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.

surprised to learn that this was Crime Lake, formed accidentally during the construction of the Hollinwood Branch Canal. Raphael knew

slightly disappointed that he still hadn’t proposed, Laila began to let go of her

sheet of water stretched beneath a canopy of whispering trees, their leaves dancing like secrets in the wind. The air carried a cool, green hush...

to

protectively, their shadows casting gentle patterns on the lake. Here, the sky and trees merged like old memories braided

could rest, where dreams could breathe. A place where the past echoed... not

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

Raphael suddenly stopped. Laila sensed the change and turned to

Their eyes met.

leaves and a distant

spoke first, his voice strained, rushing

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 later.

it was as if

and shook her head. "Fool! Can’t you see I already like you? I think everyone but you

"Do you really like me?

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

washed over Raphael’s face like sunlight through