"Sometimes, the most expensive lies wear veils and diamonds."
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The nation awoke to headlines that shattered the business world and ignited social media:
"Jayden Ochieng to marry mystery heiress. Ceremony tomorrow. Billion-dollar merger expected."
The bride? Unknown.
The location? Leaked just an hour before.
Jayden stood in front of a mirror, adjusting a jet-black tuxedo that shimmered faintly under the chandelier's kiss.
Wendy burst into the room, holding the invite.
"You planned a wedding… without telling your subordinates?"
Jayden turned, eyes sharp. "I didn't plan this."
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In an ivory room overlooking the sea, the bride adjusted her veil. Beneath it wasn't a nervous girl in love—but Selene Kaari, an infamous actress and international fraud expert who specialized in impersonating royalty.
She whispered into her hidden earpiece.
"All set. The cameras are rolling. Make sure the stocks move when I say the words 'I do.'"
From the shadows, a voice whispered back.
"Just remember the deal. Say anything else—and we pull the plug."
---
While the world swooned over Jayden's alleged romance, Maggy was in the data vault beneath Ochieng Tower.
She had found the real plan.
"This isn't about marriage," she told Tielen. "It's about collapsing rival assets. He's playing a dangerous game… with someone else's pieces."
Maggy raced to the venue.
But the road was blocked by a limo that pulled up in front of her.
Inside was Gloria, flawless in an emerald gown, holding a crystal flute.
"Late to the wedding, are we?" Gloria smirked. "Let him marry her. The fall will be exquisite."
---
The wedding venue was built over a cliff, cameras circling from drones, guests dressed in obsidian and ivory. The crowd held its breath as Jayden walked toward Selene.
But just as the priest began, Jayden held up his hand.
"Wait."
Silence.
"I cannot marry this woman," he said.
The cameras froze.
Gasps erupted.
He stepped closer to Selene.
"Because she's not who she says she is."
Selene smiled beneath her veil.
"Oh, I never claimed to be. But you knew that."
The guests stared in confusion.
Jayden whispered, "You're still under contract. Don't speak another word."
---
While tabloids exploded with stories of betrayal, the real operation unfolded. Jayden's decoy wedding had triggered mass sell-offs in competitor shares. At the same time, Maggy and Linet pulled strings from the shadows.
By nightfall, Jayden Ochieng owned 38% of Alaris Corporation—the company that had once blacklisted his name from history.
Back at the penthouse, Jayden took off his jacket, tossed it on the chair, and turned to the dark window.
He poured two glasses of aged whisky.
Maggy entered, arms crossed. "That was low, even for you."
Jayden handed her a glass. "I didn't marry her, did I?"
Maggy sipped. "Next time, invite me as a bridesmaid. I'd like a front-row seat to your chaos."
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