The Billionaire’s Regret -Alessa (by Bukolami) novel Chapter 50

**Shadows Beneath the Silent Moon**
**Rising Echoes by Aiden R. Vale**
**Chapter 50**

“No, no. It’s ultimately your choice, but you’re free to leave. You are pregnant, Alessa,” he said, his tone a mixture of concern and resignation.

Alessa paused, her mind racing. The thought of leaving this place, which had slowly become a sanctuary for her, filled her with uncertainty. Just a short while ago, she would have jumped at the chance to escape, but now, she found herself hesitating.

Could she really walk away? Not now, when she had finally forged friendships that felt genuine. Not when she had earned the respect of those around her, and a few even looked up to her as a beacon of strength. The idea of leaving felt like a betrayal, especially now that she was beginning to find her own voice and, more importantly, starting to feel a growing resentment towards Bryan.

“Alessa?” Rico’s voice broke through her thoughts, pulling her back to the present.

“I will stay,” she declared firmly, watching as Rico raised his eyebrows in surprise.

“Are you sure?” he asked, his voice laced with concern. She nodded, feeling a surge of determination.

“Absolutely sure,” she replied, her voice steady.

Rico let out a sigh, a hint of worry etched across his features. She offered him a reassuring smile, trying to alleviate the guilt she sensed he carried for bringing her here.

“It’s okay, Rico. I’m fine,” she said softly, wrapping her arms around him in a comforting hug.

“Cheer up, Rico. Be happy for me! I’ve just moved up to the next rank,” she exclaimed as he gently pulled away from their embrace.

“Congratulations!” he chuckled, a genuine smile breaking across his face.

“Oh, and I thought of some names for your babies,” he added, watching her face light up with curiosity.

“Really? What names did you come up with?” she asked eagerly, her heart fluttering at the thought.

“Are they both boys? Or girls? Or maybe one of each?” he inquired, his eyes sparkling with mischief.

“I don’t know. Madam Olga wouldn’t tell me,” she replied, a hint of frustration in her voice.

“Well, if it turns out to be a boy and a girl, I think we should call them Aria and Aiden,” he suggested, his enthusiasm infectious.

“Aria and Aiden,” Alessa repeated, savoring the names as she nodded in approval. “I like it. Aria and Aiden,” she added, a smile spreading across her face.

“I’ll start gathering everything you might need to make things easier for you when the time comes,” he promised, and Alessa chuckled, shaking her head.

“What? You don’t have to worry about that. You have a store to run and…”

“Oh, I haven’t mentioned this yet. I’m actually a millionaire. The store is just a front. I don’t really sell groceries; I’m involved in much shadier dealings,” he confessed, a playful smirk dancing on his lips.

Alessa blinked in disbelief, her mind racing to process the revelation. Rico, a millionaire?

“Wow,” she breathed, her eyes wide with surprise.

“Yeah, surprise,” he laughed, and she couldn’t help but smile back at him.

“So don’t fret about the money. I’ll take care of everything you need. And if Olga won’t spill the beans about the babies’ genders, I’ll just buy unisex clothes. How does that sound?” he asked, his voice warm and reassuring.

Tears pricked at the corners of Alessa’s eyes, and she enveloped him in another hug, feeling overwhelmed by his kindness.

“Oh, Rico. Thank you so much,” she whispered, her heart swelling with gratitude.

He smiled down at her, wrapping his arms around her in a protective embrace.

“I promise to make you proud here. By the time you visit again, I’ll be in the next rank,” Alessa said, pulling back from the hug, determination shining in her eyes.

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