Breaking Barbie

Chapter 4 A Sturdy Cage

"No. Just get rid of it, and I'll appreciate it."

Nina, stripped bare and pinned against the door, showed no fear in her eyes.

Fred chuckled, released her, and tossed her onto the bed. Turning to the open bedroom door, he called out, "Yulia!"

"Sir, what do you need?"

"How many times has my wife left the house in the last three months? What did she do?"

"Just a moment."

Nina heard Yulia's hurried footsteps and then returned at the same brisk pace.

"In the last three months... On May 18th, she left at 2:38 PM for coffee with Mrs. White. On the evening of May 19th... The morning of May 20th..."

"That's enough." Fred's patience was wearing thin. "Has any man been here?"

"No, only the security downstairs who brought up takeout for her twice."

"How long did he stay? Did he chat with Nina?" He shot a derisive glance back at her.

"They didn't talk. They just delivered the food and left."

"I see. Has she seen a doctor recently?"

"No."

"Bring a blood collection kit. Nina seems pregnant."

"Ah? Yes, sir."

Nina shivered as she listened to Yulia's swift departure, wrapped in her quilt. Having spent so much time with Yulia, she considered her a friend, only to realize how meticulously Yulia tracked her every move, always ready for Fred's inquiries.

Yulia worked quickly and expertly in disinfecting, drawing blood, and bandaging. Even as Fred held Nina firmly, forcing her to comply, she didn't flinch.

"Get it to Dr. Pace's clinic ASAP."

"Yes, sir. HCG tests are quick. I'll wait there and report back with the results."

Trapped in Fred's embrace, Nina had nowhere to hide. All she could do was close her eyes, avoiding Yulia's gaze.

"This is good news. I'm so happy. What's going on with you tonight?"

Fred's gentle question broke the silence, and Nina didn't want to answer. She felt his fingers wrap softly around the hand that had just been pricked.

It was her left ring finger, instantly reminding her of their wedding four years ago when Fred had delicately placed the ring on her finger.

Back then, she had been full of dreams about their future happiness.

Nina was forced to meet his kiss, a kiss that was just as intense, lingering, and passionate as their wedding day.

At that moment, four years ago, Nina felt like the happiest woman alive, eager to be the perfect wife.

'But now? All I could remember was one thing. Don't resist, or it will only hurt more.'

Kissing left Nina sweating under the covers. She knew Fred was feeling the same. His grip on her neck revealed everything. She felt the pressure and warmth without missing a beat.

As the kiss ended, Nina was pushed back onto a fluffy pillow, breathless.

"No more." Fred's desire was evident in his eyes, but he didn't push her further as he usually would.

He gently tucked a strand of Nina's hair behind her ear, his tone soft. "Thirteen weeks should be fine, but if you haven't lied to me, and you really are pregnant, it's only five weeks."

"I'm lying. I'm not pregnant."

"What a good girl." Fred patted her cheek lightly. "If the timing's right, it only takes one night."

Nina turned her head, closing her eyes, but that wouldn't spare her from his teasing.

"At thirty-two, I think it's the perfect time to be a father. That day was your ovulation day, and I happened to be at home and came over twice. You were so tired that by the last time I took off the condom, you didn't even notice."

"If you want to be a father, you can find Natalie or someone else," Nina replied, her tone heavy with despair.

"Jealous?" Fred smiled tenderly. "Darling, you are my wife. I have no plans for any illegitimate children."

"So, after we divorce, you can marry her and have kids with her."

"You made a scene at the banquet because of her? Darling, that's not worth it at all. You are Mrs. Rosenthal and always will be."

Nina's eyes welled with tears, and she fought hard not to cry in front of Fred.

"Don't do this. For our child, you need to stay calm. Get up and call someone to pack your favorites. We'll leave for Bluebell Manor in the morning. This place isn't suitable for you to rest and will drive you mad."

Two days later, Nina fully understood what he said driving her mad meant.

At nine in the morning, the butler stopped her at the garage door.

"Ma'am, sir instructed us to keep you in the house. Please make a list of what you need. Someone will fetch it for you."

"I'm being held captive?!" Nina couldn't believe it.

"The manor is large, with plenty of entertainment options. You've only been here for short vacations. There are many places you haven't explored. If you're bored, I can take you on a tour now."

"No need."

Meanwhile, over 124 miles away in the Nodria center, Natalie was packing her bags, turning the hotel suite into a mess.

Forty minutes earlier, Fred's assistant had delivered an eight hundred thousand dollars check along with a breakup notice: It would have been double if you hadn't met Mrs. Rosenthal. So take this money and leave now. If you cause any more trouble, the price will be more than just losing eight hundred thousand dollars.

As she finished packing, Natalie took one last look at the suite she'd lived in for over three months, carefully examining the check on the coffee table, her eyes filled with rage.

In the end, she tucked the check away, pulled out her phone, and dialed a number.

"I did as you asked. I suffered a huge loss. I need compensation."

"Alright, see you soon."