Clearly we have conflicting definitions of reality.

As I see it, there is an irony to understanding reality as 'objective'—as independent of ‘story,’ to use your term—in that to understand that reality is objective is indeed to have an understanding, which is necessarily part of the holder's 'story.'

You must believe, personally, in objective reality for it to exist as an element of the world you understand and respond to. (Unless, of course, your ‘story’ is experienced from an omniscient perspective!)

You may disagree and say objective reality exists no matter what either of us 'believe.' But that would still be your belief, your story, your faith even. Not mine.

Reality is story.

If you're interested: https://johnnyroneill.medium.com/blazing-a-trail-to-reality-ad4777a53791