Page 74 of Heavy Is The Crown

Then, she leaned forward slightly, voice lower now. “That’s not you, Krys.”

“I know.”

“So, what’s different?”

Krys huffed, pressing her fingers to her temples. “He feels…real.”

That was what unsettled her the most.

Karma leaned back, studying her like she was a puzzle missing a crucial piece. “You sure he’s worth it?”

Krys didn’t answer right away. She just took another sip of wine, staring into the glass like it held the answer.

Karma didn’t push. Didn’t pry. She just watched.

Then, after a long moment, she spoke again.

“If this is real,” she said, voice unreadable, “then you need to decide if you’re letting him in…or if you’re keeping him at arm’s length before it’s too late.”

Krys swallowed hard.

Too late.

She already knew it was.

Chapter 18

Kenyatta’s Impala rolled through the gated entrance of Bayfront Heights, the scenic coastal neighborhood looking like it belonged on the front of a billionaire’s magazine. The road was lined with palm trees and luxury vehicles, the kind of wealth that didn’t just flex; it whispered, making you feel the weight of money without it ever being spoken.

Kaliyah’s little face was glued to the window, eyes wide as they passed waterfront mansions, private yacht docks, and sleek infinity pools that shimmered under the early evening sun.

“Daddy…” her voice was full of awe, her small hands pressing against the glass. “Where we at?”

Kenyatta was in awe. “Somewhere we don’t belong.”

She turned to him, frowning slightly. “Then why we here?”

He exhaled, gripping the steering wheel. “‘Cause I guess I know somebody who do.”

And then…they pulled up.

Krys’ house sat on an elevated lot, modern and sleek, yet still warm in its design. The glass-paneled facade reflected the golden hues of the sunset, the sprawling driveway leading up to a three-car garage. The immaculate landscaping was curated to perfection, the backside of the estate spilling out into private waterfront views.

Kenyatta parked, but he didn’t move. Neither did Kaliyah. They just stared.

“This their house?” Kaliyah whispered, still looking out the window.

Kenyatta nodded slowly. “Yeah.”

“They rich?”

He huffed out a laugh. “Somethin’ like that.”

Kaliyah turned to him, her big brown eyes full of curiosity. “They got a pool?”

Kenyatta glanced at the massive home again, then nodded, uncertain. “I think so.”

A slow grin crept onto Kaliyah’s face as he and Kaliyah got out and made their way to the door. And Kenyatta couldn’t lie; even he was impressed.

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