Chapter 1

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 wrist—an 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, I’m so sorry… but I can’t 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.

“Don’t worry, I’ll 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 Valentina’s 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 won’t divorce you! You’re the one I love most!”

I sighed.

“Fine. No divorce then. Let’s try another wish.”

Valentina looked up, curiosity in her eyes.

“Ayla, if it’s 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, don’t 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?”