CHAPTER 1

SUMMER

I sit in my penthouse, surrounded by sleek, minimalist decor. The city skyline stretches out before me, visible through the vast windows. Despite the opulence around me, I feel a gnawing emptiness inside. I flip through channels on the giant TV, searching for something, anything, to capture my interest. But, as always, nothing does.

The phone rings, pulling me from my thoughts. I glance at the caller ID and sigh heavily before answering.

My name is Jake Weston, 20. On the surface, it seems like I have it all - wealth, luxury, anything I could possibly want. But, in reality, I've never felt more alone. Born into a life of privilege, I've never known the warmth of true affection. My parents were more interested in their business empire than in me.

"Hey, Dad." i answered the phone after few rings.

"Jake, how have you been?"my father replied in his neutral voice

I stare out the large windows at the sprawling city below, a mix of frustration and sadness in my eyes.

How have I been? As if he really cares. My father, Richard Weston, is a stern, authoritative figure, always focused on the company's success.

"I'm fine, Dad. Just... the usual." i sat on the sofa.

"Good to hear. The company's doing exceptionally well. We just secured the largest investor in the country. It's a huge step forward for us." Oh, i know where this is heading.

I keep staring out the window, the news failing to stir any excitement in me.

" That's great, Dad. I'm sure Max had a lot to do with it." i replied uninterested.

"Yes, Max has been instrumental. But this is a family achievement, Jake. We all benefit from it."

I feel a wave of resentment. Turning away from the window, I begin pacing the room, the weight of his words bearing down on me.

A family achievement. Right. Max, my brother, has always been the one who cared about the business. He's worked tirelessly for it, while I've been... well, disinterested, to say the least.

"Sure, Dad. A family achievement." my jaw clenched.

"Jake, I need to talk to you about the future of the company. Your brother's been handling things well, but it's time for you to step up. You'll inherit the empire, not him." i heard the sound of his swivel chair creak.

My grip on the phone tightens. I stare out at the city, my frustration growing.

" Dad, you know how hard Max has worked for this. He deserves to run the company, not me. I've never been interested in the business." i replied trying to convince him for the 100th time.

"It's not about what you want, Jake. It's about legacy and responsibility. Max may have put in the work, but you're the one who's going to take over. It's what's best for the family." As i thought about my brother, i felt a sympathy for him. Knowing how hard he work for this only to stole it by someone like me.

I turn away from the window, pacing the room, the weight of my father's words pressing down on me.

Best for the family? Or best for his image? The expectations he places on me are suffocating.

"Best for the family? Or best for your image? I'm not going to take away what Max deserves. He's the one who's passionate about it." Frustration is evident in my tone.

"You need to understand, Jake. This isn't just about the company. It's about our name, our legacy. Think about it." He replied calmly which pisses me off even more.

I close my eyes, overwhelmed by the pressure. Taking a deep breath, I make up my mind.

"I'll think about it, Dad. But don't expect me to change my mind. This isn't what I want."

"We'll talk later." He hangs up, leaving me standing alone in my penthouse, the weight of my family's expectations pressing down on me.

Max is my half-brother, a fact that's always been a sore spot. He's the son of my father from an affair with another woman he met while on vacation years ago . The revelation of Max's existence nearly tore our family apart. My mother was devastated when she discovered the truth, and she and my father almost divorced. My father, however, convinced her that it was a mistake he had learned from, promising it would never happen again.

Years later, when the scandal made headlines, my mother chose to take Max in. He had been growing up in an orphanage, left behind when my father's affair came to light. Despite the turbulent circumstances, my mother welcomed Max into our home with open arms, treating him as one of her own. Her kindness was extraordinary, and Max was always a part of our family, albeit with a complicated history.

However, just a few years, my mother disappeared under mysterious circumstances. Her sudden disappearance left us with more questions than answers, and we've been searching for her ever since. The uncertainty and grief over her loss have only added to the complicated family dynamics.

Max, growing up under such extraordinary conditions, has always been a part of my life. Despite the tumultuous past and the circumstances of our connection, he's been a brother to me in every sense.

