Chapter 3: Still preparing
The ColdGuard brothers are unsure of how and when they lost their little fighter-like sister. They also don't understand how and why she accepted their mother's manipulative tactics without questioning her and making a fuss.
It turns out that their mother has no qualms about overruling the established rules in their house to ensure everything runs smoothly, she shouldn't be so obedient and let their mother play her like that.
But they all know that if there's one person among them who can stand up to their mother, it's her. Sometimes, even their father struggles to keep up with their mother's attitude. The only one who can is their half-crazy, half-wild little sister, and yet here she is, ready to sacrifice herself to give their mother some face in her delusions of morality and being an exemplary public figure and other unimportant absurdities that she has put on to give herself more importance that is not linked to her wealth.
Sometimes they don't understand why their mother is like that or why she feels the need to do these things that just end up causing trouble for them. They're not criminals, after all. They're not doing anything particularly immoral or unethical. There's no need for her to put on a good face to please people and hide her games.
It's absurd. She's a bit ridiculous at this point, they can't do anything but think like that about their mother sometimes. It's always been that way with her! They are curious as to why Kelsey is so determined to go along with their mother's plan without putting up a fight.
Kelsey is the youngest of the four ColdGuard children and the only girl in the gang… if they could even call her that. Anyway, she's the favorite of the family at some point, but her mother has been determined to send her away from the family since she was a little girl using any kind of pretext possible. She finally succeeds for real this time since give her away to another family this time.
Anyway, back to our sheep. Their father, as Tash said, made them all sign a contract stating that they must respect the conditions of their adult lives and assume the responsibilities that come with it at the age of thirty.
All their father wanted was to give them time to grow up, make their own mistakes, learn about life, and choose their own path before introducing well-thought-out ideas. He wasn't looking to indoctrinate his kids. He's not the head of a cult or anything like that. He's a father, and his job is to guide the child while letting them grow on their own.
They're individuals with their own rights. If they don't let them make mistakes and try new things, it won't improve their quality of life. In fact, it might make them feel like they don't belong, which could have a negative impact on them. That was something Xander was determined to avoid at all costs.
Even though they were quite young when they signed their respective contracts, he didn't think about primogeniture and gender inequality. He treated all four of them the same. What mattered most was their sense of responsibility. The kids were old enough to understand what the contract meant and why their dad made them sign it.
They all signed the contracts when they first started to physically transform, when they were fourteen years old.
It's a day of celebration in their family. They have two birthdays at the end of the process. They mark two occasions a year: their birthday and the day they become aware of what lies ahead in life.
Celebrating it every year without fail helps them remember that time is moving forward. They've got to move forward with it because they'll have to face their adult responsibilities at some point.
Xander says there's no better way to teach kids to respect their word and understand their priorities than to give them time to grow up. It also gives them time to understand their heritage without forcing it on them or anyone in particular. It's a team effort. They're a family, and they have a family business. It was the best way to help them understand.
Their father teaches them to respect their word, to respect others, and to take their responsibilities from a young age. He thinks this is really important. After the basics are well instilled, he doesn't worry about the rest because he trusts them.
So, there's a chance the kids might ignore everything their dad's taught them since they were born. Even if they do, though, he'll always be able to catch them.
They're allowed to make mistakes, act like kids and young adults because it's normal. It's a stage of life where mistakes are made from time to time, but they'll never go beyond that. If they do reach the point of no return, they'll face the music without hiding behind their parents or their money.
They're human, and their father doesn't expect them to be perfect, just respectful and serious.
Kelsey has caused a few issues, but that doesn't stop her father from treating her the same as his three eldest sons and having her sign the same contract when she turned fourteen, following in the footsteps of the boys.
It was a real shock when the father and sons found out that their wife and mother had broken the terms of Kelsey's contract because she was different and the contract didn't really apply to her condition. She'd even declared it null and void on her own, without consultation or anything. They were really disgusted!
It was a pretty bad move and they won't forget it.
They were all taken aback! They had no idea that the woman they admired so much, despite her complexities, could act like this, with no respect or consideration for her family life. She had undermined all their efforts by getting involved in something that no one was really interested in.
No matter what they did or said, it was too late. Their mother kept pushing on, even arguing that Kelsey didn't fit the clause of the contract that made it void. She said had full power to choose whom Kelsey should marry and when, without even bothering to consult them first. She's her mother, so she knows what's best for her.
After all, they're a family and they make decisions together when it comes to things that directly affect the family and its foundation. Who would have thought their mother could just disregard this rule whenever she wanted to and whenever she felt like it?
