The Billionaire’s Regret -Alessa (by Bukolami) novel Chapter 49

**Shadows Beneath the Silent Moon**
**Rising Echoes by Aiden R. Vale**
**Chapter 49**

**SIX YEARS AGO**

Alessa stirred restlessly in her slumber, a soft moan escaping her lips. She braced herself for the familiar ache in her back, but to her surprise, it was absent. Instead, a dull throb lingered in her chest and radiated down to her hand, a reminder of the ordeal she had just endured.

“Hey, Alessa. Are you awake?” A voice floated to her, warm and familiar, pulling her from the depths of her dreams. Slowly, she cracked her eyes open, the light blinding her momentarily, until she recognized Aliyah standing beside her, a radiant smile illuminating her face.

“Aliyah,” she breathed, the name a soft whisper on her lips.

“Yes?” Aliyah replied, her smile widening as she leaned closer, her presence comforting.

“You did it, you passed,” she declared, her voice brimming with excitement.

“Wh… what? I passed?” Alessa stammered, disbelief coloring her tone.

“Yes, you did,” Aliyah confirmed, her enthusiasm infectious.

Alessa squeezed her eyes shut again, desperately trying to piece together the fragments of her memory. The events of the arena flooded back to her, vivid and haunting.

“I killed someone,” she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper as she turned her gaze to Aliyah, searching for reassurance.

“Yes,” Aliyah nodded solemnly, understanding the weight of that truth.

A heavy sigh escaped Alessa as she surveyed the room around her, recognizing it as similar to the one she had first awakened in. The sterile scent of antiseptic hung in the air, a stark reminder of her recent trials.

“How long have I been here?” she asked, her voice tinged with curiosity and concern as she turned her attention back to Aliyah.

“Two days,” came the reply, a simple yet significant answer.

“Two days?” Alessa echoed, her mind racing to comprehend the passage of time.

“Yeah, Madam Olga instructed the nurse to ensure you received proper care and rest since you passed your trial,” Aliyah explained, her tone lightening Alessa’s heart.

A wave of relief washed over Alessa. She was grateful for her success, yet the memories of what she had done clawed at her conscience. She shook her head, trying to dispel the lingering darkness.

“I don’t want to remember stabbing someone to death. It’s… it’s too much,” she confessed, a shudder running through her.

“Thank you, Aliyah,” she said, her voice filled with gratitude.

Aliyah chuckled softly, brushing her fingers through her hair before nodding encouragingly. “You did it all by yourself, but you are welcome.”

Alessa returned her smile, though it felt fragile. Thoughts of Bryan crept into her mind, causing her smile to wane. The pain he had caused her was still fresh, a wound that refused to heal.

“I… I don’t think I really like Bryan anymore,” she admitted, her voice trembling with uncertainty.

Aliyah’s expression turned serious, her eyes narrowing slightly. “You shouldn’t like him. He doesn’t deserve anything good that life has to offer,” she declared firmly, her conviction evident.

Just as Alessa was about to respond, the door swung open, and a nurse entered, holding a crisp blue uniform in her hands.

Alessa opened the door slowly, stepping inside.

“Alessa,” she heard a voice call out, and her heart leaped as she spotted Rico in the corner of the room, a look of relief washing over his features.

“Rico!” Alessa exclaimed, joy spilling from her as she rushed toward him. He met her halfway, wrapping her in a careful embrace that felt both safe and comforting.

“I passed my trial, Rico. I passed my first trial!” she exclaimed, her happiness bubbling over as she clung to him.

Madam Olga stood up and discreetly exited the office, granting them a moment of privacy.

“I know, I heard about it. Everyone heard about it,” Rico replied, his tone filled with warmth.

“Everyone?” Alessa asked, pulling back from their embrace, her eyes wide with surprise.

“Yeah. That’s why I came here. We all heard how crazy Olga was to put a pregnant woman in a fight to the death. Everyone is talking about it, about your victory,” he explained, a mix of admiration and concern etched on his face. Alessa felt a whirlwind of emotions—confusion, surprise, and elation all at once.

“Wow, wow,” she chuckled, her mind racing to process the implications of his words.

“Yes. I was furious and worried when I heard, so I had to come. I’ve already spoken with our bosses and Olga; you can leave now. You’re done with this. I will take care of you and your babies,” Rico said, his hands enveloping hers with a reassuring grip.

But slowly, Alessa’s smile faded, replaced by a dawning realization.

“I am getting kicked out?” she asked, her voice trembling with uncertainty.