Isabella (Giselle's mother's POV)

As I gazed at my hypnotized daughter lying on the bed, I couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. "How much longer will this take?" I asked Doctor Lee, my impatience growing with each passing second.

"Just a few more seconds," he replied, his eyes fixed on the timer. I nodded, trying to remain calm, but my mind was racing with worst-case scenarios.

Giselle's sudden clenching of her fists caught my attention. "Father, is that you?" she whispered, her voice barely audible. I gasped, shocked, as memories of my late husband, Arnold, flooded my mind. Could it be that he's alive? The thought sent tears streaming down my cheeks as I heard my daughter sob.

"Please," Giselle whispered, her hands around her neck. I asked Doctor Lee, "What's happening?" but he ignored me, his focus solely on Giselle's reactions.

As the hypnosis session continued, I couldn't shake off the feeling of unease. Doctor Lee's warnings about memory loss echoed in my mind, and I prayed silently, hoping Giselle would be okay.

Finally, Doctor Lee snapped Giselle back to reality. She looked pale, with traces of dried tears on her cheeks. He handed her a glass of water, which she drank in one gulp.

"Mom, the Prince I've been dreaming about was trying to choke me, and I also dreamt about Dad," she said, her voice shaking. I sighed, relieved she hadn't lost her memory, but my mind was racing with questions.

I faced Doctor Lee, who was reviewing his notes. "Doc, what happened? Has the bond been broken?" I asked, my voice laced with concern.

"Not yet," he replied, his expression grim. "And from the looks of things, breaking it will be difficult. Her being choked and seeing her father is a clear warning, Isabella. The Royal family of Mabuna Kingdom knows about the prophecy."

"And they're not ready to let you break the bond between her and Prince Kia without a fight," he added, his gaze sympathetic.

Giselle's confusion was evident. "What are you guys talking about? Which prophecy and what bond?"

I took a deep breath, ready to reveal the truth. "Giselle, I heard everything in your dream, and I have something important to tell you. Please forgive me for not telling you sooner."

But before I could continue, Doctor Lee interrupted, "Sorry to interrupt, but I have other appointments." I nodded, knowing he was right.

As we left the office, I decided to explain the situation to Giselle and Nina together. I hoped Giselle would forgive me for hiding the truth for so long.

The possibility of Arnold being alive sent shockwaves through my mind. I couldn't believe this was happening. Doctor Lee, an old friend from Mubana, had agreed to help us after I pleaded with him.

As we arrived at our residence, Giselle broke the silence. "We're here, Mom." I smiled, embarrassed for zoning out.

We had arranged a surprise party for Giselle, and I decided to put the stressful thoughts behind me and focus on her birthday. But the weight of the prophecy and the Royal family's involvement lingered, casting a shadow over our celebration.