Single Mother of a Werewolf Baby

Chapter 159: Mismatched Confession

"You’re a regular here. Order your favourite dishes. I’ll follow your lead today," Laila said with a gentle smile.

Raphael didn’t hesitate. He called a staff member and ordered a series of dishes with the familiarity of someone who had done it a hundred times.

As starters, he chose Calamari Fritti and Fungi Trifolati. For the main course, Monte Faito and Pollo Cacciatora, with extra black pepper sauce. Finally, for dessert, he selected a decadent chocolate-encased cherry mousse.

Once the order was placed, Raphael offered to show Laila around. The restaurant grounds were tranquil, with ducks and birds moving gracefully across a glistening lake, adding life to the serene atmosphere.

A few minutes later, a staff member returned with their starters and a bottle of Sassicaia Tenuta San Guido 1985... a rare vintage Raphael had ordered in advance.

After the table was set, they both sat down and began eating. Laila savored the moment. After the chaos of her military life, this was the first time she’d felt this relaxed and at peace while dining out.

She glanced at Raphael now and then, trying to read his expression. As a woman, she could feel it in her bones... Raphael was preparing to propose. She waited, her heart lightly fluttering in anticipation.

But the food came and went. The wine flowed. Yet Raphael only spoke of food, taste, and textures.

No proposal.

They lingered in the restaurant for a while, soaking in the peaceful ambiance, and finally stood to leave. After settling the bill, Raphael led her out of the restaurant and across the parking area. Instead of heading straight to the car, they strolled along the walkway by the lake.

Lake, formed accidentally during the construction of the Hollinwood Branch Canal. Raphael knew the entire history and recounted it with such ease that she couldn’t

disappointed that he still hadn’t proposed, Laila began to let go of her expectations. The setting, the walk,

trees, their leaves dancing like secrets in the wind. The air carried a cool, green hush... scented with damp earth and wildflowers. A lone waterbird glided across the surface, disturbing the stillness just enough to remind them they were in a

to slow

like old

grief could rest, where dreams could breathe. A place where the past echoed...

felt that she belonged here, as if she, too, had become part of one

the restaurant was out of sight. Then Raphael suddenly stopped. Laila sensed the change and turned

Their eyes met.

the rustle of leaves and a distant bird’s

spoke first, his voice strained,

know how to propose or say anything properly. But the moment I saw you in Russia, I knew... I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you. I was scared that once you found out who I really am, you’d leave.

it was as if he feared

Can’t you see I already like

you really like me? As

how nervous he was. "Yes, Raphael. I do. And if you promise never to leave me, I’ll be whatever you

Raphael’s face like sunlight through storm clouds. His eyes lit