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.

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 that she couldn’t

of her expectations.

of whispering 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

seemed to slow

like old memories braided together. The earth beneath their feet seemed soaked in

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

here, as if she, too, had become part of one of those stories

the restaurant was out of sight. Then Raphael suddenly

Their eyes met.

and a distant bird’s

voice strained, rushing and

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 the same, I’ll wait and try again

spoke so quickly, it was as if he feared forgetting his

you see I

really like me? As in... boyfriend material? Or

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

face like sunlight through storm clouds.