Chapter 1: All Mine

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5 years ago.

This is embarrassing.

It's hard enough being the only nobody here - but not being able to cut my own food is far more embarrassing.

I had never eaten steak before. My parents said I didn't deserve to eat such good food. What I would eat were their leftovers when they were done eating, even though there usually wasn't much left. It didn't even occur to me that this party could have such amazing food.

"Shit," I muttered under my breath after once again failing to cut it.

"Hello there," a raspy voice spoke from behind me, making me jump a little in my seat. 

I smiled without even thinking about it from just looking at him. His black hair looked soft, and  not a hair was out of place. He gave me a smile, revealing a set of perfect white teeth. Lines formed at the corners of his mouth as he spoke, "What's your name?"

"Lilac," I told him, almost hating myself from how my voice raised an octave.

He did a singular nod, his charming smile never breaking, "What a beautiful name, Lilac."

My stomach filled with butterflies from his compliment. He pointed to my food and asked me gently, "Would you like some help, darling?"

"O-oh, no, that's okay," I rambled, trying to hide my embarrassment. "I just-"

"Here, let me show you," he took a seat beside me, his voice nothing but kind. "Is your family vegetarians?"

I nodded and lied, "Yea, I'm not used to this kind of food."

He gave me an understanding nod, and started cutting my steak for me. As he did so, he moved his eyes up quickly to look at mine as he asked, "So, who is your family?"

"The Winters," I told him. This was a business party after all, so I wasn't surprised by the question.

"I never knew Dean had a daughter. Let alone one so beautiful," his voice spoke smoothly, as if complimenting me was natural. 

My cheeks warmed, "Thank you."

He finished cutting the food, and slid it towards me. 

I stuck my fork into the piece of food, and I couldn't keep the look of shock off of my face. I'd never tasted something so good.

"Like it?" he asked me, a warmth to his eyes as he watched me eat.

I nodded, but paused in between bites to ask him, "What's your name?"

"I'm Ezra Atlas."

My eyes widened. I knew that my parents worked for the Atlas family. Doing what, I have no idea. They treat me as if I wasn't even there. But thankfully, I just turned 18, and will be able to leave home soon.

"And what are you doing here, Ezra?" I asked as my fork slid against my teeth as I took another bite. "Just waiting to see if anybody needs help cutting their food? That's my favorite part of parties."

"Is it?"

"Mhm. Right after telling somebody you've never drank before so they give you a free drink," I shrugged.

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