Chapter 3
Luke was sitting listlessly, facing the dining table and gazing vacantly at the orange slices on a small dish before him. At times he glanced up to see piles of grilled meat, mashed potato with thick, milky gravy, and steamed vegetables on Craig Sr.’s wide platter. But he knew better than to ask. Luke was past begging and crying for food. He accepted the reason why Craig only gave him fruit or vegetables and plain water to drink: no meat or milk that could make him an obese man. Luke realized all too well his single purpose in this house—Craig Sr.’s pleasure. It wouldn’t do for him to be fat, gauche, and not beautiful anymore.
Sadly, it hadn’t occurred to him earlier—perhaps that was the only way to get out of the accursed house was by being less beautiful.
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“Hello? Ye
