Novels by Ufuoma Mark

They pulled into the Blackwood mansion, and as Ama stepped out of the car, she noticed Liam waiting for her by the door. He offered a reassuring smile as he escorted her inside, while Chadwick quietly made his way in a different direction.As Ama stepped inside, she felt a wave of unfamiliarity wash over her. The grand decorations from the previous night had disappeared, replaced by a stark, empty hall. The tables, chairs, and stage were all gone, leaving just a vast and plain space that felt overwhelmingly bare.An older woman approached them, and Liam introduced her as the head maid responsible for Ama. Something was commanding about the woman, but Ama hoped that she would also be approachable.After handing Ama over to Madame Rachel, Liam's departure left her feeling oddly solitary, even with the presence of an established figure by her side.“From now on, you will address me as Madame Rachel,” the woman instructed, her tone leaving little room for argument. “I expect you to listen

Ama lay in bed that night, her mind racing as she replayed the events of the evening—how she had effectively dug her own grave. Grayson’s words echoed in her ears; she was to become both a servant in his family’s home and his personal spy. It was a grim choice: comply or face a perilous end. The thought of leaving her sister, Olivia, alone in this world chilled her to the bone. Their mother was barely capable of caring for herself, let alone caring for Olivia.Still, the thought of abandoning Olivia without a steady income gnawed at her conscience. So, with a heavy heart, she had agreed to Grayson’s terms, securing his promise to send her weekly wages to her sister. Because that had been the reason for her desperate theft of the necklace in the first place. To her surprise, Grayson had readily acquiesced, his agreement hanging in the air like an unexpected lifeline. Afterward, he had let her leave, assuring her that they would meet again soon. Ama couldn't quite grasp why he had simp

Ama stepped out of the hall, forcing her feet to move calmly despite the frantic pounding of her heart. She had spun a hasty excuse for Sebastian, claiming an emergency had come up that required her to leave. Now, she made her way toward the back room where the auction items were stored—a secret she had stumbled upon when she was trying to find her way back. She had witnessed men carefully placing art pieces inside, their manager overseeing the operation with a watchful eye. As she lingered unnoticed, a sense of purpose washed over her. She recalled the breathtaking necklace from the film Mr. Reynolds had shown her; it had been mesmerizing on screen, but in reality, it was simply stunning.Glancing over her shoulder, Ama ensured no one was approaching and slipped inside the dimly lit room. The gravity of her actions hit her hard. She hadn’t thought this through—what was her plan? Peering from her hiding spot, she spotted a lone man in the room. A relieved sigh escaped her lips; she

Grayson glanced down at the determined brown-haired woman who had just collided with him. He recognized her from the diner a few days prior, and she happened to be his brother's date tonight.She wore a striking red dress, the slit running up to her knee, showcasing her long legs. The deep v-neck hinted at allure without crossing the line into inappropriate territory. It was a simple dress, yet it exuded confidence and elegance.“Sorry I didn't see you there,” she said, finally finding her voice.“Clearly,” Grayson replied, his annoyance evident.His mood had already soured after a discussion with one of the men he had sent to investigate the incident from his last trip. They had turned up nothing about the man who had tried to kill him; it was as if the guy had vanished into thin air.“Well, I should head back to the hall,” she said, avoiding his gaze.Just as she attempted to step away, he called out, “You know who I am, right?”“What,” she stammered, clearly struggling to conjure a

They approached one of the VIP tables that remained empty, as some guests were still admiring the art, likely deciding which pieces to bid on.Sebastian pulled out the chair closest to the one marked with his name card.“Do we really have to sit down now? It looks like the auction won’t start anytime soon,” she challenged, trying to buy time to find the necklace.“It will begin shortly,” Sebastian replied, taking his seat.She nodded, conceding his point.Sebastian pulled out his phone and began scrolling through it.Ama was taken aback; she expected him to engage her in conversation. Is this what it’s like to be someone's date at a high-profile event? Just sitting in silence beside them?Determined to break the silence, she was interrupted by a commotion from a nearby table.“What do you mean this is my table?” a woman screamed at one of the event staff.The woman, dressed in a gold sleeveless dress with dark blonde hair swept back in a ponytail, was making quite the scene.“I’m sorr

Once Ama stepped into the hall, her breath caught in her throat. She was completely captivated by the grandeur of the room. Never before had she encountered such opulence, and she was certain she didn't belong here.The hall radiated elegance, with high ceilings draped in pristine white fabric and crystal chandeliers casting a warm glow over polished marble floors. Tables dressed in crisp white linens, adorned with golden candleholders and velvet chairs, demanded attention. A stage at the far end awaited the orchestra. The air hummed with conversation and music, while fresh flowers contributed a luxurious touch, creating a sophisticated and vibrant atmosphere.Staff in sharply tailored black and white outfits glided through the crowd, offering food and glasses of various wines. Some circulated among the guests, while others stood aside, ready to assist. Ama realized she was lingering at the entrance when one server shot her a questioning glance. Straightening her shoulders, she moved