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.

to learn that this was Crime Lake, formed accidentally during the construction of the Hollinwood Branch Canal. Raphael knew the entire history and recounted it with such ease

let go of her expectations. The setting, the walk, the company... it was all enough.

a cool, green hush... scented with damp earth and wildflowers. A

seemed to slow

inward protectively, their shadows casting gentle patterns on the lake. Here, the sky and trees merged like old memories braided together. The earth beneath their feet seemed soaked in forgotten

where grief could rest, where dreams could breathe. A place where the past echoed... not in pain, but in

felt that she belonged here, as if she, too, had become part of one of those stories whispered by the

until the restaurant was out of sight. Then Raphael

Their eyes met.

the rustle of leaves and a distant bird’s

spoke first, his voice

girlfriend before. I don’t 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. I gathered all my courage today to tell you this. If you don’t feel

spoke so quickly, it was as if he

head. "Fool! Can’t you see I already like you?

you really like me?

touch of frustration. She could see how nervous he was. "Yes, Raphael. I do. And if you promise never to leave me, I’ll be whatever you want me to

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