The Billionaire’s Regret -Alessa (by Bukolami) novel Chapter 11

**Shadows Beneath the Silent Moon**
*Rising Echoes by Aiden R. Vale*

**Chapter 11**

As Alessa settled into the plush leather seat of the car, she felt the familiar hum of the engine as her chauffeur began to drive. Her gaze drifted to Aria, who sat beside her, visibly upset. The little girl’s arms were crossed tightly over her chest, and a deep frown marred her otherwise sweet face.

“What’s wrong, Aria?” Alessa asked gently, concern etching her features.

Aiden, sitting across from them, exchanged a glance with his sister before he shrugged, a gesture that spoke volumes of his confusion.

“I think one of the big men upset her,” Aiden murmured, his voice low, but the guard in the front seat flinched at the mention. He turned slightly, his eyes wide with panic.

“Ma’am, I was just trying to stop her from walking towards a stranger,” he stammered, eager to defend his actions.

“He is not a stranger! He is my friend!” Aria protested, her voice rising with indignation as she shot a defiant look at the guard.

“How do you have a friend here?” Alessa asked, a teasing smile creeping onto her lips, hoping to lighten the mood.

“I met him in the hallway when we left the room,” Aria replied, her cheeks flushing with excitement. Alessa’s eyebrows shot up in surprise.

“You left the room?” she inquired, glancing back and forth between Aria and Aiden, who wore a similar expression of disbelief.

“Aria, you actually left the room?” Aiden echoed incredulously, his eyes wide as he turned to his sister.

“What? It was your idea!” Aria shot back, her voice tinged with frustration. Aiden shook his head slightly, a smirk forming on his lips.

“Alessa and I are very disappointed in you, Aria,” he stated, his tone mock-serious. In an instant, Aria reached out, grabbing a handful of his hair and pulling it hard.

“Ow!” he yelled, instinctively reaching for her hair in retaliation, but Alessa was quicker. She scooped Aria up in her arms, effectively blocking Aiden’s reach.

“It’s alright, I’m not mad,” Alessa reassured, her voice soothing.

“He pulled my hair!” Aiden whined, his expression comically exaggerated. Aria, undeterred, stuck her tongue out at him.

“You lied!” she accused.

“Enough of that,” Alessa interjected, her tone firm as she directed a stern look at both of them.

“Who is this friend you met?” Alessa asked Aria, her curiosity piqued. A radiant smile broke across Aria’s face.

“He’s tall and handsome, and he’s a man!” she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with delight. Alessa nodded slowly, intrigued.

“What’s his name?” she pressed further.

“He didn’t tell me,” Aria admitted, her enthusiasm dimming slightly.

“Alright, but you must be careful. You can’t just talk to strangers; not everyone is your friend,” Alessa cautioned, her voice serious yet gentle. The little girl nodded obediently, her expression thoughtful.

“Do you want to apologize to your brother?” Aria looked at Aiden, a hint of mischief in her eyes.

“Sorry, Aiden,” she mumbled, her voice barely above a whisper.

He rolled his eyes dramatically, turning away as if offended. Alessa couldn’t help but chuckle as Aria nestled her head against her chest, a soft-hearted child seeking comfort.

Though Aiden and Aria were polar opposites—Aiden, with his sharp wit and bravado, and Aria, gentle and sweet—Alessa cherished them both equally, her heart swelling with love for her unique children.

**Chapter 11 (continued)**

“I feel uncomfortable,” Aria whispered as the stylist deftly adjusted the fit of her gown.

Having settled into their grand mansion just yesterday, Alessa had been determined to ensure her children felt at home. Tomorrow night marked the first ball of the season, and time was of the essence. She needed to prepare her kids for the event, and one of the city’s finest stylists was present to assist with their outfits.

“I feel so comfortable in mine,” Aiden chimed in, a grin spreading across his face as he admired his reflection in the mirror. Clad in a well-tailored suit adorned with sparkling gemstones, he looked every bit the part.

“I will make it comfortable for you, dear. Just need to get the perfect size first,” the stylist assured Aria, who managed a smile despite her earlier discomfort.

Alessa sat on the couch, observing the scene unfold in one of the mansion’s many opulent rooms.

“Mum, why are we dressed like birthday presents?” Aiden asked, turning to his mother with a playful glint in his eyes. Alessa chuckled, shaking her head slightly at his antics.

“We’re going to a ball tomorrow night—the city’s first ball of the season,” she explained, and Aria’s eyes widened with curiosity.

“A ball?” she echoed, confusion evident in her voice.

“It’s like a party for the wealthy,” Alessa clarified with a smile.

“Oh,” Aiden murmured, nodding as he absorbed the information.

“There will be tons of reporters there taking pictures, various activities to enjoy, and overall, it will be a blast!” Alessa added, her excitement infectious. Aiden’s face lit up at the thought.

“I need to start practicing my poses! I have to look good. I am the first son of a billionaire!” he declared proudly, striking a pose in front of the mirror.

When the chauffeur finally pulled up in front of a grand building swarming with reporters, Aiden’s eyes widened in awe. A vibrant red carpet stretched invitingly up the stairs leading to the entrance.

“Wow, there are so many people here!” Aiden exclaimed, his gaze darting around in excitement.

The guards from the other vehicles began to surround their car, creating a protective barrier as Alessa prepared her children for the moment ahead.

“Are you ready?” Alessa asked, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and nerves. They both nodded eagerly, their faces alight with anticipation.

“Remember, it’s us against the world, right?” she prompted, and they shared a knowing smile.

“It’s us against the world,” they reiterated, a united front.

As the guards opened the car door, Alessa stepped out slowly, her children following suit. Instantly, the flash of cameras erupted around them, and murmurs filled the air.

“Is that Alessa?”

“Isn’t she the billionaire’s wife from years ago?”

“It’s Alessa!”

“Who is she?”

The comments swirled around them as Alessa walked with grace, her children by her side. Aria, feeling the weight of the attention, tightened her grip on her mother’s hand, seeking solace.

Aiden, on the other hand, reveled in the spotlight, striking poses for the eager reporters.

Upon entering the grand ballroom, all eyes turned toward Alessa, and she felt a rush of exhilaration as her lips curled into a smile. The astonished expressions of the guests were worth every moment of anticipation.

Although not everyone recognized her, those who didn’t commented on her stunning appearance and that of her children. Alessa’s gaze swept across the room, searching for a familiar face. When her eyes finally locked onto his, an electric connection sparked between them.

“That’s it,” she thought to herself, her heart racing.

The moment lingered for a few seconds before she averted her gaze, lifting her chin high with renewed confidence.

She couldn’t help but chuckle inwardly, recalling the look of shock on his face.

That expression.

After six long years, this moment had finally arrived, and it was undeniably worth the wait!