SageKingAlpha

When Esther Tedd, heiress to the most powerful family in Nairobi, is forced by her late father’s will to marry before claiming her inheritance, she makes a bold, calculated move: propose a flash marriage to a complete stranger on a blind date.

That stranger is Shawn Williams—calm, mysterious, and seemingly unremarkable. He agrees to the deal with one condition: no love, no questions, no strings.

What Esther doesn’t know is that Shawn is far from ordinary.

Behind his quiet demeanor lies a man who secretly controls global markets, owns invisible empires, and carries the legacy of an ancient cultivation sect. He’s the richest man in the world—and he’s hiding from enemies that go far beyond the boardroom.

Bound by a contract but pulled together by fate, Esther and Shawn’s fake marriage starts unraveling secrets neither of them was ready for. She’s drawn to his silence. He’s intrigued by her fire. But in a world of hidden dynasties, spiritual power, and ruthless ambition, their deal may turn out to be anything but fake.

Because destiny has plans—and love might be the greatest secret of all.

Married to the Hidden Tycoon

He sipped his tea like she'd asked for the time.

They met at a café tucked between skyscrapers, the kind of place meant to look lowkey but charged you for ice. Esther Tedd sat with poise honed by decades of legacy. Hair pinned perfectly, expression unreadable. She didn't do blind dates—not seriously—but her cousin insisted.

Across from her, Shawn Williams was dressed simply. Crisp button-down. No watch, no tie, no visible nerves.

Which was odd. Most men fumbled under the pressure of a Tedd family introduction.

"Let me get this straight," Shawn said, setting down his cup. "You want to marry me. Today."

"Flash marriage," she confirmed. "On paper. One year max. You'll get generous compensation, of course."

Shawn leaned back, watching her with unreadable eyes. "You always propose on first dates?"

Esther shrugged, businesslike. "My father's will requires me to marry to access my shares. I don't do emotions. And I don't want some politician's son clinging to me for influence. You, on the other hand..."

"No." Her eyes locked on his. "You're clean. No scandals. No press. No power-hungry family. You're the kind of man who can disappear after this."

Shawn Williams wasn't just "clean." He was invisible by design. Hidden billionaire. Cultivation master. The kind of man who erased his digital footprints before most people learned to code.

And now, an heiress was offering him the perfect cover.

He smiled faintly. "And if I say yes, what's in it for me?"

"A quiet life," Esther said, sliding over the prenup. "No strings. No expectations. No media."

She had no idea she was offering a deal to the most powerful ghost in the global economy. A man who'd walked away from empires, both spiritual and financial.

Something about her—this poised storm of grace and rebellion—intrigued him.

"I have one condition," Shawn said, picking up the pen.

Esther actually laughed. "Please. I don't even believe in love."

The pen scratched. The deal was done.

A flash marriage between two strangers—one who ruled the world in secret, and one who was born to rule it in the spotlight.

And as their names settled on paper, far above them, something ancient stirred.

The Dao of Fate just got a new chapter.

Her Proposal, His Secret