Falling in Love With A One-Night Stand

After returning home, Anna placed the shopping bags in the kitchen. ‘She was so exhausted that as soon as she dropped the bags on the floor, she collapsed on the chair next to her.

Panting, she looked over to Isabella and said to her, “Isabella, would you stop eating ice cream and help me with the cooking?”

Upon hearing Anna’s words, Isabella turned around, only to see that Anna was covered with beads of sweat on her forehead. Then she nudged Tammy, who was sitting next to her, with her elbow. To her disappointment, Tammy snapped the box of ice cream from her and refused to help Isabella this time. Therefore, Isabella had no choice but to help Anna with the chores.

The moment Isabella stepped into the kitchen, Anna said to her, “Isabella, we’ve talked about this. You shouldn’t wear revealing clothes like that every day. Do you know how dangerous it could be if you walk out at night dressing like this? | heard that several girls were harassed in our neighborhood recently. Now that you’re under my roof, you need to listen tome.”

“Gee, Anna! You’re so old-fashioned. It’s my body and | make the call! can wear whatever | want. You know what, perverts will always be perverts. They just can’t keep their hands to themselves even if | wrap myself from head to toe with clothes!”

Letting outa sigh, Anna adjusted her position and said, “I get you, Isabella. | really do. It’s just… The world is complicated. Sometimes, when you think what you’re doing is right, others may not necessarily agree with

you. | know girls at your age like to dress up and make yourselves look 417 Its Not Love pretty. When | was at your age, | liked to wear mini skirts to reveal my legs. It wasn’t until one day when a man groped my butt and even touched my thighs without my consent that | gave up on the idea to wear mini

skirts.”

“|… ‘m sorry to hear that, Anna. But it wasn’t your fault. Damn it! Why do the majority always ask women to protect themselves from being harassed by men while they seldom educate men that it’s wrong to harass women and that they need to respect women? This is so unfair!” Pouting, Isabella said in disappointment and anger.

“Calm down, Isabella. To be honest, you make a point. However, | have to tell you that we women still have to blend in to survive in the world. Still, I hope that after numerous generations, the society will become a more gender-equal one. And | believe that you will do your part to make it happen. As for now, just listen to me, okay?”

“Better safe than sorry,” Anna and Isabella said at the same time.

“Yeah, yeah, | know. I’ll wear less revealing clothes from now on. But as soon as | leave England, | won’t follow your dress code anymore. ‘Anyways, when | was in America dressing like this, Jasper never said anything about that to me,” she shrugged.

“That’s because he’s a man and it’s not really his place to talk to you about it. But why didn’t Lily talk to you about this?”

“She knew that | wouldn’t listen to her; that’s why. And | always feel that she isn’t as friendly as she seems to be when she is alone with me. It’s not like I’l steal her husband from her…” Saying that, Isabella lowered her voice.

asked in

Isabella answered, turning her head and avoiding

Anna. AIT

but seize Isabella up, thinking, /sabella, you have a good figure, delicate skin, and a pair of lovely legs. Objectively speaking, ‘you’re absolutely stunning. | knew you thought that | didn’t hear the words you just blurted out. But I’ve heard it. Please don’t tell me that you

deep breath, Anna asked, “Let me ask you a

didn’t realize the change in Anna’s

you like

well between you two but | have to. say that he’s a successful and handsome man, for

do you

her head and squeezed the tomato.

about it,” Anna said tentatively. “What

Although Wayne is quite successful as well, he can be quite cold and cruel sometimes,” Isabella said hesitantly, “You see, Lily is crazy about him. She’d rather offend

to a halt, and the kitchen fell silent. Tammy was shouting while watching the football game on TV. Anna looked at Isabella, surprised and shocked. 417 It’s Not Love Isabella explained, “Oh, no! That’s not what | meant.” Anna didn’t say anything, but

aback and looked at Isabella

me what’s going on,”

go somewhere else to talk about it? I’m afraid

to the

on the couch of the

take anything Lily says seriously, but why did you listen to her and

and then kicked me

“What video?”

party for him at home. And | hugged and kissed Jasper

shocked that she could not even speak. Jasper was nearly twenty years older than Isabella, his foster daughter. As

| kissed