I toss my phone onto the couch and stare out at the city, feeling more isolated than ever.

The city skyline stretches out before me, but it feels distant, unattainable. The phone rings again, and I glance at the caller ID, expecting it to be my father. With a sigh, I answer.

"Dad, I already told you-"

"Whoa, whoa! It's me, man! Tom. You sound like you're ready to bite someone's head off." i heard him laughing on the other line.

Relief floods over me, and I relax slightly. Tom's voice is a welcome distraction.

"Oh, hey. Sorry, I thought you were someone else." i massage my forehead.

"Yeah, I figured. Listen, a few of us are heading out tonight. You should come. It's been ages since you hung out with us."

I consider declining, my initial reaction to retreat into solitude. But after the conversation with my father, the thought of a break seems appealing.

Tom's one of the few people who doesn't care about my last name or the family business. Hanging out with him and the guys might be exactly what I need.

"I don't know, Tom. I'm not really in the mood."hesitating for a bit.

"Come on, Jake. You need a break. Plus, we've got something new we're checking out. You'll love it. Trust me." i doubt his words.

I hesitate for a moment longer, but the idea of getting away from the penthouse and my father's expectations is too tempting to pass up.

" Alright, you've convinced me. Where and when?"

" That's the spirit! Meet us at The Loft at 8. And bring that charming smile of yours."i rolled my eyes in his choice of words.

" Alright, see you there."

I hang up the phone, a small smile playing on my lips. Maybe a night out with a friend is exactly what I need to clear my head. I glance out at the city one last time before heading to get ready.

THE LOFT - NIGHT

The Loft is buzzing with activity, a popular hangout spot with vibrant lights and lively music. I arrive and spot Tom near the entrance. Tom waves enthusiastically as I approach.

"There he is! Jake Weston, in the flesh." I lowered my cap, I'm embarrassed of his loud voice. Few people look at us and i drag him away.

"What's this new thing you've got planned?"

"You'll see. Just follow mylead. Tonight's going to be epic." i cringed in his words.

I follow Tom and the others inside, the lively atmosphere already lifting my spirits. For the first time in a while, I feel a sense of anticipation, a break from the monotony of my everyday life.

We group navigate through the crowd, eventually reaching a section of the club that has been cordoned off for a special event. Tom leads the way, flashing a wristband to the bouncer, who lets us through.

"What's going on here, Tom?" i asked in curiosity.

"You'll see. Just a bit further." he walk with his head held high and smiled to some people he know.

We reach a door labeled "Reality Quest - Exclusive Preview." My curiosity piqued, I follow Tom inside.

REALITY QUEST ROOM - NIGHT

The room is filled with sleek VR pods and cutting-edge technology. A large banner overhead reads, "Experience the Future of Gaming." My eyes widen as I take it all in.

"This is... incredible." i take a look around

"Told you. We're about to dive into the most immersive VR game ever created. Ready to escape reality for a bit?" He said while looking at me with hand extended. I punch him slightly on his stomach and laugh.

As we prepare to suit up, the door opens and a woman enters. She exudes confidence and elegance, her long, dark hair cascading over her shoulders. She wears a stylish yet professional outfit, accentuating her poised demeanor. Her eyes are sharp and observant, with a hint of warmth.

"Good evening, everyone. I hope you're all ready for an unforgettable experience."

Tom steps forward, a big grin on his face.

"Jake, I'd like you to meet Maya Patel, the owner of The Loft and the genius behind Reality Quest. Maya, this is my friend Jake."

Maya Patel. I've heard her name before, a rising star in the tech world. But seeing her in person... she's even more impressive.

I extend my hand, feeling a sudden rush of nerves. Maya's handshake is firm, her smile genuine. There's a moment of silence as we make eye contact.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Maya." i shake her hand.

"The pleasure is mine, Jake. Tom's told me a lot about you." she smiled.

There's something about her that draws me in, but I can't quite place it. Maybe it's her confidence, or the way she carries herself. Whatever it is, it makes me feel... different.

Tom, noticing the slight tension, jumps in to break the ice.

