The Billionaire’s Regret -Alessa (by Bukolami) novel Chapter 72

**Shadows Beneath the Silent Moon**

**Rising Echoes by Aiden R. Vale**

—

“Aliyah saw it.” The chilling words from Lily cut through the atmosphere like a razor-sharp blade, leaving Alessa momentarily frozen in a state of disbelief. What could Lily possibly mean? Aliyah had been right there beside her; how could her friend become entangled in this twisted web of deceit?

Alessa’s heart thundered in her chest as she turned to face Aliyah, her eyes pleading for some semblance of clarity. Aliyah met her gaze, resolute and unwavering, and for a fleeting moment, a flicker of hope ignited within Alessa. Surely, Aliyah would stand by her side, would speak the truth about their shared experience, and expose the lie that Lily had spun.

“Aliyah, did you witness what happened?” Madam Olga’s authoritative voice sliced through the tension, and all eyes in the room shifted expectantly toward Aliyah. The air was thick with anticipation, each person holding their breath, waiting for the truth to unfold.

“Come on, Aliyah. Just tell her the truth,” Alessa urged, her voice barely a whisper, laden with desperation.

Aliyah hesitated, her throat constricting as she swallowed hard, the weight of the moment pressing down upon her like a heavy fog.

“Yes,” she finally uttered, and in that instant, Alessa felt her heart plummet into an abyss of despair.

“What did you see?” Madam Olga pressed, her eyes glinting with authority. Aliyah faltered, the silence stretching uncomfortably as she gathered her thoughts, the tension in the room palpable.

“I… I saw… I saw Alessa threaten Lily in the locker room. After we left, she took a knife during lunch and stabbed Lily. Alessa did it.” Aliyah’s words struck like a thunderclap, and Alessa’s mouth fell open in shock.

Disbelief washed over her, leaving her reeling as she stared at Aliyah, her heart fracturing into a million shards. How could Aliyah betray her in such a cruel manner? It was an outrageous lie, one that cut deeper than any blade.

Tears blurred her vision as she continued to gaze at Aliyah, who had lowered her head, avoiding Alessa’s anguished stare. The weight of betrayal felt suffocating, a heavy stone lodged in Alessa’s chest.

“Alessa.” Madam Olga’s voice broke through the haze of her thoughts, and Alessa turned to face her, anger simmering just beneath the surface.

“For lying, your punishment has just escalated. Get on the table,” she commanded, her tone brooking no argument. Alessa scoffed, rolling her eyes defiantly.

“I refuse to get on that table! I did nothing wrong. Aliyah is the one lying!” Alessa’s voice rang out, filled with indignation and fierce determination.

“Isn’t Aliyah your friend? Why would she lie about you?” Madam Olga’s question pierced through Alessa like a dagger, and her heart shattered further as she glanced at Aliyah, who remained silent.

“I didn’t do it! I could never hurt Lily! You know me!” Alessa shouted, desperation clawing at her throat, her voice rising in pitch.

“Really? Just an hour ago, you assaulted a man until he was unconscious, and you claim you can’t hurt anyone? You’re out of control,” Madam Olga retorted, her tone sharp and unforgiving.

“This is absurd! This is complete madness! I didn’t do anything!” Alessa snapped, her voice rising higher, shocking everyone in the room with her fervor.

“There it is, your lack of control is evident,” Madam Olga remarked with a smirk, reveling in Alessa’s turmoil.

“To hell with this! To hell with you and everything in this place! I will not get on that table and accept punishment for something I didn’t do!” Alessa’s anger surged, and she fought back tears that threatened to spill over.

She was bewildered by her own audacity, but the pain of betrayal burned brighter than her fear. It wasn’t just Lily who ignited her fury; it was Aliyah, the last person she ever expected to deceive her.

“Get on this table and accept your punishment, or I’ll have them hold you down and make it worse,” Madam Olga threatened, but Alessa stood her ground, unyielding.

“Go to hell,” Alessa shot back defiantly, and gasps echoed around the room. Even Lily looked taken aback, her expression a mixture of shock and satisfaction.

Madam Olga’s surprise was fleeting, expertly masked by her stoic demeanor.

“Very well, then. I’ll have your children sold off in a few minutes,” she replied, her voice cold and calculated. Alessa’s eyes widened in horror, panic rising in her chest.

“No, no! I’m sorry!” she exclaimed, her voice trembling as she bowed her head, the weight of her situation crashing down on her like a tidal wave.

After several moments of pleading went unanswered, Aliyah sighed, the weight of remorse palpable in the air.

Alessa closed her eyes, exhaling heavily as she fought against the rage that threatened to consume her.

She was done being a pawn, done being treated like trash. Trust was a luxury she could no longer afford. Friends? She was finished with that too!

It was time to face the harsh reality that she was alone, just her against the world. Just her, Aria, and Aiden against the odds.

Her goals were now singular and clear: conquer every trial that lay ahead, escape this hellhole within a year, reunite with her children, and ensure that everyone who had ever wronged her paid dearly for their transgressions.

And first on her list was Bryan Hart. She would put a bullet in his head, and relish every moment of it.

—

As the echoes of betrayal reverberated in Alessa’s mind, she realized that the bonds she once cherished had been irrevocably severed. The pain of Aliyah’s betrayal weighed heavily on her heart, a stark reminder that trust could be as dangerous as it was comforting. In the wake of Madam Olga’s punishment, Alessa felt a fierce resolve igniting within her, a determination to rise from the ashes of her despair. No longer would she allow herself to be a victim of circumstance or the deceit of those she once considered friends. The world outside her prison was fraught with danger, yet it was also filled with possibilities, and Alessa was ready to seize them.

With her heart hardened and her spirit unyielding, Alessa embraced her solitude as a source of strength. The path ahead was laden with challenges, but she was no longer afraid. Each trial would serve as a stepping stone towards her ultimate goal: freedom and vengeance. As she envisioned the faces of those who had wronged her, a chilling smile crept onto her lips. Alessa was not just a survivor; she was a force to be reckoned with. She would face every obstacle head-on, and with each victory, she would reclaim a piece of herself that had been lost in the shadows. The silent moon watched over her, a witness to her transformation, as Alessa prepared to carve her own destiny in a world that had tried to break her.

—

**What to Expect in Next Chapter?**

In the next chapter, readers can expect Alessa to navigate the treacherous waters of betrayal and vengeance as she grapples with the aftermath of Aliyah’s shocking testimony. The emotional turmoil within her will intensify, igniting a fierce determination to reclaim her agency and confront the injustices that have plagued her existence. With the weight of her past threatening to drown her, Alessa will begin to forge alliances with unexpected companions, including Aria and Aiden, who may hold the key to her survival in this unforgiving world.

As Alessa plots her revenge against those who have wronged her, the stakes will escalate, leading her to confront not only her enemies but also the haunting memories of her children. The tension will mount as she devises a plan to dismantle the oppressive regime of Madam Olga and expose the darkness lurking within the institution. With each calculated move, Alessa will inch closer to her ultimate goal, but the question remains: will her thirst for vengeance consume her, or will she find a way to rise above the shadows that threaten to engulf her? Prepare for a chapter filled with heart-pounding suspense, unexpected twists, and a fierce resolve that will leave readers breathless and eager for more.