one adored the little girl, and she grew up surrounded by affection. Yet, despite being showered with attention, Martha couldn't help but feel a void. She had never known her mother, an

her dad and aunt affectionately refer to her grandmother as 'mom,' and she noticed that her friends at school had mothers too. But who was hers? The absence of a maternal figure in her li

y don't you ever talk about her?" Martha asked, her innocent eyes searchin

ld ask about the mother she never knew. The family had done everything in their power to shield Martha from the pain of growing up without a

chievements. Meanwhile, Martha's aunt, Kim, also strove to ensure her niece's happiness, but deep down, she harbored a secret guilt. Kim knew she was partly responsible for Martha growing up without her mother, Atika. Though it wasn't entirely her f

born child. However, fate had other plans. Martha's inheritance of his lighter complexion and features likely saved her from his sinister intentions. Ironically, her mother's own lighter skin tone, a trait common among some blac

ss of the woman he loved felt like they had happened just yesterday. Irvine's heart still ached for Atika, the slave he had loved and lost. But time had moved on, and he had found someone new to share his life with. Martha, however, was thrilled to finally have a

ly friend could suddenly become her mother. On the wedding night, Martha felt a deep sense of abandonment. Her father, usually attentive, didn't read her a bedtime story or tuck her in. Instead, everyone fawned over

t. Martha had no clue if that had really happened or just a dream. She could not remember who it was, it was neither her dad, grandmother, aunt and not even grandfather. He had never

favorite perfume and the little girl's beaming smile. Martha'

u dressed!" Kim exclaimed, noticing the fa

asked, her voice tinged

owing full well that he had been preoccupied with his new bride. But Martha's face brightened, and she said, "Don't worry, s

ting the better of her. Martha thought f

she tried to describe the mysterious storyteller. "I enjoyed her story, but I don't remember what it was about. Maybe it was just a dream." She shrugged, and then her f

if it was Atika, the woman she had wronged in the past? But that was impossible; Atika was gone, lost to the tragic circumstances of her past. Kim's thoughts swirled

powers were not to be underestimated. If she was indeed a witch, Kim dared not cross her. Telling her father about the strange occurrences would only put Martha in danger, and Kim wasn't willing to risk that. She was torn between disbelief and the unse