THE MIGHTY AND THE UPTIGHT CHUBBS LADY

The Misunderstanding

Stepping inside the grand doors of the church, Aunt Rose immediately corralled them, insisting that both Melanie and Liam flank her on either side.

Melanie immediately tried to politely back out. "Oh, no, it's fine, Auntie. I can just sit at the back row. My friend is already saving a seat for me over there," she protested smoothly.

"Nonsense, my dear! You are sitting right beside me," Aunt Rose insisted, gently patting the back of Melanie's hand with affectionate warmth. "I haven't seen you in ages, and I've missed you. Stay right here."

Melanie’s eyes darted across the rows of pews, searching for Anna. When their eyes finally met, Anna gave a knowing nod and a cheeky, wide grin, completely unfazed—especially since she was already happily seated next to Mrs. Gentry, the neighborhood's uncertified head paparazzi.

The service proceeded smoothly. The worship, hymns, and sermon flowed gracefully, with everyone deeply immersed in the service. Unknown to Liam and Melanie, however, they were being watched like a hawk by none other than Anna, the resident undercover spy. She even sneaked a couple of photos from afar to share later in their secret group chat, completely behind Melanie’s back.

When the service concluded and the closing fellowship began, people milled about, shaking hands and exchanging warm greetings. Anna quickly scurried over to where Melanie, Liams, and Aunt Rose were standing near the front.

Noticing her approach, Melanie waved her over gently. "Anna, over here!" She reached out, pulling Anna right up beside her. "Auntie, do you still remember my friend Anna? She used to come over to my house all the time."

"Of course! Even if these old eyes sometimes fail to recognize faces," Aunt Rose laughed, warmly extending her hand for a handshake.

"Long time no see, Auntie!" Anna beamed, shaking her hand enthusiastically.

"Ah, Anna, let me introduce you to my nephew as well. His name is Liams. He lives in my old house right next door to Mell. Have you two met yet?" Aunt Rose asked, lightly tapping Liam’s broad shoulder.

"Oh, we've crossed paths a few times, but haven't properly introduced. Hi, I'm Anna, your neighbor's bestie," Anna grinned brightly, holding out her hand for Liams to shake.

"Liams. Nice to meet you," he replied, giving a brief, polite nod as he accepted the handshake.

"Right then, let's head down to the dining hall for the fellowship lunch!" Aunt Rose commanded cheerfully, turning to the group. "You two girls are sitting at our table, understood?"

Melanie and Anna exchanged a helpless, resigned glance. Well, orders are orders.

The three women walked ahead toward the dining hall, with Liams trailing closely behind them. With his towering frame and silent aura, he looked less like a church guest and more like a high-profile VIP bodyguard escorting a group of dignitaries.

As they walked, Anna leaned in close to whisper in Melanie's ear. "Mell... why is your neighbor acting like an absolute robot? You said he loves to tease and annoy you. Right now, he looks like he swallowed a stick."

"He's just putting on a clean face because Aunt Rose is right there," Melanie whispered back, biting her lip to keep from laughing out loud. "One wrong move and she'll pull his ear off."

Even though they whispered, Liams—with his sharp hearing—instantly caught wind of their chatter. He could practically guess they were roasting him.

Once they settled around a large round table, the food was served, and the atmosphere grew warm and relaxed. Liams slowly thawed out, occasionally chiming into the conversation. Still, the contrast was hilarious: the three women were chatting away animatedly, laughing and passing dishes back and forth, while Liams sat quietly, observing them with a subtle, amused gaze.

The seating arrangement placed Aunt Rose, Liams, Melanie, and Anna in a neat row.

Midway through the meal, Anna excused herself to visit the powder room, leaving the trio behind. Barely ten minutes later, an elegant middle-aged woman walked over to their table with a bright smile.

"Hello, Rose! How have you been?" the woman greeted warmly.

Aunt Rose immediately stood up, her face lighting up as she pulled the woman into a tight hug, complete with traditional cheek-kisses. "Ah, Carol! Oh, it’s been way too long! I’m doing wonderful. How about you? Are you keeping well?"

The two old friends chatted eagerly, standing close together for a few minutes. Finally, Carol shifted her gaze, her eyes landing on the two younger adults sitting at the table. A knowing, mischievous glint flashed in her eyes.

"Oh! Am I interrupting?" Carol laughed playfully, giving Aunt Rose a light nudge on the arm. "Rose... is this your son and your daughter-in-law?"

The question hit the table like a mini shockwave.

Melanie, who had just taken a sip of her water, instantly choked, coughing violently as liquid sprayed everywhere. Across the table, Liams nearly swallowed his fork, gagging and hacking as a mouthful of food went down the wrong pipe.

Aunt Carol blinked in surprise, her eyes widening before a knowing, teasing grin spread across her face. "Oh, my! I am so, so sorry, you two!" she chuckled, waving her hand dismissively. "Honestly, from afar, I really thought you kids were a couple. By the way... you guys actually look like such a beautiful couple together!"

She burst into a lighthearted laugh, playfully patting and nudging Aunt Rose’s shoulder while continuing to beam at the two frozen, red-faced targets.

Aunt Rose joined in, breaking into a loud, hearty fit of laughter as she clutched her stomach. "Oh, I wish that were true, Carol!" she wheezed, wiping a tear of mirth from her eye.

"This is my nephew, Liams,who like a son to me and this is Melanie—the lovely young lady who bought the house next door. I have a rent-to-own arrangement with her so someone takes care of it, and Liams is living in the house I used to occupy!" Aunt Rose explained clearly, still chuckling.

Aunt Rose casually added that her actual son and daughter-in-law were currently away down south near her in-laws' hometown, preparing to welcome a new baby.

Just as Melanie and Liams were desperately trying to recover their composure and clear their throats, Anna finally strolled back over to the table, looking far too innocent.

She slipped into her seat right beside Melanie, nudging her arm playfully with her shoulder. Leaning in close, she whispered with a wide, wicked grin, "Hope I'm not interrupting anything intresting between you two ..."

Melanie shot Anna a look of pure betrayal under the table, her cheeks burning bright red, while Anna just winked, trying her absolute best not to cackle out loud. Across the table, Liams cleared his throat once more, forcefully looking away as his ears turned slightly pink.