Moments after leaving the building, his phone buzzed with a notification…an incoming deposit so large it made him smirk.
Just more bread to spoil Nivéa with.
∞∞∞
“What’s your biggest fear, baby?” Nivéa asked as they sat across from each other at a candlelit table.
Crown had pulled up to the resort after his meeting, and just like he said he would, he’d woken her ass up and told her to get dressed so they could go. Nivéa didn’t need to be told twice. In twenty minutes, she was ready to ride out with him.
Now, she sat tucked in the back of an upscale Italian restaurant, her hair swept into an elegant updo. The strapless black dress clung to her curves perfectly, Red Bottom heels elongating her legs beneath the table. Her makeup was flawless, lashes full and soft, her skin glowing under the ambient light. Crown couldn’t keep his eyes off her.
The atmosphere was intimate, low music humming in the background, candlelight flickering against crystal glasses and dancing across her pretty face. Crown had paid the owner well for the privacy, ensuring they were secluded from the main dining room.
“Losing you,” he replied, his eyes locked on hers. “Did that shit once and I ain’t tryna do it again.”
Nivéa's lips twisted into a smile, thinking that was so cute. “What about before I came into your life?” she pressed, curious.
Crown shrugged, sipping his drink. “Getting caught up and losing everything I’ve built with my firm.”
“So, I replaced that fear?”
“Hell yeah. I love you both, but as long as I got you, I’m good. I’ll figure out whatever else.”
Her smile stretched, her heart racing with anticipation, waiting for him to ask her so she could share her thoughts. But when he finally spoke, it wasn’t what she expected.
“Why you think I was tryna get you out here, ma?” Crown leaned forward, gently thumbing her dimple.
Nivéa blinked, looking around the elegant setting, puzzled. “Uh, hmm… Maybe because I’m your woman? You didn’t want to travel alone. You were closing a deal and wanted to celebrate. I don’t know, what kinda question is that?”
Crown chuckled, then turned serious as he abruptly stood from his seat and got down on one knee in front of her. “It’s ‘cause I’m tryna make you my wife. I wanna marry you out here.”
Nivéa froze, but her mind spun, trying to gauge his seriousness as she stared him in the eyes. But then she thought about it. They were in Vegas, after all. Before she could respond, Crown pulled a ring box from his pocket, holding it up between them.
Stunned, Nivéa gasped, her eyes welling with tears. It was happening. Sure, it was something they’d talked about, something he’d hinted at quite a few times. But she never expected it to be now.
Smoothly, Crown popped open the high-gloss lacquered ebony box, and the diamonds caught the chandelier light, dancing amongst the deep burgundy velvet interior.
“The moment you walked into my life, I claimed you as my wife and I told you how I felt. The time is here.” he said, eyes steady on hers. “You my peace. My everything. Our vibe and chemistry so dope, baby. I can’t see myself with no one else. My mama loves you. I love the fuck out of you. I want you and Ny in my life forever. Will you please marry me?”
Tears flowed as Nivéa slowly looked over the ring. It was perfect. With her heart full, she nodded and whispered ‘yes’, and Crown slipped the ring onto her finger.
“Jesus. It’s beautiful, baby.” She told him, looking down at the ring before taking him into her arms.
He nodded, whispering in her ear. “I been thinking about how I would ask you all week. I could’ve waited for some big occasion, everybody around. But you said you ain’t want a big wedding. So, I figured…we get married here after I propose. Then we have a reception back home to celebrate with our people. What you think?”
“I think that’s perfect.” She pressed her forehead to his. “I wanna marry you out here.”
“Aight then. It’s settled. The resort has a nice chapel. I already scheduled the ceremony. Intimate vibe. Just me and you like you wanted.”
Nivéa wiped at her cheeks, her laughter trembling between disbelief and joy. The way this man moved blew her mind every day.
“This is crazy.”
“I warned you plenty of times. You thought I was bullshittin’.”
She stared at him for a while as he held her by the waist.
“What? Talk to me.” Crown said, trying to read her expression. “You don’t really like the ring or somethin’? I can have you another one made."
