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 family mansion had always been a fortress.Marble. Gold. Silence.

Esther stepped into her father's private study like a thief—heart pounding, breath tight, every step echoing like a drumbeat of rebellion.

She knew the cameras were fake.Her father preferred a false sense of control.

Esther had learned to play dead a long time ago.

She moved behind the bookshelf, pressed the wood panel like she had seen him do as a child.

Stacks of files. USBs in velvet boxes. A locked drawer marked: "Circle: Tier Black."

She picked the lock. It was too easy.

Inside—photos, letters, and a black envelope sealed with red wax.

Inside was a marriage contract.

Her name.Shawn's name.Dated six years ago.

"No," Esther breathed. "This isn't possible."

There was a handwritten note from her father.

"If you're reading this, the plan failed.Umbra has breached containment.Your marriage was meant to protect you—from him."

This wasn't just a secret marriage.

This was a containment strategy.

Back at the Penthouse – 2 Hours Later

Shawn was in the rooftop greenhouse, trimming a rare midnight orchid when he felt it—

He turned as Esther marched toward him, contract in hand.

"You knew," she said. "You knew my father arranged this."

"Yes," Shawn said softly. "But only after I met you."

"Because for the first time… I wanted something that wasn't calculated."

She threw the papers to the ground.

"I thought you were different. But you're just like them."

"No," Shawn stepped forward, voice steady. "I broke the contract. I destroyed the backups. I was supposed to control you. But instead… I chose you."

She didn't know if she wanted to slap him or kiss him.

But behind her rage was something stronger.

Esther bent down, picked up the contract, and slowly lit it on fire with the flame from Shawn's orchid lighter.

"Then let's both stop being pawns," she said. "And start playing the game."

"Welcome to the board, Mrs. Williams."

Her Father's Ghosts