Athaliah Kensington's Pov.

Sometimes we take decisions that have fifty-fifty chances of having either a positive or a negative impact on our life. I also took one such decision and I know well that it is going to have a fully negative effect on my life.  

Moving back with my brothers. 

Right now, I am in the car with my brothers going to their house. It was not a choice but rather a threat. Turns out my eldest brother is still a stuck-up asshole who threatened me if I do not go with them, they will come to my house and will stay with me till I agree to live with them. 

That was not in the options. 

 So, here I am. Twenty-three minutes away from their house. Now, my anxiety is killing me. No matter how hard I try to feel that meeting my brothers is not a big deal, I cannot deny the fact that this situation scares me a little. I don’t know what will happen when I meet the rest of my brothers. But one thing is for sure, I will not let them walk all over me. Again.  

9 years. It has been almost a decade since I stepped foot in this house. Standing in all its glory, still intact, was the two-Storey Kensington Mansion. Made of white marble, signifying elegance and refinement, was the house I was dragged out of, screaming and crying, feeling helpless, nine years ago. The large portico, supported by tall columns, was still the same where I once used to wait for my brothers to come back from their work or school. But that was before I was abandoned by the same brothers.      

Ezekiel opened the front door and slightly turned his body to the left, his left hand resting on the doorframe, holding the door open. He slightly tilted his head towards the door while keeping his eyes on me, indicating me to go in first.  

I gathered myself, throwing my anxiety out of the window and went inside the house. I entered the living room which is spacious with high ceilings and a neutral colour palette mainly having an off-white colour similar to the walls.  

Two large plush sofas along with a geometric coffee table occupied the center of the room which faced large windows showing the pool area and illuminating natural light in the room.   

On the sofas sat the rest of my four brothers. They were looking at me, all with different emotions. 

“How are you?” My youngest brother, Kaelen Kensington, asked.  

I chuckled, finding this the most stupid question ever. After abandoning me and sending me to a place that has become my living nightmare, they have the audacity to ask me this question. 

I replied, “I was living my best life until you guys dragged me back here.” 

“Well, you weren’t living your best life if you were at the police station, charged for assaulting someone.” My almighty eldest brother spoke.  

“Still living my best life; and that asshole needed to be taught a lesson,” I replied.  

“Wait, were you handcuffed? Why are your wrists red?” Kaelen asked. 

"Gee, really? I hadn’t noticed." I sassily replied.  

“Okay now, why don’t we sit down and first introduce ourselves?” Ezekiel suggested. 

We all sat down. All six of my brothers sat opposite to meanwhile I was sitting on the single sofa, back facing the pool side.  

“Being the eldest, I will start. My name is Aldric Kensington, and I am your legal guardian. I am 27, and if you face any difficulty you can come to me anytime.” His tone was firm, displaying no emotion.  

I couldn’t help but sneer inwardly. If I had any difficulty, he would be the last person I would ever go to for help. That’s how much I hate him.   

“I am Ezekiel Kensington, your second oldest brother. I am 24 years old. It is good to have you back sweetheart.” He spoke like he was genuinely happy for me coming here again. But I know better. 

“Zephyrus Kensington, 22.” Short and clear with no shit talking. 

“Hello cupcake, remember me? I am Royce Kensington. The coolest twin. We twins are 20 years old. I am going to have so much with you.” I could not decipher the tone of his words. I am not sure if it was an underlying threat or just an act to show how happy he is with my return.  

“Reuben Kensington. Twin of Royce. And it will be better for you to stay away from me. You are no family to me.” He shot a heated look towards me. Me and Reuben used to be close when I was young. But since that incident he has been the second most hated person in my life. 

“Hii darling, I am Kaelen Kensington. I am the youngest of our brothers. I am 18 years old.  I missed you.” He was smiling. I can’t believe it.  

It was silent for a few seconds. They were waiting for me to introduce myself and for the first time in a while I was content for this introduction.  

I crossed my legs and leaned backwards a little. Tilting my head slightly, I spoke, making sure to look into the eyes of each and every person present here.

“My name is Zahra Valkryie. I am 16 and I have the same feelings as Reuben. You guys are no family to me. I was threatened to come here by your eldest brother. Also, I would like to make one thing very very clear, I loathe each and every person present here.”

With that said, I stood up and went to my old room that was on the second floor, leaving the angry Kensington brothers behind.