Chapter 27: AN UNIMPORTANT VISIT

It was very early in the morning when Richie awoke to a series of missed calls. There were two from Dazzle, two from his mother, and over thirty from his supposed fiancée. She had landed late the previous night, intending to inform Richie of her plans to spend the weekend at his house, but her attempts to reach him had been futile. Dazzle had sent a heads-up message: "Big bro, ermm... your fiancée reached out to me. She said she was in the city and would be coming over to your place. What will you tell her about the kids? Should I come pick them up in the morning? Get back to me as soon as possible." This was the first message Richie read. "No, don't bother. There's no need to hide them from anyone. She will have to handle it. They are my kids, and I have to take full responsibility for them. Thanks for your concern." Dazzle already knew the answer but needed confirmation. Richie had always been a resolute and straightforward man. It was up to others to accept him as he was. The second