Where had all the lessons about family and sticking together gone that she had taught them? Where had the importance of solidarity and the like gone?
The day she went behind their back and arranged a marriage for her daughter with the Lockes ' family, the Lockes wasted no time in letting everyone know that the two families were committed to each other and would be welcoming a happy wedding on their doorstep soon.
It was the most shocking news the boys had ever heard in their entire lives. What made it worse was that their mother tried to shift all responsibility for how they received the news onto them. She told them that she had asked for a family reunion, but they had all postponed it because they had exams and other commitments. Was she even serious?
She even argued that the Lockes were far too happy to hear the news, so they had inadvertently made the announcement after she had met with them.
It is difficult to envisage which individual could possibly subscribe to such a belief. Was it really an error? It was their firm belief that the Lockes and their mother had devised a strategy that would leave Kelsey in a seemingly irremediable situation with no viable avenue for escape.
The sheer absurdity and audacity of her actions rendered them speechless.
For a period of six months, the family had refrained from communicating with her. Xander, the father, was taken aback by his wife's actions, which he had not anticipated. He had not considered her capable of such treachery.
Nevertheless, it did not take him long to forgive his wife, and he did not attempt to prevent his children from retaliating to her actions. They were free to deal with her as they see fit since she was the one failing them first.
While he has the prerogative to reconcile with his wife as he sees fit, the children are individuals with inherent rights. They possess the capacity to act in accordance with their own perceptions and beliefs. Otherwise, the process of education he used would be futile, given that they have already been exposed to such guidance.
The boys are perplexed by Kelsey's silence. They are also unaware of her emotional state in the face of a fait accompli. Their mother initiated contact without adequately preparing them for the potential consequences, and thus far, they are unable to comprehend her composure and apparent mirth.
Their sister is a formidable figure, displaying tenacity, assertiveness, and a keen ability to question and challenge prevailing norms. She is a lioness who never gives up, defending her rights with unwavering resolve. She questions everything without hesitation, regardless of the circumstances or the individuals involved. She is unwavering in her convictions and respects them, earning admiration from all. So, why is she so docile?
That's what allowed them to send her to a special school for gifted children far away from home when she was very young. They knew she wouldn't be bullied by anyone.
A school their mother had found that was a better fit for her, of course. But since she really was exceptional, they hadn't mentioned it.
It's a bit unsettling and confusing to see their little sister acting like nothing happened. They have this strange feeling that someone has replaced their sister, or that something evil has made their sister stupid and insensitive.
Kwanley looks at his little sister from head to toe but doesn't notice anything unusual. He's sitting on the edge of the dressing table, his long legs stretched out in front of him in an unparalleled display of strength and beauty.
He looks troubled, and he doesn't understand what's changed or how they got there. Everything seems strange to him. He's a bit lost. It's the first time he's ever felt this way.
Kelsey is clueless about the internal struggle her big brother is facing due to her lack of assertiveness. She's still set on going through with the marriage, but she's going into it with her head down like she's someone who can be easily intimidated.
Her brothers know better than anyone that she's not that kind of person. She's not a docile or submissive person, despite her calm and gentle nature.
There must be a great deal more than she is willing to reveal, which raises the question of why she would agree to assume the burden that her mother has placed on her shoulders after years of urging her to alter her behavior without success.
What are her actual thoughts and feelings? Is it also possible that she is in love with this boy? Nah, that couldn't be, she was never interested in anyone this way as far as he knows, no?
This situation is, at the very least, exasperating. This marriage represents a last resort for their mother to facilitate Kelsey's return to a more conventional lifestyle. It appears that she has finally achieved her objective, as Kelsey seems to have relinquished her efforts this time.
However, this remains to be seen.
A ColdGuard is regarded as a guiding light in the darkness for those who are unable to find their way, according to their dear mother. Her daughter's aberrant conduct indicates that Kelsey is not the exemplar she raised her to be. In her view, her daughter is not a ColdGuard, which causes her concern.
"This is pretty scary and frustrating, Sisy. Where's your rebellious side that won't be pushed around or walked over? What have you done to your beliefs and to my sister, stranger?" Tekori, the second son, was at his wit's end. He was close to shouting.
What happened to their little sister, anyway?
It's infuriating to watch their only sister being mummified by their mother just to save face and stay on the right side of the rules. It's ridiculous.
This is all nonsense. They always thought their mother placed too much importance on herself. Nobody asked her to be a role model or anything like that. They were just asked to be themselves, to respect people, their opinions, and their class. But she had to complicate things.
What nonsense!
