Lahat ng Kabanata ng Going Off-Script: Kabanata 1 - Kabanata 8

I asked Arabella to meet me at the café in the lobby of the office building. In my head, the System paced frantically in circles. “Are you serious about this, Player? Are you really joining the Brimbles’ business? Arabella is only taking you in to keep you away from Patrick. Once things between you and Patrick heat up, she’s only going to make your life a living hell.” While getting dressed, I replied nonchalantly, “At least she’s giving me fair compensation that’s not going to put me on the streets away from home. Arabella stands out on her own against her siblings and secured her right to the family inheritance. She’s not a mindless, spoiled heiress. Besides…” My words trailed off. Five years ago, I came to the city all on my own to find my family. The snobbish security of the estate heartlessly kicked me out. Patrick came out of nowhere and lectured the security guards before taking me, still shaken up, back to the Suede estate. Over the next five years, I held on to t

In my next three months with Brimble Network, Patrick never reached out to me. Arabella paired me with the best team and granted me the highest level of clearance. I threw myself into work to the point of forgetting sleep and food. Occasionally, I would get updates on Patrick through the social media of others. I simply smiled when someone brought him up in conversation on purpose. With time, even the System gave up and left me alone. I ran into Patrick at an industry summit once. At the time, I was on stage presenting our core technology, my confidence overflowing. Patrick stared at me among the audience, his mind blank. When we brushed past one another after the event, he called out to me. “If you choose to come back, I can forget the whole thing even happen.” My eyes ran through his familiar facial features, yet his face looked so strange. Taking a step back, I kept myself distant and aloof. Patrick, his smile disappearing, pulled a long face. “Very well.

Since the day the mission was declared a success, the System vanished.Three months later, the System reemerged as I was stepping out of Brimble Network after picking up a late shift. “It’s been a while, Player. Have you been well?” I grinned. “Pretty good. Things have been a whole lot better than before.” The System fell silent for a bit. “I’ve passed along your feedback to headquarters. You’re the first player to pull off a successful quest after switching assigned targets. We might be expecting a huge change in our upcoming conquest.” I stopped in my tracks and uttered, “To be fair, I’m not putting the blame on you. I was too attached to the fleeting kindness five years ago, and I ended up making the same mistake. Still, I want to say that the relationships between women shouldn’t be limited to the heroine and villainess fighting over some man. We are all human beings with our own feelings and minds.” The System sighed. “You have a point. We’ll make improvements. Pe

Patrick stood at the doorway of my office, looking more haggard than he did at the press conference. His suit was wrinkled, his tie hung crookedly to the side, and his eyes were bloodshot. Peeking from behind me, Arabella scoffed. “I believe you are lost, Mr. Suede.” Not giving her the time of day, Patrick stared right into my eyes. “I need a word with you, Skye.” He took a step forward, only for Arabella to shield me behind her. I gave Arabella a pat on the shoulder. “It’s okay. Let him speak.” Arabella shot him an angry look before reluctantly giving way. Still, she stuck around. Putting her weight on the desk, she didn’t take her eyes away from him. Patrick inhaled deeply. “It’s over for Suede Corporation.” I said nothing. “I know I deserve it. I tried to salvage your business proposal, the one I dumped in the trash can, but it’s too late.” His voice trembled. “Skye, I’m not asking for your forgiveness. I just… I just want to let you know that you’re the most i