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

The ink had barely dried when they left the lawyer's office, freshly minted as husband and wife.

Just one quiet ride in the back of a black sedan, city lights flickering like paparazzi who missed their shot.

Esther scrolled through her phone, ignoring the three hundred unread messages from her family's PR team.

She didn't tell them. Not yet.Let them choke on their own secrets first.

"You're really not curious?" she asked, glancing at Shawn beside her.

He looked out the window like the world bored him. "About?"

"I already know who you are, Esther Tedd. Heiress. Financial prodigy. Tabloid queen when you feel like it."

She smirked. "And you don't care?"

That answer should've annoyed her. Instead, it intrigued her. Everyone always cared—too much. They either wanted her name, her wealth, or her downfall. But this man? He treated her like a random Thursday.

"Okay, your turn," she said. "Tell me something real."

Shawn paused. The city blurred past like memories.

"I like peace and silence," he finally said. "And I don't like being followed."

Esther raised a brow. "Are you some kind of fugitive?"

She couldn't tell if he was joking. And that unsettled her more than she liked to admit.

They arrived at a penthouse apartment in Westlands—his, apparently. The building wasn't flashy, but her trained eyes saw the subtle markers: high-end security, custom elevators, zero online footprint.

"How do you afford this?" she asked.

"I'm married," he reminded her with a smirk. "I don't owe you clarity."

Inside, the space was sleek and dark, curated in shades of black, slate, and steel. Clean. Minimal. A man's silence carved into design.

Esther wandered to the window, taking in the skyline.

"This is nice," she said softly. "Quiet. Almost... detached."

Shawn walked past her, heading to a locked door at the end of the hall. She watched as he pressed his thumb to a hidden scanner.

"A room you'll never need to enter," he said, and closed it behind him.

The sound echoed louder than it should have.

She stood there, barefoot now, the air suddenly heavy with questions.

Who was this man she married?

And why did she feel like she'd just signed a contract with something not just powerful—but dangerous?

The Wedding That Didn’t Trend