change all of their lives forever.
Adrian slowed to a walk as he reached the small hill overlooking the town. The cool morning breeze brushed against his face, but it did little to calm the storm raging inside him.
He stood there quietly, watching the first rays of sunlight spread across the streets below.
Children would soon leave for school. Shop owners would open their stores. Life would continue as though nothing had changed.
But everything had changed for him.
He clenched his fists.
"I've dreamed about this for too long to let it slip away," he whispered to himself.
Ever since he was a little boy, he had admired soldiers.
Whenever military convoys drove through town, he would stop whatever he was doing just to watch them pass.
Their discipline, courage, and dedication had inspired him in ways no one else ever could.
While other children dreamed of becoming celebrities or wealthy businessmen, Adrian dreamed of wearing the nation's uniform with pride.
It was never about power.
It was about purpose.
He wanted to protect people. He wanted his life to mean something greater than himself.
His parents knew that.
They had watched that dream grow alongside him.
That was why their sudden opposition hurt even more.
With a sigh, Adrian resumed jogging until he finally returned home. Sweat covered his forehead, and his breathing was uneven, but his mind was still occupied by the same troubling thoughts.
As he entered through the front gate, he noticed his mother carefully watering the flowers in the garden.
She looked up and smiled warmly.
"You're back already?"
"Yes, Mom," Adrian replied with a faint smile.
"You look exhausted. Go take a shower. Breakfast is almost ready."
"Alright."
Richard Sterling sat quietly on the balcony with a newspaper in his hands, though he wasn't reading a single word. His eyes followed Adrian as the young man walked inside.
The disappointment on his son's face pierced his heart.
Richard loved Adrian more than anything.
Every decision he made was for his son's happiness, even if Adrian couldn't understand it now.
He lowered the newspaper and let out a long breath.
"I hope one day you'll forgive me," he murmured softly.
Inside the house, Adrian stood beneath the running shower, allowing the cold water to wash over him.
He closed his eyes.
The memories came rushing back.
The countless hours of physical training.
The military entrance examinations he had prepared for.
The books he had read about strategy and leadership.
Everything had been leading toward one dream.
Was he really expected to abandon it overnight?
The thought made his chest tighten.
"No," he whispered firmly.
"I can't give up."
Even if the whole world stood against him, he wasn't ready to let go of the future he had spent years building.
After dressing, Adrian joined his parents at the dining table. The atmosphere was unusually quiet.
His mother served breakfast while Richard remained silent.
No one mentioned the argument from the previous night.
The silence itself was louder than words.
After breakfast, Adrian excused himself and headed upstairs.
As soon as he disappeared from sight, Eleanor turned toward her husband.
"Richard... how long are we going to keep this from him?"
Richard closed his eyes briefly before answering.
"For as long as necessary."
"He deserves to know."
"I know."
"Then why are we hiding the truth?"
Richard's expression hardened, though sadness lingered in his eyes.
"Because once he knows, there will be no turning back."
Eleanor lowered her gaze, unable to argue.
She knew her husband wasn't acting out of cruelty.
He was trying to protect their son from a promise made many years ago,
a promise that was about to change Adrian Sterling's life forever.
Neither of them realized that fate had already begun setting everything into motion.
And very soon, the peaceful life Adrian had always known would come crashing down.
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