Anya felt as if she had fallen into an ice cellar. Westbrook Villa, the villa Adrian had given her as a wedding gift, was supposed to be their marital home.
And her only bridesmaid was none other than Livia Hart, the one person she trusted with everything.
Livia had been the first light in her life. When Anya lost her parents as a child and sat curled up in the classroom eating plain bread rolls, it was Livia who pulled her home for dinner and always saved her the last bite of meat.
Back in school, when a bully chased Anya with a slingshot, Livia raised her hand to shield her. The stone struck Livia instead, leaving her injured. That was why Anya trusted her more than anyone. They were close enough to share everything.
After she met Adrian, Livia had even warned him bluntly, "Anya is like my own sister. You'd better treat her well, or I won't let you off."
Adrian had shot back just as sharply, "Anya is the love of my life. Stay away from her and don't corrupt her."
The two of them had always clashed like fire and ice. If Anya hadn't stopped them, they would have come to blows long ago.
Back then, Anya thought she was the happiest woman alive. The most important man and the closest friend in her life both cared so much about her. Now, that video of them entangled in madness felt like an invisible slap across her face.
No wonder Livia always avoided showing her photos of her boyfriend. It turned out they had been sharing the same man all along. All the clues stitched together into a suffocating net that tightened around her until even breathing hurt.
A gasp from the screen pulled her back.
Bunny Mask trembled in Fox Mask's arms, then kissed him deeply. The livestream chat exploded with excitement.
[Fox Mask really has stamina. Second round today and still going strong.]
[That deer-masked girl tried to kiss him earlier and he dodged immediately. I thought he was picky, turns out he's only like this with the bunny.]
[My favorite couple—go harder, we love watching this.]
Anya collapsed into her chair. The pain in her chest felt like it was being carved open, piece by piece. Her trembling hand reached for her phone and dialed an overseas number.
"I'll accept the job abroad. I'll leave in seven days." She hung up and immediately contacted a private investigator.
Two hours later, Adrian returned, wrapped in a cold aura. He went straight to take a shower, then acted as if nothing had happened, making breakfast and giving her a morning kiss.
Anya couldn't understand it. Why would Adrian cheat on her best friend? He and Livia had always despised each other.
After Adrian left the house, Anya asked Livia out.
"Ani, I took the day off just to be with you," Livia complained as soon as they met. "You have no idea how terrifying your Mr. Cold-and-Demanding is. One mistake at work and he tears into people. Good thing you gave me an excuse to escape today."
She looped her arm through Anya's as she kept venting about Adrian's harsh management style at the company.
Anya smelled the perfume on her. It was the same scent Adrian wore. Her fingers went cold, but she forced herself to stay calm. "I think Adrian is cheating."
Livia's expression of shock didn't look fake at all.
"No way. You're just overthinking because of the pregnancy. Adrian loves you so much; how could he cheat?"
Anya said nothing. She studied Livia's eyes carefully. When they ordered milk tea, Anya habitually chose iced for Livia.
"I can't drink iced anymore," Livia said softly, resting a hand on her stomach. "I'm pregnant."