The Billionaire’s Regret -Alessa (by Bukolami) novel Chapter 18

**Shadows Beneath the Silent Moon**
**Rising Echoes by Aiden R. Vale**
**Chapter 18**

Just as she was about to call out their names, a cascade of laughter and playful giggles floated up from the staircase, filling the air with a sense of warmth and nostalgia. A smile crept onto her face, and she couldn’t help but chuckle, shaking her head as memories rushed back to her—those tender moments when she had carried them within her, feeling their tiny kicks and movements.

**SIX YEARS AGO**

Alessa found herself staring intently at the small, white pills resting in her palm. Her heart raced as she bit down on her lip, the weight of the decision looming heavily over her. This moment felt monumental, and she couldn’t shake off the turmoil swirling in her mind.

‘It’s for the best,’ she repeated to herself, trying to find solace in the thought.

Her gaze shifted downwards to her growing belly, and as tears began to well up in her eyes, she felt an overwhelming wave of sorrow wash over her.

“I’m so sorry. I am so, so sorry,” she whispered, her voice trembling as the tears began to cascade down her cheeks.

“I want to keep you, but I just don’t know how to take care of you,” she murmured, her heart aching with the weight of her words. Each tear that fell felt like a piece of her heart breaking, leaving her feeling more lost than ever.

With a heavy sigh, she closed her eyes tightly, trying to gather her thoughts. Just as she was about to swallow the pills, a loud bang reverberated through her door, startling her.

The force of the knock made her flinch, and she instinctively dropped the pills onto her bed, her heart racing. Who could it possibly be? She had no friends, no visitors, and certainly no one who would come looking for her.

“Open up, ma’am. It’s the cops!” a voice barked from the other side of the door.

“The cops? What the hell?” Alessa exclaimed, her mind racing with confusion and fear.

Wiping her tears hastily, she rushed to the door, flinging it open. The moment she did, two officers surged into her small apartment, pushing her aside without a second thought.

They were both tall and imposing, their uniforms crisp and their expressions serious as they began to scour her modest living space. Alessa stood there, bewildered, her heart pounding in her chest.

“Excuse me, what is happening? What are you looking for?” she managed to ask, her voice shaky with anxiety.

One of the officers turned to face her, brandishing a piece of paper. “We have a warrant to search this room,” he stated flatly, his tone leaving no room for argument.

“What? For what reason?” she asked, her confusion deepening.

“Do you know this man?” he continued, thrusting a photograph toward her. Alessa’s heart sank as she recognized the face staring back at her.

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