Chapter 1I Took Her Misfortune, but He Gave Me His Betrayal

I was born with a special ability that allowed me to bear other people’s misfortune.

As long as I signed my name at someone’s request, I could transfer their suffering to myself.

My best friend was frail and sickly, while I was strong and healthy.

Whenever she showed the first signs of a cold or fever, she would bring me a note that read: [Please bear my illness for me.]

I never hesitated. I willingly signed my name every time, then fell seriously ill for three days.

Whenever my boyfriend saw me sick, his face filled with concern, and he repeatedly urged me to stop pushing myself so hard.

I only smiled. The next time, I still chose to help my best friend.

Then, one day, my boyfriend suddenly proposed to me and gave me a villa as an engagement gift.

I solemnly signed my name on the property transfer documents. At that moment, I felt happier than I had ever been.

However, that very night, several people dragged me into an alley and gang-raped me.

I returned home covered in injuries, only to hear my boyfriend say to my best friend, "I already tricked Lia into signing her name. She’ll take this disaster in your place. Don’t blame yourself. I’ll spend the rest of my life treating her well as compensation."

* * *

Morgan Smith clung to Jason Fork’s arms, crying so hard that tears streamed down her face.

“I was truly desperate. I owed far too much money after my business failed.

“Those people said they would make me pay within the week.”

Jason’s eyes held unconcealed heartache.

“You don’t have to blame yourself. Lia can handle it. Even if she knew the truth, she’d still choose to bear it for you. The situation was urgent this time, and we couldn’t afford to make a mistake.”

The moment I heard the truth, my entire body began to tremble.

No one had ever asked for my opinion.

Jason made the choice for me.

Tearing pain swept through me along with the ache in my heart.

I could not bear to listen any longer. I turned around, quietly walked to the bedroom, and took out the so-called transfer-of-ownership agreement.

The moment I read the words clearly, I felt as if I couldn't breathe.

Buried among pages of obscure legal clauses was a demand: [Please help me bear all the disasters that will befall me within the week.]

I had naively believed it was a gift and signed my name without hesitation.

I suddenly understood why the thugs in the alley had abused me while shouting, “This is what happens when you refuse to pay your debts.”

No matter how I tried to explain, they refused to stop.

Once the transfer of misfortune began, it would not stop.

Tears spilled uncontrollably from my eyes.

Over the years, I did everything Morgan asked of me.

When she fell ill, I took her sickness upon myself.

When she competed in running races, I endured the muscle soreness for her.

When she suffered a breakup, I bore the heartbreak in her place.

Yet none of it had been enough.

She had offended someone and actually tricked me into bearing an entire week of misfortune for her.

I put the document away.

Then I went into the bathroom, turned the shower on full blast, and let the water wash the grime from my body.

When Jason heard the water running, he hurried upstairs to check on me.

He sounded somewhat guilty as he spoke through the bathroom door.

“Lia, when did you get back? You didn’t even tell me. Momo came to see you. She’s been waiting downstairs for a long time.”

I said nothing, my eyes vacant.

Jason called my name several more times, growing impatient.

“Amelia? What are you upset about now? Can’t you just tell me what’s on your mind instead of making me guess? I’m tired of trying to figure you out after all these years…”

Before Jason could finish, I suddenly pulled open the bathroom door.

Jason froze the moment he saw me, and his phone slipped from his hand and hit the floor.

I stood before him without hiding a thing, my body covered in cuts and bruises.