Crown: Phase 3 (Crown Knight)

Chapter One

“You really went and got your ass married in Vegas without me, bitch. I still can’t believe you.

” Caresha fussed, flipping through a rack of curated gowns.

She and Nivéa stood in one of Satin Hills’ most exclusive bridal boutiques.

A place that catered to the wealthy…wives, fiancées, and girlfriends of men with money.

“Listen, my man asked, and I wasn’t about to say no to his big, fine ass.” Nivéa shot back, unapologetically. “Besides, you know I’ve always wanted a small, intimate wedding.”

“Yeah, yeah. Well, I’m just glad y’all are having a reception with family because, babyyy, we need to celebrate. Fuck that intimate shit.”

Nivéa cracked up until her eyes landed on a particular gown.

Her smile slowly faded as she gasped and lifted it from the rack.

Holding the gown against her body, she turned toward the mirror and admired her reflection.

Out of everything the stylist had brought, this ivory beauty stood out the most. Something about it spoke to her.

“Oh, my God. I love this. What you think, sis?” She asked, turning to Caresha.

Caresha turned from the rack, sizing her up. “Ohhh, it’s beautiful. Shit. Yeah, that’s the one, girl. Don’t you dare pick up another dress.”

Twisting her lips to the side, Nivéa rolled her eyes hard. She knew Caresha was being sarcastic, ready to get out of there. “Your lying ass. Why are you like this? You ain’t even truly look.”

Caresha smacked her lips, snickering. “Girl, my ass is tired. We’ve been here all damn day. But…I’m serious, sis. I do love it. Hell, I love all of them. I can’t help it you picky as fuck.”

Nivéa sighed as she studied her reflection once more. “Whatever. Let me try it on.”

It was Caresha’s turn to roll her eyes. She loved her girl to death and was so happy for her, but if Nivéa came out of that dressing room and said never mind again, she was going to lose it.

Inside the dressing suite, Nivéa stepped out of her clothes and carefully slipped into the gown.

She pulled the zipper up as far as she could, then reached for her neck and adjusted the straps.

After smoothing the fabric over her hips, she turned toward the mirror.

The second her eyes landed on her reflection, her breath caught.

The gown hugged every small curve she possessed before flowing down into a fitted mermaid silhouette. Beading and crystals sparkled across the fabric, catching the light with every movement. The straps crossed beautifully near her neckline while the dramatic overskirt cascaded behind her.

For a moment, Nivéa just stared, and after a while, Caresha came knocking. “Sis, you need help? Let me see, girl.” She said.

“Coming,” Nivéa snapped out of her trance and opened the door.

“Oooh, you look so beautiful. I love it so much.” Caresha showed her true reaction that time as her eyes watered; her heart was just as full as Nivéa’s. “I play about a lot of things, but this ain’t one of ‘em. You need to get this one. It’s perfect.”

“Right,” Nivéa said before turning back toward the mirror. “This is the one.”

“Yessss.” Caresha stepped behind her, sliding up the zipper until it closed.

Staring at herself, Nivéa had no words for how she felt.

The moment only amplified the emotional high from her and Crown’s trip to Vegas.

She had left that city as Mrs. Knight, and damn, it felt amazing.

But standing here in this gown, preparing to celebrate with the people she loved most, felt even better.

“Oh, Mrs. Knight,” the stylist, Dana, approached with a knowing smile. “I think your search is officially over. This dress was made for you, darling.”

Dana had been in the game long enough to recognize when a woman found her perfect dress.

Nivéa smiled. “Yes, ma’am. This is the one.”

Dana stepped closer, gently pinching the fabric at Nivéa’s waist and hip, then crouching slightly to check the length.

“It’ll just need a few minor alterations. We’ll bring the waist in here and clean up the hem.” She reached for her pins. “Step over here for me.”

Dana guided her onto the pedestal in front of the mirror. Once Nivéa stepped up, the gown fell beautifully around her, and she finally got the full effect.

“Yep, this is the one. I want it now.”

“Praise God,” Caresha sang.

All three women laughed in unison as Nivéa stepped down.

“How about a toast to finding the one? Would you like a glass of champagne?” Dana asked.

“No, I’m okay. Thank you, though, Dana. I truly appreciate your help. I know I can be picky and annoying.”

“Oh, no. It’s no problem at all. It’s your special day. You have every right to be picky about it. That’s what I’m here for. Glad you’re satisfied.”

“Best friend here breastfeeds,” Caresha cut in. “But I’ll take a drink. Matter of fact, make it two. I’ll take hers as well.”

“Got it. I’ll be right back.” Dana laughed, clapping her hands as she walked away.

Nivéa glanced back at Caresha, hesitating for a moment. Dana’s offer reminded her that there was something more she needed to share. Breastfeeding wasn’t the only reason she refused a drink.