Tekori has always thought his mother's ideas were flawed. It's as if she was trying to hide something by hiding behind this need to be a role model for the world. They've already got everything they need, so why did she have to put a fiftieth spotlight on their backs?
He went to get a glass of champagne, which was poured for him by one of the waiters standing on the other side of the room. The waiter stood like a statue at the far end of the room, out of their reach. They didn't even notice him; it was as if he was invisible or part of the luxurious furniture in the room.
If he wasn't dressed in black and white with a cuff on his right arm indicating his role, no one would believe he was a human being.
Tekori went back to where his sister was sitting in front of her mirror while the makeup artist finished up her wedding gown. She looked really beautiful in it! The artist added a little color to her lips and the corners of her eyes to make them more vibrant, smiling and welcoming.
Kwanley left his observation post with a sigh and went to get a glass of champagne as well. He drank it in one gulp and then had two more poured, one for his sister and the other for himself.
He raised his glass and motioned for his brothers to do the same. They slowly made their way to the other side of the room, where the waiter refilled their glasses as needed without saying a word.
When it was time to give the toast, Kwanley stood up again, looking as proud as a peacock. He's a lean, well muscular boy with great beauty. He has a firm and strong jaw, a chiseled jawline, prominent cheekbones, long eyelashes, a straight and thin nose, luscious and juicy lips, and piercing almond eyes that are agile and very expressive. His eyes are dark olive green, which blends perfectly with his milky and coffee matte skin.
He's tall with an imposing aura, but he has an imposing and impressive build too. He has a soft gaze, but it can turn intense when he wants it to. His piercing gaze can drive people crazy, depending on the situation.
He looked at his little sister with a gaze that was both soft and compassionate, and he smiled. His teeth were white and well-arranged, with canines that were sharp as razor blades and longer than normal. He had two dimples on either side of his attractive delicious mouth.
His smile is as dangerous as it is dazzling. Those teeth are menacing, and that beautiful smile is without a name, stunningly beautiful. It's hard to choose what to feel, but the beauty is obvious. His smile is the most powerful weapon in his arsenal, yet he is a sight to behold. It wins over people every time. His charm is undeniable.
Here, the hairdresser and her subordinates thought he couldn't be more handsome and devastating. They were wrong. He smiles like an evil angel and it makes them feel things they don't want to since they know all too well they won't be able to fulfill them.
They don't know where to look anymore, they feel like they shouldn't be witnessing such a thing. The guy shines like a thousand lights and attracts them like a magnet. But they know where their limits are, and they won't cross them. They keep their feelings and emotions in check so as not to squeal like little girls in a fandom meeting.
He's sexy without even having to smile. His smile is even more alluring, with tender eyes that make you melt. His dimples are undeniably attractive, and his honey-matte skin with his set of white pearls is simply breathtaking.
Kwanley is attractive, and he's not sorry about it. Every member of this family is beautiful and seductive, including Kelsey, who is considered average and ordinary but has her own special charm.
You should have seen her body and skin when they dressed her earlier. Her skin is flawless, with not a single blemish or imperfection in sight. They were afraid to touch it because it was so smooth and soft even if she is toned all over like her brother. And let's not forget those abs and strong, long legs, narrow hips, and so on.
Their sister is not as beautiful as the other four members of the family, even less like the first born that inherited everything from both parties in great proportion. Father,mother and the other two brothers are exceptionally gorgeous. Kelsey may look like a toad at first glance, but that's only because she's different.
The ColdGuards are a mix of Arab, Italian, African, Egyptian,Spanish and Indian. Their dark olive green eyes are inherited from their father, and their milky, honeyed, almost caramelized skin is a gift from both their mother and father.
The eldest, Kwanley, has his mother's gorgeous, straight, inky-black hair, while the second, Tekori, has his father's magnificent, curly, auburn hair. And then there's the third, Tash, who has his mother's straight hair! And last but not least, the last and only girl of the lot also has her father's curly hair!
Their parents were absolutely thrilled with this fair division.
However, on a few rare occasions, Kelsey would have loved to have her mother's straight hair to soften her features a bit, to give a soft tone to her physique, which is that of an untamed savage, as her mother often says. That way, her mother would have less trouble looking at her without the sight of her voluminous mane depressing her.
Anyway, she absolutely loves her mane, or whatever her mother calls it! She's totally fine with it, no matter what! Her long, voluminous, and wild hair is her absolute favorite physical feature, and her eyes are pretty amazing too!
They are all tall and slender, with perfectly slim and toned bodies all over, the result of years of good physical maintenance—and they look incredible! Their father is convinced that if you take good care of your body, your mind will follow suit!
Maybe, just maybe it's why their mother is not as sane as them.