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 Tedd Estate was everything Shawn wasn't.

Massive white pillars. Gold trim on every edge.Security guards who smiled too much and saw too little.

But today, she wore her best poker face and stepped into the lion's den like a queen.

Her father was waiting in the sunroom.

Julius Tedd.Steel-gray suit. No tie. Fingers wrapped around a crystal glass of green tea like it owed him money.

"Esther," he said, not looking up. "You finally remembered you have a family."

"I never forgot," she replied, sitting opposite him. "Just had other priorities. Like marriage."

He scoffed softly. "Marriage is a business. Not a romantic hobby."

"Who is he?" Julius asked, tone cold but curious. "The boy."

She didn't blink. "Shawn. He's… different."

Esther raised an eyebrow. "And that didn't concern you?"

Julius finally met her gaze. "It terrified me."

He sipped his tea. "Esther, men like that don't appear out of nowhere. They're placed. Or worse—they place themselves."

"I'm saying be careful, child. You may have married a ghost. And ghosts... have unfinished business."

Meanwhile — Downtown, Shawn's Private Office

Behind triple-encrypted firewalls and security tighter than a government vault, Shawn reviewed a digital feed of the Tedd estate.

He watched Esther Walk out of the sunroom, jaw clenched.

He also hated how fast she was figuring things out.

A soft ping drew his eyes to a second screen.

New file uploaded: "PROJECT NOCTURNE – Reawakened"

Status: CompromisedLeak Source: UNKNOWNEstimated Time to Exposure: 11 Days

His finger hovered over the emergency protocol.

And for the first time in years…

If he burned it all now, Esther would never know the truth.

That Evening — Penthouse Balcony

Esther stood at the railing, wind pulling her curls across her face.

She didn't look at him. "My father thinks you're dangerous."

She finally turned to face him. "And yet I don't feel unsafe."

"That's a problem," he said softly. "Because I can't promise you that'll last."

She stepped closer, voice calm. "Then make me a new promise."

"Promise me… that when the truth comes out, you won't run."

He stared at her.Something broke open behind his eyes—something ancient. Tired. Human.

And for the first time since they met…It sounded like he meant it.

Tea with the Lion