“What?” Caresha picked up on her energy, narrowing her gaze. “Why you looking like that? What is it? You ain’t changed your mind about the dress, did you?” She stomped her foot, pouting.

“No, Reesh.”

“Then what, bitch? Spit it out.”

“I’m pregnant.”

Caresha jerked her head. “Come again? Get the fuck out of here.”

“I’m serious.”

Caresha stared at her, eyes wide with disbelief. When Nivéa didn’t backtrack, reality hit her hard.

“You hot pussy, bitch. Ny don’t even have teeth yet. Not crawling, walking. Nothing! What the fuck?”

Nivéa burst out laughing, clutching her stomach to keep from doubling over. She knew her best friend well enough not to take it personally; they always spoke their minds. No filter, just friendship.

“I know, I know. Girlll, this is bad. Real bad, huh?”

Caresha laughed along, but then her expression turned serious. She moved closer to Nivéa, standing behind her as they both watched her reflection in the mirror.

“No, I don’t think it’s bad, sis. Scary as hell, but not bad. Let’s look at the facts.”

“Okay, I’m listening.” Nivéa met her gaze, hoping for something reassuring. She was still struggling with her emotions, wanting to make the right choices. Her good heart often pulled her into a lot of bullshit.

“Crown is a great man. He’s doing everything right.

He married you, he’s taking care of you and Ny, and he’s elevating your life in more ways than one.

He supports you mentally, financially, and physically.

Plus, he comes from a solid family that makes a great village.

Honestly, I can’t think of a reason to hold your hand and tell you to go to a clinic. And we both know I’m not above that.”

“And ain’t.” Nivéa laughed again, recalling how Caresha had suggested the clinic before.

Only her best friend knew that Boe had taken advantage of her one night when he was drunk and high.

Fed up with him and their toxic relationship, she said no to sex, but he wouldn’t stop.

And somewhere along her journey, Nivéa had convinced herself that “your nigga couldn’t rape you.

” It felt absurd to even consider, but the more she reflected, the clearer it became…

Boe had indeed crossed a line. “No” meant “no,” and it was time to acknowledge that truth.

Sadly, Nyla was conceived in that moment.

But when Nivéa discovered she was pregnant, she held her head high, accepted it, and moved forward.

Abortion wasn’t even an option in her mind; she brushed off Caresha’s advice at the time.

Sometimes she wondered if she should’ve listened, but every time she saw Nyla’s face, that feeling faded. She loved her so much.

“Yeah, I guess you’re right.” Nivéa shrugged with a faint smile, though insecurities still lingered.

“I am right,” Caresha said, pulling her into a tight hug. “Congratulations, sis. I’m so happy for you.”

“Thank you, girl.”

“Now cheer up. We’ve got more to plan than just a reception.”

Nivéa nodded, her mind already racing with ideas for a baby shower theme, depending on whether it was a boy or a girl.

∞∞∞

When they arrived at Crown’s place, he met them at the door, taking Nyla from Nivéa’s arms. She’d picked her up from daycare along the way.

“Not you being fussy the whole ride, but going quiet in his arms. Aht aht.” Caresha joked, glancing up at Crown. “Hey, Crown.”

“Sup, Reesh? You good?” He lifted his chin.

“I am. We had a long day, but your picky ass wife finally found her dress. So, I’m good.”

“That’s wassup.” He leaned down and kissed Nivéa on the forehead as she hugged him tightly. “Sup, ma? You made sure you got what you wanted? You ain’t settle, huh?” Crown didn’t give a fuck how picky she was. He wanted her to have whatever her heart desired.

“Hey, baby. No settling. I love what I picked. You will, too. I miss you.” Nivéa stood on her toes to kiss his lips.

“And I guess Ny misses you as well. Look at her. Reesh is right. Her lil butt gave us the blues the whole way here.”

Crown chuckled, glancing down at Nyla. Her big, pretty eyes looked up at him with a familiarity that suggested she knew exactly who he was, despite her young innocence.

“I miss y’all, too,” he said, rubbing Nyla’s cheek just as Danger limped out of the kitchen with a plate of leftover dinner from the night before.

“Damn,” he said between bites, his gaze landing on Caresha in her shorts.

“Excuse me? Is that any way to greet a lady?” Caresha joked, hands on her hips.

Nivéa snickered, shaking her head. “Hey, D.” She turned to him. “You eating good, huh?”

“Hell yeah. Those oxtails you made last night good as fuck.”

“Well, thank you. I try.”

Danger nodded, then cleared his throat, trying again with Caresha. “My bad, ma. Wassup? How are you?”

“I’m good. And you?”

“Straight.”

“Don’t look like it.” Caresha glanced down at his long, toned leg that sported a fresh bandage.