The Billionaire’s Regret -Alessa (by Bukolami) novel Chapter 69

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

The fight erupted with an intensity that left Alessa reeling from the very start. The first punch landed with a sickening thud, sending her crashing to the floor in mere seconds.

Laughter erupted from him, a cruel sound that echoed through the hall, while the other guys cheered, their voices a cacophony of mockery.

“What’s so special about you, huh? You were pregnant, and look at you now—any lady could do this!” His taunts cut through the air, and the laughter of the others rang like a twisted symphony of derision.

Alessa lay there, momentarily stunned, her heart pounding in her chest as she stared up at him. The humiliation washed over her like a cold wave. With a deep breath, she pushed herself up and turned to exit the ring, seeking an escape from the ridicule.

“Again,” came the sudden command from Madam Olga, her voice slicing through the noise like a knife. All eyes turned to her, and Alessa halted, curiosity and frustration battling within her.

“What?” one of the teachers questioned, disbelief coloring his tone.

“Again,” Madam Olga repeated, her authority brooking no argument. Alessa let out a weary sigh, glancing at Aliyah, who watched her with a mix of concern and encouragement.

“I guess I’ll have to beat you twice,” he chuckled, and Alessa felt her heart race with dread. Just as before, within moments, she found herself on the ground once more, the impact jarring her senses.

“Again,” Madam Olga commanded, her voice booming. Alessa pushed herself up, determination flickering in her chest, but the cycle continued. Again and again, he bested her, and with each defeat, Madam Olga’s relentless orders echoed in her ears, each one chipping away at her resolve.

Weakness began to seep into her limbs.

“Come on, Alessa! You’re not even trying!” Aliyah’s voice broke through her haze of despair as she stood once more.

And just like that, he knocked her down again, the guys reveling in the spectacle of her struggle.

Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted as Madam Olga stood, commanding immediate silence. She strode purposefully to the ring, her presence demanding attention.

Alessa, groaning in pain on the floor, looked up at her with a mix of fear and hope.

“Why do you keep failing?” Madam Olga’s question hung heavy in the air.

“He’s too strong,” Alessa whimpered, the words escaping her lips like a confession of defeat.

“Do you truly believe that strength is the only factor in this fight? Do you think it determines victory or defeat?” The intensity of Madam Olga’s gaze bore into Alessa, seeking a spark of defiance. Alessa remained silent, her pain muffling her voice.

“If you fail again, you will always be weaker,” Madam Olga warned, her tone steely.

“He is beating you because you allow him to dictate the terms of this fight. You’re not even putting up a real struggle. The fear you feel is a construct of your mind; he is nothing more than an illusion.”

“You want to win? Change the rules. Improvise, adapt, cheat!” she shouted, her voice rising with fervor.

“Embrace your strength, fight like a fierce woman!” She locked eyes with Alessa for a long moment, a challenge and an invitation intertwined, before stepping out of the ring and returning to her seat.

“Again!” she commanded, and Alessa, filled with a renewed sense of purpose, climbed to her feet.

She wiped the blood from her nose, forming a fist with trembling fingers.

Madam Olga’s words echoed in her mind, a mantra of empowerment. She focused on the muscular man before her, trying to convince herself that he was not as formidable as he seemed.

The fight resumed, and as he swung at her, she barely dodged the first punch, but the second was on its way. In a moment of clarity, she sidestepped and landed a blow to his face.

Surprise flickered across his features as he stumbled back, momentarily caught off guard. It was the first time she had struck him.

He charged again, fury etched on his face, but Alessa was ready. She dodged once more and landed a punch to his side, eliciting a groan of pain from him.

“Yes, come on, Alessa!” Aliyah’s voice rang out, a beacon of encouragement amidst the chaos.

“Take him down!” the other women shouted, their voices a chorus of support.

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