"Alright, . Let's not forget why we're here. Maya, care to give us a quick rundown of what to expect?" i glanced at tom, annoyed by his sudden interruption.

Maya laughs softly, her eyes still on me for a moment before she turns to address the group.

"Of course. Reality Quest is designed to be the most immersive VR experience ever created. You'll face a series of challenges that will test your skills, your teamwork, and your ability to think on your feet. But don't worry, it's all in good fun."

She walks us through the setup, her excitement contagious. As she talks, I find myself drawn to her even more, intrigued by her passion and expertise.

We all nod, the anticipation building. Maya's presence adds an unexpected layer of excitement to the evening. As we suit up and step into the VR pods.

VR GAME WORLD - JUNGLE LEVEL - NIGHT

I open my eyes and find myself standing in a dense, vibrant jungle. The sounds of wildlife fill the air, and the scent of tropical plants is almost overwhelming. Tom appears beside me, his avatar a rugged adventurer.

"This is insane! Look at the detail!" Tom scans himself. While the others check their stats.

Before we can take it all in, a holographic guide materializes in front of us.

HOLOGRAPHIC GUIDE:

Welcome to the Jungle Level. Your mission is to retrieve the ancient artifact hidden deep within the temple ruins. Beware of traps and hostile creatures. Teamwork is essential.

This is way more intense than I expected. But I feel a rush of adrenaline. For once, I'm excited about something.

"Alright, Tom. Let's find that artifact." Dragging him away from the group of girls.

We begin navigating through the jungle, using our avatars' skills to climb, jump, and swing across obstacles. As we move deeper into the jungle, we encounter other players, forming an impromptu team to tackle the challenges.

"Look, there's the temple!" Tom pointed the temple.

The ancient structure looms ahead, partially hidden by thick vines and foliage. As we approach, the ground shakes and a massive stone door begins to open, revealing the dark interior.

"Alright, let's stick together. Who knows what's waiting inside."Looking at the other players.

We enter the temple, torches lighting up automatically as we pass. The walls are covered in ancient carvings, depicting scenes of past adventurers and their trials. Suddenly, the floor beneath us gives way, and we slide down a steep chute, landing in a large chamber filled with intricate puzzles and traps.

HOLOGRAPHIC GUIDE:

Solve the puzzles to unlock the path forward. But be careful - each mistake triggers a new trap.

PLAYER 1:

"We need to figure out the sequence to light these torches." looks at the puzzles

PLAYER 2:

"And look, those symbols on the wall might be a clue."

As we work to solve the puzzles, a loud roar echoes through the chamber. The ground shakes, and a massive creature bursts through a hidden wall - a hulking, armored beast with glowing eyes and sharp claws. It roars again, charging at us.

"Watch out! It's coming right for us!" i shouted.

"We need to take it down!"Tom pulls out a weapon.

The room becomes a frenzy of action. I dodge the creature's attacks, narrowly avoiding its crushing blows. Tom and I fight alongside the other players, using our weapons and abilities to strike back.

This is insane. The adrenaline is through the roof. Every movement, every decision feels critical.

I manage to land a hit on the creature, but it's not enough to bring it down. It roars in fury, swinging its claws and causing debris to rain down from the ceiling.

PLAYER 1:

"There's another creature coming from the other side!"

"We need to finish this one quickly!"

As we focus on the beast, another wave of enemies emerges - smaller, but equally fierce. The battle intensifies, and we're soon fighting on multiple fronts. I exchange blows with a vicious, lizard-like monster while Tom takes on the larger beast, coordinating attacks with the other players.

"Jake, watch your left!"

I spin around just in time to deflect a powerful swipe from the lizard monster. I land a critical hit, sending it crashing to the ground.

We're making progress, but it feels like we're barely holding our own.

Tom finally lands a decisive blow on the larger beast, and it collapses with a thunderous roar. The room goes quiet, the remaining monsters retreating into the shadows.

"Is everyone okay?" i was breathing heavily.

PLAYER 2:

"That was intense!"

