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

Later that evening, Esther stood on the penthouse balcony, arms wrapped around herself.

She wasn't cold.She was processing.

The man she married on a dare had just blackmailed her uncle off her back… without breaking a sweat.

This wasn't some street-smart hustler with good instincts.This was precision.Power.And it terrified her… a little.

Shawn joined her outside, two mugs in hand. He offered her one. Herbal tea. No sugar. Just the way she liked it.

"Are you in tech?" she asked quietly.

"Are you a hacker? Assassin? CIA?"

She sipped her tea, narrowing her eyes. "So what are you?"

Shawn looked out over the city. "Let's just say... I solve expensive problems. Discreetly."

Esther swallowed. "You're not in my league."

"No," he said. "You're in mine."

Shawn leaned against the glass railing, the city's glow reflecting in his dark eyes. "You think being born into wealth means something. But there's another tier. One you don't get invited to. You break into it. Bleed into it."

Esther frowned. "What did you bleed for?"

He looked at her, gaze suddenly unreadable. "Freedom."

Just then, her phone pinged.A message from her best friend, Lydia.

"Babe wtf?! You got MARRIED??!! And not a single invite??""Also… who's the guy in that blurry pic online? His face is half-shadow. Is he hot??"

Esther laughed, a soft, surprised sound.

"My friend. She thinks you're mysterious."

He raised an eyebrow. "I'm not mysterious."

"You are literally mysterious. You might be Batman in a hoodie."

Shawn shrugged. "If I'm Batman, that makes you…?"

She thought for a second. "Definitely not Robin. Maybe Catwoman."

He chuckled—really chuckled—for the first time since they met.

But the moment was short-lived.Because his phone buzzed next.

He glanced at it.Froze.Then turned away.

Esther's curiosity spiked. "Who is it?"

"Liar," she said, narrowing her eyes.

He stared at her for a long, quiet moment.

"She's dead. But sometimes... ghosts call too."

And Esther stood there, tea forgotten, heart pounding, realizing…

She might not be the only one in this marriage with secrets.

Ghosts in Gucci