Cruel Transparency
Introductory Note
Author
What's good, dear readers? Thank you for clicking on this story!
Author
You got click baited, though. :P
Author
Just kidding! Haha.
Author
This story is called “Cruel Transparency” as stated in the title. As you go through every chapter, you'll find out the meaning behind the title.
Author
The meaning is yours to decipher! Although, I'll provide my own interpretation at the end.
Author
I'm willing to read yours too! You can comment your raw interpretation (before reading) of the title down below.
Author
Before we formally begin with the story itself, let me first introduce myself for we will be each other's companion all throughout this story.
Author
I'm the author of this story, of course. Isn't it obvious? Haha.
Author
You can call me “Astra.”
Author
My pronouns are she/her/hers.
Author
My age range is 15-17.
Author
I'm still new to writing literature, so please educate me if you must! I am always willing to learn.
Author
Expect grammatical errors and mistakes, and unintentional typos ahead.
Author
That's all for me! You can introduce yourself to me, as well! I'm good in remembering names. ;)
Author
Well, then. Let's get started!
Prologue
Fierra Aze
Just when I thought I was unchained already... I thought I broke free...
Fierra Aze
What's this force pulling me back?
I called for it. I asked for something that I was deprived of since forever.
I can't move. I feel like I'm being paralyzed, and my body is barely moving at all.
I was chasing my breaths.
I could hear my heartbeat.
With all my might, I called for—
Fierra Aze
HELP! GET ME OUT OF HERE.
I blinked a lot of times for my vision to be clearer.
Fierra Aze
How the heck did I get here?
Fierra Aze
And why the hell can't I move?
I was used to the darkness. I have succumbed into pitch blacks for numerous times.
But one thing caught my attention...
Fierra Aze
A star? Down here?
Fierra Aze
Where exactly... am I?
Laurier
Laurier Family. One of the most participative families in Autumnvale town. They run a real estate company, that's why they contribute the largest amount of money in every project, sometimes, even take matters into their hands with a big discount.
In every conference, even though they're busy people, at least one or two members of the family come as representatives.
They're an epitome of a perfect family. Strong foundation and unbreakable bond, that's what they symbolize.
Everybody knows them. Everybody respects them.
Once they hear the surname “Laurier,” they immediately smile and share their own stories about how great they are.
Flaze
Children, get ready. We're going to attend a conference held by the Mayor.
Flaze Laurier. The head of the family. He takes care of all matters in the company and manages them well.
Claira
Your clothes are ready, make sure you look presentable, hm?
Claira Laurier. Flaze's wife, the mother of the family. She works on the company alongside her husband, but spends most of the time in the house to take care of their children.
Chaze
Mom! I don't like my outfit! I look like... I'm about to get married!
Chaze Laurier. The first-born son, the heir to the company. He's a 3rd year college student at Alphacrest Autumnvale University.
Fierra Aze
What's for breakfast?
Fierra Aze Laurier. The second-born daughter, a major shareholder in the company. She's talented, but the aspect in which she excels the most is academics, specifically debates. She just loves to prove a point. She's a senior highschool student at Alphacrest Autumnvale University, as well.
Zane
I don't wanna go with you. Let me stay at home.
Zane Laurier. The youngest son in the family, also a shareholder in the company but he couldn't care less. He's not interested in the company nor the town projects. He's just him. He's a junior highschool student at Alphacrest Autumnvale University.
Claira
No, Zane. You are coming with us.
Fierra Aze
Now that I think of it, I don't wanna go, too.
Chaze
Stand up, lady. People will look for you.
Fierra Aze
Like I care. *rolled eyes*
Flaze
Hey, your eyes, young lady.
Zane
Just go. I'm too young to understand any of those anyway.
Flaze
He's got a point. Okay, watch the house.
Fierra Aze
We'll eat at a steakhouse for lunch, btw.
Fierra Aze
And no, we won't buy you a take out.
Claira
Hahaha, good persuasion, Fierra. *winks*
Fierra Aze
So, are you coming or...?
Zane
Ugh, fine. I hate you.
Flaze
Let's go, the conference will start in 20 minutes.
The conference took place at the Mayor's office.
When the Lauriers arrived, everybody stood up to greet them, and of course, the Lauriers smiled to greet back.
Not long after they arrived, the conference started.
Mayor Elias
We have all gathered here for a town's conference. I extend my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for coming. Thank you for accepting the invitation.
Mayor Elias
I, along with the other officials in this town, thought of another project for the town to work on.
Great, another project. Sometimes, I think they're just using the word “project” to spend OUR money, and Dad keeps on falling for their trap. Tsk.
I took a glance at the Mayor and I saw his smirk. That made me doubt him.
Mayor Elias
The rate of the bicycle accidents along the roads increased by 65% since last year.
Mayor Elias
It's very alarming, that's why we proposed this project in behalf of the victims.
What he's saying is valid, but what's that smirk for?
Flaze
Okay, we'll contribute to that.
Tristan
We'll also contribute to that.
Tristan Zaylinford. The owner of Alphacrest Autumnvale University.
This man keeps on competing with our company, our company being #1 and theirs being #2.
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