HOLOGRAPHIC GUIDE:

Congratulations. You have cleared the trial. Proceed to the next chamber.

The door to the next chamber creaks open, revealing a dark, ominous passageway.

As we regroup and prepare to move on, Maya Patel enters the chamber, watching us with a mixture of admiration and curiosity.

"You guys did great. That was one of the toughest trials we've put in the game." our eyes meet.

With renewed determination, we advance into the next chamber, ready for whatever challenges lie ahead.

REALITY QUEST TAVERN - NIGHT

After our grueling battle in the jungle, Tom and I step into the Reality Quest Tavern, a virtual refuge designed as a cozy, rustic pub with a warm, inviting atmosphere. The tavern is bustling with players who have taken a break from their quests. The ambient light flickers from enchanted lanterns hanging from the ceiling, casting a soft glow over the wooden tables and stone walls.

"This place is a nice change of pace. I could use a break." i fix my gear.

"Agreed. Let's grab a seat and catch our breath." nodding while looking at the waitress serving the other table.

We find a table in a quieter corner, away from the hustle and bustle. The tavern's atmosphere is a sharp contrast to the intense action of the jungle. The walls are adorned with trophies and memorabilia from various quests, and a crackling fireplace adds to the homey feel.

"I didn't expect the game to be this intense. That creature was something else."

"Yeah, it was insane. But that's what makes it so much fun. And it's nice to have a moment to just relax." he yawned.

As we settle in, a digital waitress approaches our table, her avatar designed as a friendly, animated character.

"Welcome to the Reality Quest Tavern! What can I get for you today?"

"I'll have a virtual ale and some of those meat pies. Jake?" he smirks.

"I'll try the same. And maybe a fruit punch. Something light for now." i smiled to the waitress.

The digital waitress nods and heads off to prepare our order. As we wait, I glance around the tavern, observing other players engaged in animated conversations and sharing their own stories of the day's adventures.

" So, what did you think of the other players? Some of them were pretty intense."

"Yeah, I noticed. But it's cool to see everyone so into it. Makes the experience feel more real." i sip on my drink.

In this generation, virtual reality isn't just a futuristic dream-it's our everyday reality. The line between the real and the virtual has blurred beyond recognition. VR technology has advanced to a point where it can replicate every sensation we experience in the real world. What was once a mere fantasy is now a tangible experience: people can feel textures, taste food, smell fragrances, and interact with virtual environments as vividly as they would

It's not just about gaming anymore. The immersion is so complete that it's become a new way to live and explore, pushing the boundaries of what we thought possible. The experience is so lifelike that it's hard to tell where reality ends and the virtual begins.

For many, VR has become more than just entertainment-it's a new frontier. It continues to reshape how we experience the world, blurring the boundaries between imagination and reality.

"You know, Maya seemed pretty impressed with how we handled things. That's got to be a good sign."

Before I can respond, Maya walks into the tavern, her avatar seamlessly blending into the surroundings. She spots us and heads over, her confident stride and warm smile catching the attention of several players.

"Mind if I join you?" she smiled and Tom gestured her to sit down.

"Not at all. Have a seat."

Maya sits down, and we exchange pleasantries as the digital waitress returns with our orders. The virtual ale and meat pies appear on our table, their detailed textures making them look almost real.

"So, how's the adventure treating you so far?" she smiled waiting for our response

"The battles were intense, but it's all part of the fun." Tom's voice replied excitingly.

"Yeah, definitely. It's been a wild ride. I didn't expect the game to be so immersive" I nodded

"That's what we aim for. Reality Quest is designed to push the boundaries and give players an experience they won't forget. And you guys have been doing great."

Maya's presence here, so relaxed and approachable, makes it feel like she's part of the adventure too.

" What inspired you to create such an intense experience?" i asked out of curiosity.

" I wanted to create a world where people could really lose themselves, where the stakes feel real and the rewards are worth fighting for. It's about pushing limits and seeing what people are capable of when they're truly immersed." she begin to talked, i can see how passionate she is about the game.

As we chat, I notice Maya's gaze occasionally meeting mine. There's a subtle, unspoken connection that seems to build as we talk, adding a layer of intrigue to the evening.

