Breaking Barbie

Chapter 6 Nina Is Freed

"I'm a good wife, but what about Fred?" Nina asked.

"Darling." Lily gently placed her soft hand on Nina's hand, speaking soothingly, "He only has one lover, a woman in her twenties. Believe me, compared to the other men from that night at the party, Fred is one of the better choices. He hasn't done anything illegal, nor has he ever paraded his affair to humiliate you. I've heard he's even broken things off with her. He's learning to be a good father now."

"Is that so? To be honest, it's not the affair that bothers me. I just can't stand Fred anymore."

"What do you mean?"

"Lily, do you think you're happy?"

"It's hard to say. But I know my life couldn't be better than it is now. Everyone respects me, calling me Mrs. Blade. I never worry about money. I've had three kids, and I never feel exhausted raising them. Too many people would dream of this life."

"Has Mr. Blade ever argued with you?"

"Of course! Especially after having kids, we fight almost every month."

"But I haven't." Nina had a faint, bitter smile. "We've never argued. Whenever I express even the slightest discontent, Fred disappears, and soon after, a client manager will show up with luxury brand catalogs and a tailor."

"Isn't that wonderful? Fred's family background and looks are top-notch, and he treats you so well. Many women envy you."

Nina went completely silent.

Faced with Lily's puzzled yet envious gaze, Nina felt a wave of helplessness wash over her. She wanted to confess that she was being held captive and needed to call the police, but she was afraid that Lily would only continue to offer her misguided comfort.

The awful emotions had no outlet, and even after washing up and getting into bed around ten, she felt her heart being crushed by a hard stone.

'Am I really being unreasonable?'

Lying on the soft goose-down bed, Nina found herself unable to sleep, her mind racing in circles.

'When did I want to get a divorce?'

She recalled that night at Sunny Orb Restaurant when she had run into Natalie. She had gone to the restroom to touch up her makeup, and Natalie had pushed the door open, blocking her in front of the mirror.

With no other purpose, Natalie had simply come to boast, saying she was just a Rosenthal acting as a decorative vase.

Nina remembered her words but hadn't thought of divorce until several minutes later when she bumped into Natalie outside the restaurant for the second time...

Scenes from that moment flooded back to her mind, and Nina sighed again, curling up and trying to clear her thoughts, eventually drifting off to sleep.

Five-thirty in the morning, Nina woke up on time, forcing herself to forget the fact that she was being held captive, and got out of bed, heading for the bathroom.

"Huh?"

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed something on the floor by the door. She walked over to pick it up. It was a folded note, likely slipped under the door in the middle of the night: If you want to leave on the morning of the 27th at six, there's a white truck delivering supplies to the kitchen. License plate 768 LKN. The driver can take you away from here.

*****

At six-thirty on the morning of the 27th, Nina got out of the truck and walked towards the black Rolls-Royce waiting by the side of the road, 18 miles from Bluebell Manor in Falogia.

Before she could reach the car, the window slowly rolled down, revealing a man who bore some resemblance to Fred.

"Long time no see, Nina."

They shared similar features, but their demeanor was completely different.

Fred was like a lion, believing only in strength, fierce, possessive, and conquering. However, the man in the car was an elegant antelope, peaceful, grazing, and distant from the fray.

"It's you. Alonso."

Nina stumbled over his name, unfamiliar with it since he was Fred's uncle and only five years older than him.

The last time she'd seen him was last Christmas at the Rosenthal family gathering. The time before that was also during Christmas, two years prior, at a family reunion. Beyond that, she had no other interactions with Alonso.

"Is it really you?" Nina asked. "How did you know about my situation?"

"The incident that night caused quite a stir."

Nina looked down, offering no apology.

"You're quite bold. Aren't you afraid of being kidnapped by some bad guys?" Alonso shifted to a gentler tone.

"Not at all." Nina opened her right hand, revealing a small silver letter opener. "Anything is better than being trapped there."

"Indeed, he shouldn't have treated you like this. The Rosenthal family has never had criminals. Get in the car. I'll help you negotiate with Fred."

"Thank you." Nina remained still.

"What's wrong?"

"I don't think a negotiation will lead anywhere right now."

"So?" Alonso was patient and gentle.

"I'm determined to leave this life behind."

"Alright, I'll take you back to your father."

"No." Nina tightened her grip on the letter opener.

"Then where do you plan to go? I helped you get out, and I have to take you to a safe place. Are you afraid I'll tell Fred? You can completely trust me. I'm not so bored as to offend Fred first and then try to win him over by snitching."

They had similar features and the same surname. There wasn't a trace of impatience in his eyes. In his calm, gentle gaze, Nina even saw her own reflection.

"Take me back to Nodria, please. Thank you." She relaxed her grip on the letter opener and smiled.