The Billionaire’s Regret -Alessa (by Bukolami) novel Chapter 72

**Shadows Beneath the Silent Moon**

**Rising Echoes by Aiden R. Vale**

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“Aliyah saw it.” The chilling words from Lily cut through the atmosphere like a razor-sharp blade, leaving Alessa momentarily frozen in a state of disbelief. What could Lily possibly mean? Aliyah had been right there beside her; how could her friend become entangled in this twisted web of deceit?

Alessa’s heart thundered in her chest as she turned to face Aliyah, her eyes pleading for some semblance of clarity. Aliyah met her gaze, resolute and unwavering, and for a fleeting moment, a flicker of hope ignited within Alessa. Surely, Aliyah would stand by her side, would speak the truth about their shared experience, and expose the lie that Lily had spun.

“Aliyah, did you witness what happened?” Madam Olga’s authoritative voice sliced through the tension, and all eyes in the room shifted expectantly toward Aliyah. The air was thick with anticipation, each person holding their breath, waiting for the truth to unfold.

“Come on, Aliyah. Just tell her the truth,” Alessa urged, her voice barely a whisper, laden with desperation.

Aliyah hesitated, her throat constricting as she swallowed hard, the weight of the moment pressing down upon her like a heavy fog.

“Yes,” she finally uttered, and in that instant, Alessa felt her heart plummet into an abyss of despair.

“What did you see?” Madam Olga pressed, her eyes glinting with authority. Aliyah faltered, the silence stretching uncomfortably as she gathered her thoughts, the tension in the room palpable.

“I… I saw… I saw Alessa threaten Lily in the locker room. After we left, she took a knife during lunch and stabbed Lily. Alessa did it.” Aliyah’s words struck like a thunderclap, and Alessa’s mouth fell open in shock.

Disbelief washed over her, leaving her reeling as she stared at Aliyah, her heart fracturing into a million shards. How could Aliyah betray her in such a cruel manner? It was an outrageous lie, one that cut deeper than any blade.

Tears blurred her vision as she continued to gaze at Aliyah, who had lowered her head, avoiding Alessa’s anguished stare. The weight of betrayal felt suffocating, a heavy stone lodged in Alessa’s chest.

“Alessa.” Madam Olga’s voice broke through the haze of her thoughts, and Alessa turned to face her, anger simmering just beneath the surface.

“For lying, your punishment has just escalated. Get on the table,” she commanded, her tone brooking no argument. Alessa scoffed, rolling her eyes defiantly.

“I refuse to get on that table! I did nothing wrong. Aliyah is the one lying!” Alessa’s voice rang out, filled with indignation and fierce determination.

“Isn’t Aliyah your friend? Why would she lie about you?” Madam Olga’s question pierced through Alessa like a dagger, and her heart shattered further as she glanced at Aliyah, who remained silent.

“I didn’t do it! I could never hurt Lily! You know me!” Alessa shouted, desperation clawing at her throat, her voice rising in pitch.

“Really? Just an hour ago, you assaulted a man until he was unconscious, and you claim you can’t hurt anyone? You’re out of control,” Madam Olga retorted, her tone sharp and unforgiving.

“This is absurd! This is complete madness! I didn’t do anything!” Alessa snapped, her voice rising higher, shocking everyone in the room with her fervor.

“There it is, your lack of control is evident,” Madam Olga remarked with a smirk, reveling in Alessa’s turmoil.

“To hell with this! To hell with you and everything in this place! I will not get on that table and accept punishment for something I didn’t do!” Alessa’s anger surged, and she fought back tears that threatened to spill over.

She was bewildered by her own audacity, but the pain of betrayal burned brighter than her fear. It wasn’t just Lily who ignited her fury; it was Aliyah, the last person she ever expected to deceive her.

“Get on this table and accept your punishment, or I’ll have them hold you down and make it worse,” Madam Olga threatened, but Alessa stood her ground, unyielding.

“Go to hell,” Alessa shot back defiantly, and gasps echoed around the room. Even Lily looked taken aback, her expression a mixture of shock and satisfaction.

Madam Olga’s surprise was fleeting, expertly masked by her stoic demeanor.

“Very well, then. I’ll have your children sold off in a few minutes,” she replied, her voice cold and calculated. Alessa’s eyes widened in horror, panic rising in her chest.

“No, no! I’m sorry!” she exclaimed, her voice trembling as she bowed her head, the weight of her situation crashing down on her like a tidal wave.

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