" Jake, you should hear some of Maya's stories from the development side. They're pretty wild."he chug the large cup of beer.

" Oh, I don't know if I should share too much. Some of the behind-the-scenes stuff is still classified."

The conversation flows easily, and we share laughs and stories about our experiences in the game.

As the evening progresses, the tavern's atmosphere grows even more relaxed, and the sense of camaraderie between us strengthens. The virtual world feels like a temporary escape, but one that might hold more significance than I initially thought.

"Well, I should let you guys get back to your adventure. But it was great catching up." she stands up.

"Thanks for joining us, Maya. It's been really nice." i say out of the blue. Tom's stares at me with his brows arched.

"Anytime. I'll see you in the game." she smiled one last time and left.

Maya gives a friendly wave and heads back to her own table, leaving Tom and me to finish our meal and discuss the next steps of our quest.

"To an epic night! " Tom raise his glass

"Cheers to that."

As we clink glasses and continue to enjoy the evening, I can't shake the feeling that tonight might be the start of something much more significant than just a game.

ALLEY - NIGHT

Tom and I log out of the Reality Quest, and call it a night, the cool night air felt refreshing after the intense virtual adventure. We exchange goodbyes, and I start heading home while Tom heads in the opposite direction.

In the dim light of a flickering streetlamp, I see a girl clutching her purse, her face a mix of fear and determination. She's wearing glasses and looks terrified as a group of rough-looking strangers advances toward her. The thugs are closing in, and it's clear they're trying to snatch her purse.

"Let go! This is mine!" her voice trembling.

The thugs laugh, their intentions clear. Before I can process what's happening, Tom, who must have taken a different route home, appears at the entrance of the alley. His eyes narrow as he assesses the situation.

" Hey! What the hell do you think you're doing?"

The thugs turn, momentarily distracted by Tom's intervention. I take a deep breath and step forward, ready to help.

"Mind your own business, buddy." the thug smirk and push Tom aside.

"Not a chance. Back off, or you'll regret it." He didn't bulge.

The thugs exchange glances, clearly unsure whether to confront us or retreat. I step closer, preparing to back Tom up if needed.

"Please, help me. They won't let go." the girls voice still trembling in fear.

"This doesn't concern you two. Get lost." now i noticed they have a large build. I can't help but to feel unease.

The tension escalates. One of the thugs, a burly man with a sneer, steps forward and throws a punch at me. I barely have time to react before his fist connects with my face, sending me stumbling back. Pain explodes across my cheek, and I crash into the wall, dazed.

"Damn it..." i groaned in pain.

The thugs seize the moment, their leader grabbing the girl's purse. I try to move, but my vision blurs, and I'm struggling to regain my footing.

"Jake!"

Tom lunges at the thugs, but the commotion has attracted attention. The distant wail of sirens grows louder, and the thugs, realizing they're running out of time, quickly retreat.

"We're outta here! C'mon!"

The thugs flee the alley, their shadows disappearing into the night as the sirens approach. I watch them go, feeling a mix of frustration and relief.

"Are you okay? They hit you pretty hard." She kneels down and checks my face. I winced in pain.

"I'm fine... just... need a moment." i help myself up.

Tom rushes over to me, kneeling beside me with concern.

"Jake, you alright? That looked like a nasty hit."

"I'll be okay. Just... a little bruised." u tried to convince him.

The sound of sirens grows closer, and the girl looks anxiously down the alley.

"Thank you both so much. I don't know what I would've done if you hadn't shown up." she express tearfully and relieved.

"It's okay. You're safe now. Just make sure you stay alert, alright?"

The girl adjusts her glasses, her hands still trembling.

Tom and Lucy the girl earlier sit in the sterile, brightly lit waiting area of the clinic. The room is filled with the faint hum of fluorescent lights and the distant sounds of medical equipment. Lucy, still shaken from the earlier encounter, sits nervously while Tom paces back and forth, his worry palpable.

"How's he doing? Do you think he'll be okay?" Lucy asked tom in worried voice.

