Giselle's POV

My birthday party celebration had ended, and we had to clean up. Paloma offered to stay over and help us with cleaning. By the time we finished, I was exhausted. Despite my tiredness, I still needed answers to my questions.

Nina seemed to have noticed the worried look on my face but didn't say anything, since we almost got into a fight the last time. After cleaning, I escorted Paloma out, and when I returned, I found Mom and Nina sitting by the dining table, waiting for me. I pulled out a chair and made myself comfortable, sipping on my juice.

Mom cleared her throat, and I prepared myself for the worst. "Giselle, about our conversation earlier, I'm so sorry for what I'm about to say," she said, seemingly hesitant. I guessed she had something big to tell us.

Nina didn't say anything, but the look on her face showed confusion. "Your father, Arnold Franklin Ramirez, is still alive," she dropped the bombshell. I felt my heart skip a beat; my throat went dry suddenly, and I could hear my heart pounding in my ears.

"What did you just say?" Nina asked with a weak voice, sounding broken. It was then I noticed tears in her eyes. Nina had always been the strong, rebellious girl in our family; seeing her broken made me feel bad.

I had many questions to ask, but my voice might betray me. My mouth was dry, and I knew I'd get emotional if I tried speaking. "Your father is alive and is currently being held captive in Mubana," she said, sobbing.

What she said seemed impossible. If my father was truly alive and in Mubana, how did she find out? I had many questions but decided to listen to her first.

"Years ago, when I was pregnant with Nina, your father and I got interested in traveling to Mubana Kingdom in Africa," she began. "Mubana was well-known for its cultural diversity and for still upholding their ancient traditions. Your father was a historian and enjoyed studying people's way of life, traditions, and so on. We often traveled to different countries and had good times together."

"That year, we traveled, not knowing it was the worst decision we'd ever make," she said, her expression pained. Nina and I stared at her with curious gazes, taking in every word.

"We chose to travel to Mubana during the time of year with few tourists. It didn't surprise us to find out we were the only tourists in Mubana Kingdom. As soon as we arrived in Mubana, it rained for three weeks straight without stopping – unusual and occurring in the least expected season."

"The villagers had mixed emotions about the rain, and as soon as it stopped, we were summoned by the king. We were invited to lunch with the royal family. Everything was going well; the room was filled with laughter until the queen noticed the birthmark on Giselle's hand," she said, pausing.

"Things took a dark turn from there…," she was cut short by my phone ringing. I wanted to ignore it, but it kept ringing.

"Hello?" I said, answering the call.

"Giselle, it's Paloma's mom," the caller said. I recognized her voice.

"She had an accident," she said, unable to control herself, crying on the phone.