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.

Laila was mildly surprised 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 that she couldn’t help but smile.

Although slightly disappointed that he still hadn’t proposed, Laila began to let go of her expectations. The setting, the walk, the company... it was all enough. For now. freewebnoveℓ.com

A silver 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... 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 living world.

Time seemed to slow down.

The surrounding woods leaned 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 stories... softened by moss, scattered with leaves.

This was a place where grief could rest, where dreams could breathe. A place where the past echoed... not in pain, but in quiet, lingering grace.

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

They walked until the restaurant was out of sight. Then Raphael suddenly stopped. Laila sensed the change and turned to face him.

Their eyes met.

Aside from the rustle of leaves and a distant bird’s cry, silence stretched between them.

Raphael spoke first, his voice strained, rushing and awkward.

"Laila, I’ve never had a 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 the same, I’ll wait and try again later. But if you do... then you’ll have a big decision to make. So... what’s your answer?"

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

Laila gave a soft laugh and shook her head. "Fool! Can’t you see I already like you? I think everyone but you already knows."

Raphael looked stunned, then hopeful. "Do you really like me? As in... boyfriend material? Or husband?"

Laila smiled, this time with a 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 be."

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

"In my family," he said, "everyone spends their life with one partner. I knew you were my fated one the moment I saw you. Even if the boss hadn’t allowed it, I would’ve gone back for you. I didn’t say it back then, but I’m pretty sure she knew what I meant when I asked to bring you along."

Then his face tensed again. His voice dropped, trembling slightly.

"Laila... I know you’ve lost your family. I could marry you and take you to meet mine. But if you truly want to be with me, you’ll need to leave your old life behind. My family isn’t... normal. You’ve already met some of them... Cassandra, the villa guards, my security team. We’re not bad people, but we are different. If you want to marry me, you’ll have to become like us. Only then will my family accept you."

Laila exhaled sharply, visibly annoyed. "Why are you saying all this now? I already know you all came from the same family. Did you forget my background? I may not be as strong as you physically... but I’m not stupid."

She stepped forward, her eyes firm. "I want a family. I’ve never had one. I don’t care what your past is, or what kind of shady history your family has. I’ve killed hundreds of people in my life too. If you can accept me for who I am, I’ll accept you for whatever you are. As long as you stay by my side like this... I have no complaints."

Raphael looked utterly torn, caught between relief and confusion. He opened his mouth but couldn’t find the words.

Finally, he sighed and pulled out his phone.

After two rings, the line connected.

"Boss," he said, "I need your help. Laila and I agreed to marry, but... I don’t know how to explain my situation to her."

On the other end, Eleanor’s reply was simple and decisive.

"I’m at home."

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