The Billionaire’s Regret -Alessa (by Bukolami) novel Chapter 78

**Shadows Beneath the Silent Moon**
**Rising Echoes by Aiden R. Vale**
**Chapter 78**

**425 Bonus**

**SIX YEARS AGO**

As Alessa stepped into the arena, she felt the familiar weight of expectation settle on her shoulders. Her fingers deftly twisted her hair into a neat bun, a comforting ritual that allowed her to center her thoughts amidst the storm of emotions swirling within her. The air was thick with anticipation, yet she lingered at the back of the group, deliberately distancing herself from Aliyah, whose presence felt like a jagged edge against her heart.

Only two days had passed since Aliyah’s betrayal had cut deep, and the silence that now enveloped them was suffocating. Alessa watched as Aliyah engaged in animated conversation with Lily, each laugh and shared glance a stark reminder of the rift that had formed between them. A storm of questions churned in Alessa’s mind, each one more desperate than the last.

What on earth has gotten into her?

She pondered the unsettling possibility that Aliyah might feel threatened by Lily, yet that explanation felt flimsy, almost laughable. Aliyah was no novice; she stood among the top students in their training facility. What could Lily possibly possess that would intimidate her? Alessa couldn’t shake the nagging feeling that something far more complex was at play, lurking just beneath the surface.

She had a sixty percent chance of winning in a fight against Lily, but those numbers felt utterly irrelevant in the wake of betrayal.

With a determined breath, Alessa pushed her tumultuous thoughts aside, focusing instead on the singular goal that propelled her forward. She longed for the sanctuary of solitude during the trials, a brief escape from the chaos that enveloped her, all to reunite with her children. As they entered the arena, the purpose of their gathering became immediately clear; they were there to refine their shooting and aiming skills, a task that felt like second nature to her.

Madam Olga, their instructor, stood at the forefront, her presence commanding without the need for words. This was not their first rodeo.

The students took their positions behind the small table that sat at the center of the arena, a table laden with a magazine, a slide, and bullets, all poised for action. Ahead of them, distant targets loomed, resolute and unyielding, a challenge waiting to be conquered.

With arms positioned behind them, they stood at attention, a collective breath held in anticipation of Madam Olga’s command.

Madam Olga surveyed the group with her sharp, discerning gaze, and produced her stopwatch—a signal that sent a ripple of excitement through the air.

“We are working with fifteen seconds today for each round,” she declared, her voice firm and unwavering.

“Begin,” she ordered, and in an instant, eager hands were on the table.

Alessa moved with instinctual precision, loading the bullets into the magazine with a speed that felt almost effortless. She swiftly inserted it into the gun, raised it, and fired. The sound of the shots echoed through the arena, each bullet striking the center of the target with remarkable accuracy. Dropping the gun, she dismantled it and returned her arms to their position behind her, a satisfied smile tugging at her lips.

She was the first to finish, clocking in well before the fifteen-second mark.

“Stop,” Madam Olga commanded, and the students complied, their eyes widening in disbelief as they realized Alessa had completed the round ahead of them. Among the onlookers, Aliyah stood acutely aware, her expression unreadable.

“Again,” Madam Olga instructed, her tone laced with determination.

She wanted to ascertain whether Alessa’s quickness was merely a stroke of luck or a true testament to her skill. This time, Alessa outdid herself, completing the round in an impressive twelve seconds.

Madam Olga’s brow furrowed slightly; Alessa had just set a new record. In their rigorous training, no one had ever managed to assemble a gun, hit the target flawlessly, and disassemble it all within such a short span.

“Stop,” Madam Olga said, striding over to Alessa. Standing before her, Alessa maintained a stern expression, though she dared not meet her gaze directly.

“You seem to have mastered this quite well,” Madam Olga remarked, drawing the attention of the entire class.

“I am simply following orders and applying what you’ve taught us, ma’am,” Alessa replied, her voice steady yet respectful.

“That’s surprising. The last time we practiced, you struggled to even lift the gun properly. What has changed?”

“I’m not carrying twins anymore. My back doesn’t ache like it used to,” Alessa answered, a hint of pride creeping into her voice. Madam Olga nodded, acknowledging the progress.

“Good. Would you mind demonstrating how to do this with a blindfold?” she asked, her eyes glinting with challenge. Alessa hesitated, her heart racing at the daunting prospect.

“What?” she exclaimed, taken aback.

“You heard me,” Madam Olga replied, extending her hand. One of the ranked students approached, a blindfold in hand, and offered it to Madam Olga, who then stretched it toward Alessa.

Alessa stared at the fabric, her mind racing. After a moment’s hesitation, she accepted it, exhaling deeply as she wrapped it around her eyes, plunging herself into darkness.

“Ready?” Madam Olga asked, moving to stand behind her. The other students instinctively took a step back, creating a space for Alessa’s performance.

“Yes, ma’am,” Alessa replied, her voice steady despite the uncertainty swirling within her.

“Go,” Madam Olga commanded, starting the timer.

With her senses heightened, Alessa reached for the bullets, loading them into the magazine. Although her movements were slower than before, they were still remarkably efficient for someone blindfolded.

She raised the gun, took a breath, and pulled the trigger. The shots rang out, a symphony of sound as several bullets struck the center while others landed near it. Not a single shot went astray; each one found its place within the target.

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