My Husband Stole My Lifespan for His Ex

Suddenly, a death countdown appeared on the back of every human's hand worldwide.

My husband, Derek, had one year left.

His ex-girlfriend, Valentina, had only one day.

Derek knelt at my feet, tears streaming down his face.

Ayla! You have sixty years! What's the big deal about sharing a little with her?!

I stayed silent.

The next second, he and Valentina pounced on me like rabid animals, pinning me down!

A cold device pierced my wristan illegal time transfer apparatus.

I watched helplessly as the numbers representing my life plummeted wildly:

Sixty years, fifty years, ten years, one year, until only one day remained.

They were ecstatic, tears of joy streaming down their faces.

But I just shook my head, a small, knowing smile playing on my lips. We elves have infinite lifespans.

This death countdown? It meant nothing to me.

Derek pulled me up from the ground, his face still wet with tears.

Ayla, Im so sorry but I cant let Valentina die

Valentina stood beside him.

She lowered her head, gazing at the brand new numbers on the back of her hand: 60 years and seven hours.

Ayla, Valentina said triumphantly, her voice dripping with malice.

Dont worry, Ill take good care of your husband from now on.

Derek nodded vigorously, fresh tears welling up in his eyes.

They had no idea. I was an elf; my life had no end.

That glaring 60 years and seven hours on Valentinas hand was nothing but an illusion.

Humans simply couldn't steal an elf's lifespan.

Derek looked at me, his face clouded with guilt.

You only have a few hours left. Do you have any last wishes? Tell me, Valentina and I will do everything we can to fulfill them. Anything.

A divorce, I said calmly.

Derek froze, staring at me in disbelief.

No!

He shook his head violently.

Ayla! I wont divorce you! Youre the one I love most!

I sighed.

Fine. No divorce then. Lets try another wish.

Valentina looked up, curiosity in her eyes.

Ayla, if its something I can do, I promise I will.

Simple, I said, looking her straight in the eye. Transfer thirty years of life to Derek.

The room fell silent again.

Valentina stiffened, stammering, Wh what?

The time you just stole. I pointed at the back of her hand. Transfer thirty years of it to Derek.

Derek looked at Valentina, clearly anticipating her choice.

Valentina avoided his gaze.

Ayla, I just finished the transfer. My body is still a bit weak. How about tomorrow?

Derek let out an awkward laugh.

No rush, Valentina will transfer it to me, dont you worry!

Valentina nodded, quickly changing the subject.

Ayla, weren't you always wanting to visit your hometown in Alaska? How about we drive you home?

The car sped onto the highway. Valentina said wed be there in an hour or two.

Derek put his arm around my shoulder.

I owe Valentina. Years ago, she jumped into that freezing river to save me, almost drowned, and it left her unable to have children. I owe her everything.

Hmm, I hummed in response.

Seeing my cold expression, Derek said nothing more.

A while later, Valentina's phone rang.

She answered it immediately.

Hello? Liam?

I felt Dereks hand on my shoulder instantly stiffen.

I just wanted to come see you. I have a surprise for you. Valentinas voice was sickeningly sweet. Wait for me, Im on my way to Alaska right now. Dont be scared, Ill transfer thirty years to you as soon as I get there

After she hung up, Derek immediately asked her,

Whos Liam?

Valentinas grip on the steering wheel tightened.

Oh, just a college friend of mine. Hes pretty pathetic, only two years left on his countdown. Valentina answered casually. He was always good to me, so I want to help him.

Dereks temper flared instantly.

Youre using my wifes life to help your friend?!

Valentina snapped impatiently.

Derek! Why are you so nosy?!

She shot Derek a venomous glare through the rearview mirror.

I jumped into that river to save you back then, and it left me unable to have kids! This sixty years of time, you and your wife owe me!

She pointed at the glaring numbers on the back of her hand.

Its my time! I have the right to do what I want with it! Ill give it to whoever I please! You have no right to tell me what to do!

Dereks body jolted, as if struck by an invisible whip.

The color drained from his face, his lips trembled, and he finally lowered his head.

Got it.

Valentina scoffed, ignoring him, and slammed on the gas. The car accelerated.

The only sounds in the car were the oppressive silence and the roar of the engine.

After more than two hours of driving, the car finally reached the foot of the Alaskan mountains.

Get out!

Valentinas voice was harsh.

We got out of the car.

I stood still, my gaze fixed on an inconspicuous gentle slope.

Derek noticed my pause.

Whats wrong? Not feeling well? he asked me.

I shook my head, looking at the slope.

Nothing. Just remembering my childhood.

Valentina pulled out her phone.

Liam! Were here. Tell me the exact location, Ill find you!

She strode forward first, and Derek hesitated for a moment before following her.

A little while later, Derek said to me,

I still have a year left. Ill transfer half a year to you! No! Ill transfer ten months. I dont want you to die.

I looked into his eyes, seeing fear and regret there.

I gently removed his hand from mine.

No need. Keep it for yourself.

The mountain road was winding and rough.

Valentina led the way, occasionally glancing at her phone to confirm the direction, grumbling about how difficult the path was.

Derek followed silently, his gaze vacant.

This used to be a stargazing platform, I said, pointing to a distant peak. My father often brought me here to watch the stars.

Valentina scoffed.

Ayla, are you dying and having hallucinations? A stargazing platform in the middle of nowhere?

I couldnt be bothered to explain to her. After all, she was the one who was dying soon.

Suddenly, a handsome young man and an old man blocked our path.

The young man was indeed the Liam Valentina had spoken of.

Valentinas eyes instantly lit up, and she ran towards him.

Liam! Im here!

Liam looked up, and when he saw Valentina, his face was etched with clear disgust.

Valentina? You actually came? Didnt I tell you not to?

He chided Valentina while massaging the old man.

Mr. Thorne, please dont be angry.

Mr. Thorne? Valentinas smile froze, as if shed been struck by lightning. Whats the relationship between this Mr. Thorne and Ayla?!

Liam looked at her coldly.

He is, of course, Ms. Aylas father, and also my superior.

Derek walked over to Liams side and asked Valentina,

Youre going to give your life to this man?

Valentinas expression changed. She violently shoved Derek away, yelling,

Derek! Get lost! Youre so annoying!

Derek stumbled back, almost falling, staring at her in disbelief.

Valentina glared viciously at Derek.

I told you, Ill give my life to whoever I want!

Dereks face instantly turned ashen, his body swayed, his eyes wide with shock.

Valentina ignored him, eagerly trying to impress Liam.

Liam! Look! I have sixty years! Ill transfer thirty years to you! No! All of it! As long as you

Liam impatiently cut her off, raising his smooth hand, his tone laced with a hint of pride.

Save it. Who needs your stolen time?

The numbers on his hand were clearly visible: 102 years.

Mr. Thorne just transferred a hundred years to me, and he said if I keep his palace clean, hell give me even more later.

A hundred years?!

Valentina looked like shed been punched in the gut, her eyes bulging as she stared at the incredible numbers on Liams hand.

She shrieked,

How is that possible?! Hes just an old man! Where did he get that much time?!

My father, however, smiled at Valentina.

Do you want more time too? Give me money, and Ill sell it to you!