"He'll be fine. Just a little bruised." assures her.

Lucy nods, but her anxiety is clear. She glances at Tom, then at the clock on the wall, as if willing it to move faster.

"I hope so. That punch looked pretty bad."

"Yeah, but Jake's tougher than he looks. He'll be out soon." Tom can't help but to be curious about the girl he was about to ask her some questions.

Just then, the clinic door opens, and i emerges,  face bandaged and looking less than thrilled. Tom rushes over me, a mix of relief and over-the-top concern evident on his face.

"Jake! Oh my god, you're alive! I thought you were a goner!" Tom grabbed my shoulders.

"I'm fine, Tom. It's just a bruise." It's just a bruise

"How are you feeling?" The girl come closer.

"Like I just got punched by a freight train. But I'll survive."

Tom clings to me as if he's just returned from the brink of disaster, his worry exaggerated. Jake, ever the stoic, tries to peel Tom's arms off him with minimal success.

"Oh, thank goodness." Feigns a dramatic relief.

"Tom, you're embarrassing me. Can we just go home?" I'm embarrassed by Tom's actions.

"At least you're in one piece. You guys should get you home and rest." she smiled softly.

We head toward the exit, I tried to keep my cool while Tom continues to fawn over me, making overly dramatic gestures and exclamations.

"You know, I think you might need a medal for bravery. Or at least a cookie. You look like you could use one." can he zipped his mouth just for once?

Tom takes one more dramatic glance at me, like he's examining a war hero, before finally letting me go.

" Thanks again for everything. Hope you're feeling better soon. I'm Lucy, hopefully we'll meet again so i can repay you guys a dinner but i have to go. Thank you" she looked at me and tom genuinely thanking us.

"Thanks, Lucy."

We exit the clinic, I'm trying to keep my discomfort and annoyance under control while Tom continues his exaggerated concern. Lucy watches over us , shaking her head and smiling at the odd.

JAKE'S PENTHOUSE - MORNING

Sunlight streams through the large windows of my penthouse, casting a warm glow over the spacious living room. I'm groggy and barely awake when I hear a noise coming from the living area. I drag myself out of bed, still in my pajamas, and make my way to see what's going on.

I blink in disbelief as I enter the living room. There's Tom, sprawled out on my sofa with his feet resting on the coffee table. He's clearly made himself at home, munching on snacks and watching TV with a look of utter contentment. The TV news is on, and I can see flashy graphics about a new virtual reality game.

"What are you doing here?"

Tom looks up from the TV, surprised, and nearly chokes on a chip. He swallows quickly, trying to act nonchalant.

"Hey, Jake! Didn't know you'd be up so soon. Just made myself comfortable." He replied with his mouth full.

I glance at the TV, where the news anchor is discussing the new game. The screen shows impressive graphics and a countdown timer.

"In gaming news today, the world's largest gaming company has announced a revolutionary new virtual reality game. It's set to be released in one week and promises to be the most intense and immersive experience yet. Dubbed "Virtual Arena," it features a high-stakes, Competitive-style competition where players fight for survival in a dystopian world.

"Virtual Arena? Sounds... intense." I'm a bit interested.

"Yeah, I read that they're really going all out with this one. It's like the ultimate test of skill and strategy." he nodded

Tom leans back, casually munching on snacks, clearly excited by the new game's prospect. I'm still trying to wake up and process everything.

" And you're here just to... check out the news?"

" Well, that and I figured I'd crash here for a bit. You know, see how you're doing after last night. Plus, your place is way comfier than my couch." he grins.

"So, you're here to make yourself at home and eat my snacks while keeping an eye on the news?" i raised my eyebrow.

"Pretty much. But hey, it's all in the name of friendship and staying informed." he shrugged

I shake my head with a small smile and head to the kitchen for some coffee. I glance back at Tom, who's now completely absorbed by the TV report.

"So, what's the deal with this Virtual Arena game? Any idea what the gameplay's like?" i took a sip on my coffee.

"From what I've read, it's going to be a massive multiplayer experience with survival elements. It's like a combination of the most intense survival games out there." Still focusing on the Tv.

