8/26/2025

8/26/2025 11:42 AM

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Architect

I'm writing a story, and i need brutally honest feedback: Chapter 1 Becca I was sitting at my parents' cold mahogany table, the room smelling of cleaning products, the wood never warmed from family dinners, the only food ever placed here was my measly sandwiches I made myself for dinner. My parents had called me an hour ago, so I drove the 25 minutes to the rich neighborhood and sat in the dining room. What do they want? They haven't talked to me in 3 years, the only times I've seen them is at family gatherings, and that's because I have to go to those. My father emerged from upstairs with a stack of papers in his hands, he sat across the table from me, next to my mother "Becca, I'm sure you've heard of Globex," he said, his emotionless voice echoing against the walls of the quiet dining room " We'd like to partner with the company, but they won't agree unless you marry the ceo's son. You can actually live in a fancy house full of nice things instead of continuing to live like you’re poor." Poor? I've been doing just fine in a studio apartment for three years, never making a single late payment, what do they mean poor? At least I'm happy there. My small space, with its mismatched furniture and chipped coffee mug, felt warmer and more comfortable than this cold mansion ever did, something they would never understand. I clenched my fists which were laying in my lap, I attempted to look at my mother but she just nodded in agreement, not meeting my eye. Providing no comfort. I just sat there, frozen. Do they really believe this is a reasonable conversation? A casual discussion about a life they've already decided for me? Do I really have a choice? Because honestly, even after everything, I still want their approval. "And what about my life?" As soon as I said the words their faces flashed with annoyance, like they expected me to just accept that they had already gambled away my life like a business deal. They exchanged a look before my father leaned forward, his face perfectly composed. "This isn't a conversation, it's an opportunity. This is the most sensible solution to ensure your future, and your cooperation is expected." My mother just nodded, her gaze still not meeting mine. Their reaction shocked me, this was a low blow even for them. Then, looking between the two I realized, they weren't mad at me, jeez they weren't even disappointed, they were just frustrated at me like I was a difficult customer. I quickly realized they weren't going to say no "Fine, but don't expect me to treat this man like I'm the one who chose to marry him". My father sighed, "fine, at least we can finally get this conversation over with," he slid over a small stack of papers full of fine print and terms and conditions, "Here are the papers, we'll pay for the wedding" he said "Wedding? I didn't say I was about to have a wedding!" I gasped "You have to, it's in the terms and conditions, you don't have to kiss him at the altar though, simply shake his hand, we'll pay for everything. My father hands over a resume, like this stranger is applying for a job instead of marrying me, I look down at the paper, expecting to see a man with cold eyes like my father. I mentally take a step back. Well at least he's attractive. The man has brown hair and looks uncomfortable in the suit he was put in for the picture. His eyes look warm, like my apartment instead of my parents' dining room. There's something familiar about him, like his freckle pattern or something, but I dismiss it as deja vu. I take the picture in my hand and stand up, "I'll read this at home, call me tomorrow to set it up."