The Billionaire’s Regret -Alessa (by Bukolami) novel Chapter 38

**Shadows Beneath the Silent Moon**
**Rising Echoes by Aiden R. Vale**
**Chapter 38**

“Aiden,” Aria said, her voice curious as she looked at him intently, “have you ever thought about why we seem so… weird?” She was perched on the edge of her chair, legs crossed beneath her, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

The maids who were in the room exchanged glances filled with apprehension. They were acutely aware that the children were not meant to be seated at the dining table, especially during breakfast. The atmosphere was thick with unspoken rules and the weight of expectation.

Aria’s legs mirrored Aiden’s, both of them comfortably folded. In front of them sat a bowl of cereal, a simple yet oddly comforting choice for the morning. They preferred it dry, eschewing the milk that would typically accompany such a meal.

“Absolutely,” Aiden replied, nodding thoughtfully as he popped a handful of cereal into his mouth, crunching it loudly. “It’s something I’ve pondered quite a bit.”

“But being rich has to make it better, right?” Aria posited, her brow furrowing slightly as she considered the implications of their wealth.

“Definitely!” Aiden chuckled, his voice light with amusement. “Our mum is a billionaire, and we’ve got this posh accent to boot. Seriously, what more could we possibly ask for?” He grinned, the joy of their privilege evident in his demeanor.

Just then, Alessa entered the dining room, her presence commanding immediate attention. She halted, surprise flickering across her face as she took in the sight of her children at the table. “Oh, hey, Mummy,” Aria chimed, a giggle escaping her lips as she waved with one hand, the other busy licking the remnants of cereal from her fingers.

One of the maids, flustered and eager to explain, rushed forward. “Ma’am, we told them to get off the table, but they refused to listen. They insisted on having their breakfast up here,” she said, bowing her head in respect and embarrassment.

Alessa offered a gentle nod as she approached the table, her expression softening. “It’s perfectly fine,” she reassured the maids, who visibly relaxed, lifting their heads with relief.

Aiden and Aria shifted to face their mother as she settled into a chair, the air thick with familial warmth.

“You’re all dressed up. Are you going somewhere?” Aiden observed, his gaze flicking to her elegant outfit.

“Yes, I have a meeting with the Harts at their company,” Alessa replied, her tone pragmatic yet tinged with the weight of her responsibilities.

As the maids began to serve her breakfast, Alessa waved them away once they finished, signaling that she could manage on her own.

“How long will you be gone?” Aria inquired, her curiosity piqued.

“I can’t say for sure, maybe a few hours,” Alessa shrugged, her fork poised over her plate as she began to eat.

“Mummy, when are we going to see Damien?” Aria blurted out suddenly, her innocent question hanging in the air like a fragile balloon. Alessa’s heart skipped a beat, a rush of emotions flooding her.

“Oh, she doesn’t like it when you mention Damien now,” Aiden teased, a playful smirk on his face as both children turned their attention to their mother, eyes wide with anticipation.

“Will he come here?” Aria tilted her head, trying to gauge her mother’s reaction, her little face earnest and hopeful.

“Hmm.” Alessa cleared her throat, the tension palpable. “If he wants to,” she said hurriedly, stuffing a bite of food into her mouth to avoid further inquiries.

“Can we talk to him?” Aria pressed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Alessa, her mouth full, could only make muffled noises in response, prompting a chuckle from Aiden.

“Can we come to the company with you?” Aiden asked, his voice eager as soon as Alessa had swallowed.

“No,” Alessa replied with a sigh, her thoughts racing. She hadn’t anticipated that breakfast would turn into an interrogation session.

“Why not? We get so bored at home! You promised we could go out more often, so why not now?” Aiden countered, his voice rising slightly with frustration.

“It’s business, Aiden,” Alessa said, her tone firm yet gentle, trying to convey the seriousness of her work.

“But we won’t disturb you! The big scary man can come with us, and once you’re finished with your meeting, we can all go out together!” Aria chimed in, her enthusiasm infectious as she looked at her mother hopefully.

“Thane, his name is Thane, Aria,” Aiden corrected, a hint of exasperation in his voice.

“But he’s scary,” Aria replied, a small pout forming on her lips as she glanced at Thane, who loomed in the background.

They both leaned closer to their mother, their expressions pleading, waiting for her to make a decision.

“Alright, fine,” Alessa relented, a smile breaking through her initial resolve. The twins erupted into cheers, their joy filling the room.

“Are you finished with your breakfast?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with amusement.

“Yes!” they chorused, their voices bright and jubilant.

“Then go get dressed,” she instructed, a hint of authority in her voice.

Immediately, they reached out their tiny arms, eager for her assistance in getting off the table.

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