The TV news transitions to an interview with one of the game developers, who talks about the game's features and its promise to push the boundaries of virtual reality.

NEWS DEVELOPER:

We're aiming to create an experience where players truly feel like they're living in a different world. The stakes are high, and the challenges are even higher. It's a game designed to test every aspect of a player's skills and endurance.

"It definitely has that "next big thing" vibe. We should totally check it out when it comes out."

"If it's as intense as they say, we'll need to be prepared. But for now, let's focus on getting some breakfast."

Tom reluctantly tears his eyes away from the TV and stretches, still looking excited.

"Breakfast sounds good. But we're definitely signing up for that game, right?" grinning.

As Tom follows me to the kitchen, still buzzing about Virtual Arena, I can't help but feel a mix of anticipation and curiosity about the game. This morning's unexpected turn has added a new layer of excitement to my day.

The kitchen is bathed in soft morning light as the aroma of freshly brewed coffee fills the space. Tom is at the breakfast bar, casually snacking on some food. I'm at the counter, trying to keep my mind off the unsettling call from my father. He called me minutes ago but i didn't answer. The feeling of impending trouble clings to me, but I push it aside, focusing on the conversation.

"So, Maya Patel used to work at the gaming company behind Virtual Arena. I bet she's got some interesting takes on the game." I heard her name which spark my interest on the topic.

"Really? Is Maya deeply involved with that company? Well Given her experience, she must have a unique perspective on their approach to Virtual Arena"

"Exactly. It's not every day you get to hear from someone who's been that close to the development. I wonder how she feels about the new direction they're taking."

"Maya's background in the company means she'd have a deep understanding of both their strengths and their potential shortcomings. Her insights could be quite valuable, especially with how different Virtual Arena is from their previous projects." I'm impressed by Maya's achievements but i tried to keep my composure.

Tom's enthusiasm is evident as he continues discussing Maya's potential insights. I try to stay engaged, though my mind keeps drifting back to the call and the uneasy feeling that won't go away.

"Yeah, it'll be interesting to get her take. She might offer us some critical information or even a few surprises about the game."

Despite my outward calm, I can't shake the nagging sense that something is wrong. I force myself to stay focused on the conversation, determined to keep my unease at bay.

" We should definitely talk to her about it. It could make a huge difference."

Tom continues to discuss potential strategies for Virtual Arena with excitement, while I remain engaged but somewhat distant, the uneasy feeling from the call lingering in the back of my mind.

Tom is absorbed in discussing the upcoming game with enthusiasm. My phone rings with an unfamiliar number, and seeing my brother's caller ID makes my heart race. After letting it ring five times, I excuse myself from the conversation.

"Excuse me for a moment."

I walk to a quieter corner and answer the call, trying to steady my nerves.

"Hello?"

The line crackles for a moment before my brother's voice comes through, filled with a mix of urgency and nervousness.

"Jake? It's... it's your brother."

The shock of hearing his voice after so many years is jarring.

"I know this is out of the blue, but I have some important news. Mom... she's finally made contact."

The words hit me like a punch to the gut. Our long-lost mother, who disappeared years ago, is suddenly back in the picture. I struggle to process this new development.

" Mom? Are you serious? How... how did this happen?" shocked. I can't even speak straight.

"I just got the news. She reached out through a private investigator we hired a while back. I need to discuss this with you in person. There's a lot to go over, and it's important."

I'm overwhelmed by a flood of emotions-confusion, disbelief, and a bit of anger. The sudden reappearance of our mother adds a new layer of complexity to everything.

"Alright, I'll meet you. Where should we go?"

"Thank you, Jake. I'll send you the details. We need to figure out what this means for us and for her."

I end the call and return to the kitchen, where Tom is watching me with concern.

"Everything okay?" he asked wheb i finish the call.

"Yeah, just some unexpected family news. I need to take care of it." i tried ro be composed.

Tom senses the gravity in my tone but doesn't press further. I'm left grappling with the shock of the news, the weight of it hanging heavily over me as I try to process everything.