The Billionaire’s Regret -Alessa (by Bukolami) novel Chapter 62

**Shadows Beneath the Silent Moon**
**Rising Echoes by Aiden R. Vale**
**Chapter 62**

“Yes, ma’am?” Thane responded, his voice steady yet curious.

“It’s okay, you can call me Aria,” she replied, her delicate finger tracing lazy circles on his chest, a playful gesture that brought a hint of warmth to the moment.

“Okay. Yes, Aria?” he asked, his brow slightly furrowing as he tried to gauge her thoughts.

“Do we have a father?” she inquired, her innocent tone carrying a weight that surprised him.

“Everyone has a father,” Thane answered, a hint of uncertainty creeping into his voice.

“Really? Who is it then?” she pressed, her eyes wide with curiosity.

“I don’t know who it is, Aria,” Thane admitted, and he could feel the heaviness of her sigh as she exhaled, disappointment settling in the air between them.

After a brief silence, Thane took her hand, leading her out of the hotel. They walked toward the car, the cool evening breeze brushing against their faces.

As he reached for the door to the back seat, Aria let out a groan of protest.

“No, I will sit with you,” she whined, her small features scrunching up in a way that made it hard for him to resist.

“Okay,” he relented, opening the door to the passenger’s seat instead. He slid in, casting a reassuring glance back at Alessa, who stood watching them with a calm expression.

Alessa offered a soft smile, her heart lightened by the knowledge that Aria was in safe hands, even as her own thoughts drifted elsewhere.

With a contented sigh, Aria closed her eyes, the comfort of the car lulling her into a peaceful sleep almost instantly.

Hours later, they landed back in New York. Aria remained nestled in Alessa’s arms, her small frame rising and falling with each gentle breath. Aiden, on the other hand, was wide awake, his mind racing with thoughts and questions.

As they disembarked from the plane, they made their way toward the cars waiting to whisk them away. Tracy was heading in a different direction, her own plans pulling her away from their group.

“Alessa,” Tracy called out just as she was about to get into her car.

“The Harts family dinner is tomorrow, and you’re invited. You can come if you want,” she extended the invitation, her eyes hopeful.

Alessa simply nodded in response, a flicker of interest lighting up her features.

“Please come,” Tracy added, her tone earnest, and Alessa managed a small smile before climbing into the car.

The drive back to the mansion was swift, the city lights blurring past them as Aiden succumbed to sleep, exhaustion finally taking its toll.

Though the sun had not yet set, the weariness that enveloped them made it feel as though night had already fallen. One by one, they drifted off as soon as they arrived home.

—

Alessa stirred awake, a low groan escaping her lips as she blinked against the darkness of the room. Sitting up, she glanced at the clock on her nightstand—it was nearly midnight. A nagging thought crossed her mind; she needed to check on her children.

Quietly, she slipped out of her room, the soft carpet muffling her footsteps. As she approached Aiden’s door, she paused, hearing their voices—lively and animated. They were awake, both of them, and clearly having fun in Aiden’s room.

With a gentle push, she opened the door just enough to peek inside, a smile breaking across her face. There they were, seated on the bed, engrossed in a game on their gadget, laughter bubbling between them.

“Can I come in?” she asked, her voice light and cheerful. Aiden glanced at Aria, who nodded, granting permission.

“Yes,” he replied, his tone a mix of enthusiasm and reluctance.

Alessa’s smile widened like a child’s as she fully entered the room, closing the door behind her. She walked over to the bed, settling down across from them, her heart swelling with affection.

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