Brexit

1. In the bustling heart of London, where the Thames glimmered under the sun, my surname became the synonym of success [k3: unnatural collocation] synonymous with success, and my portrait of a blue-eyed man in a tux was on dozens of billboards. I owned a prosperous company that specialized in exporting [k3: overly technical] a thriving car export business high-end cars to Europe. My business empire was built on a foundation of seamless trade and the ability to get along with any partners abroad [k3: awkward phrasing] international partners effortlessly. / My business empire thrived on seamless trade and effortless collaboration with international partners.

2. However, everything can't [k1: no contractions in a formal story] cannot go in a flawless way all the time. The Brexit referendum came out of the blue, looming uncertainly [k3: redundant] came as a sudden, ominous shadow through the English business community. I organized an urgent meeting to show my colleagues the ropes [k3: idiom used incorrectly] walk my colleagues through the situation. The prospect of leaving the European Union could [k4: tense] can play a devastating role in our carefully crafted business model, but in case of it, [k4: incorrect phrasing] if that has happened, I was [k4: tense] am confident in our ability to bend, but not break," I said. / "If that has happened, I am confident in our ability to bend, but not break," I assured them.

3. When the results of the voting came in, I couldn't help panicking [k3: unnatural phrasing] felt a wave of panic, as I still had hope that the UK wouldn’t leave [k4: incorrect tense] would not have to leave the EU. In a few months, the initial euphoria of Brexit supporters faded, while scores of companies went out of business.

4. Facing increased tariffs, customs checks, and regulatory complexities, raising operational costs, I understood [k3: word choice inaccurate] realized my business’s poor position. I brainstormed and came up with the idea of dealing with other, non-European countries. That was how I found my major partner in India, whose cooperation opened new horizons for my company. / Seeking a way forward, I turned my sights beyond Europe and forged a game-changing partnership in India, unlocking new horizons for my company.

5. Eventually, the profits from selling cars significantly increased [k3: better style] soared, making my business even more successful in comparison to the pre-Brexit era [k3: awkward phrasing] than before Brexit. / Eventually, my company’s profits soared, surpassing even our pre-Brexit success.

6. All in all, this change in my country taught me that each unfavorable situation [k3: more expressive phrase needed] every setback can turn into opportunities for growth [k3: singular is more natural] an opportunity for growth. / Ultimately, Brexit taught me that even the harshest setbacks can become opportunities for reinvention and success.

Reformation

1. Once, I was a diligent farmer, working tirelessly on a small farm in the south of our town. "My son is strong, stocky, and handsome—he is the farmer whom our descendants will be proud of," [k5: incorrect relative pronoun—use "that" or omit] "My son is strong, stocky, and handsome—he is the farmer our descendants will be proud of," my father used to say. But truly, I had always been dreaming about curing people, using my grandmother’s recipes. / But deep down, I had always dreamed of healing people, following my grandmother’s recipes.

2. However, certain changes in our country cast doubt on the once-prosperous farming community, making a stable future seem uncertain. The news of King Henry VIII’s break [k3: inaccurate word choice] schism from the Catholic Church reached us like a distant storm, stirring feelings of fear and curiosity within me. Although at first, [k5: misplacement] Although at first, this change caused objection from society, soon the Reformation became the springboard for changing people's beliefs and values. [k3: awkward phrasing] a catalyst for shifting beliefs and values.

3. One fateful evening, a traveler from a foreign country was making [k4: incorrect tense] made a speech on the main street. He spoke passionately about the importance of individual faith, encouraging us to seek our own understanding of God rather than relying on the Church’s teachings. After that meeting, I started exploring my beliefs more deeply. / From that moment, I embarked on a journey of self-discovery, delving deeper into my faith.

4. As time passed and our society changed its beliefs, my life transformed in a way I could never have foreseen. My new convictions opened the doors to a perspective far beyond farming. I became the local doctor, famous for herbal medicine, fulfilling my dream. Soon, many town dwellers asked me for advice in case of ailments. [k3: unnatural phrasing] Many townsfolk began seeking my advice for their ailments.

5. Now, I am sitting outside my cottage, surrounded by flourishing herbs and feeling grateful for the revolution that set me on my path. What would I do now if our king didn’t establish Protestantism? [k4: incorrect conditional] What would I do now if our king hadn't established Protestantism? / What would my life be like now had the king never embraced Protestantism?