Too Close To Handle

Amazed, Abigail gazed at the cruise ship standing before her. She could hardly believe that, after three months of saving her salary, her dream of marrying the man she loved most was about to come true. The events seemed to unfold too quickly, but she was ecstatic that her dream was becoming a reality. Ever since graduating from college, her only aspirations were to secure a stable job, which she achieved as an office clerk at Ulrick Group, and to find a partner to marry eventually.

Upon joining the Ulrick Company, Abigail felt a wave of fear, questioning her ability to socialize due to her introverted nature. As a country girl stepping into the corporate world, she faced a daunting challenge. Despite her shyness and reserved demeanor, she discovered joy in her duties, cheerfully buying coffee for colleagues, photocopying documents, working late, and assisting with her coworkers' tasks.

Working at the company became easier for Abigail, especially after meeting James Ulrick, the son of one of the Ulrick Group's presidents, now serving as the operations manager at their branch. James treated her kindly, showing concern beyond a typical employer-employee relationship. He was affectionate, waiting for her to have lunch or when she worked overtime, giving her the impression he was always there for her. His kindness drew her closer, and she quickly fell for him, eventually falling in love.

What she appreciated most about James was his respect for her. He knew it was her first time in a relationship and showed immense patience. He accompanied her even when they stayed late at the office, despite being treated like an errand runner by other employees. James was the only man who treated her as an equal, not just an ordinary office clerk, which deepened her love for him. Throughout their three-month relationship, James often shared his wish to marry her.

"Your job title doesn't matter to me; in my heart, we're equals, and my love for you is the deepest," he would frequently tell her. 

However, James explained that he couldn't propose yet because of the new company president. Edward Ulrick, his uncle, was putting pressure on their family, refusing to give them a single cent. They had to earn their own living. James revealed that his uncle showed little concern for them, as they were considered the second family. 

He also shared that his father was the first son of Edward's father from his first marriage, while Edward was the son of the second wife and the legitimate heir to the Ulrick Group, granting him more authority.

Abigail believed in James's sincere intentions towards her. Knowing he treats her well, she decides to save up and propose marriage to James herself. Coincidentally, a cruise ship was offering a limited deal for couples wanting to wed this Christmas season. It was a holiday promotion for lovers, as their slogan went. Upon seeing this, Abigail didn't hesitate. Even though it was a group wedding, the ceremony promised to be solemn, and after all, who wouldn't want to get married on a cruise? It's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Abigail couldn't hide her joy as she boarded the cruise ship. She and James had agreed to meet there. They have their own cabin. After the wedding, they can continue their honeymoon on the cruise. For those getting married, the cruise offers a complimentary venue and reception. They will also enjoy a two-day stay on the cruise ship as it sails. The cruise ship has a restaurant, casino, and bar. The group wedding will take place in the cruise's function hall.

"Where are you?" Abigail asked James. She called him while inside the Function Hall. When she answered her cell phone, she stepped out of the hall to avoid disturbing others.

"Okay, I'll be there in a bit," said the young woman as she hung up her phone. From the other end of the line, James told her that he was at the cruise's restaurant. He had just arrived, slightly delayed because his Uncle Edward had given him several tasks. He mentioned that he almost didn't make it due to the numerous errands Uncle Edward had assigned him.

In James' stories, he depicted his Uncle Edward as the most malevolent member of his family. He always gets what he wants, and if they don't comply, they risk losing everything. She has never personally met Uncle Edward, as he never visits their branch. She only hears about him from the employees, and the way they describe him paints him as a major disaster. She feels apprehensive about meeting him due to the daunting descriptions she has heard.

When Abigail arrived at the restaurant, her eyes immediately began searching for James. It wasn't long before she spotted him at a table, engaged in conversation with a young woman. She found herself momentarily staring at the pair, noticing James' broad smile, which seemed to reflect his enjoyment in the company of the lady, who appeared equally engaged. Abigail's gaze then shifted to the woman's sophisticated attire, and by comparison, she contemplated the stark contrast to her own outfit.

She knew that James had told her before that he didn't care about her appearance or what she wore. "I like you just as you are," he had said. That's why she quickly took a liking to him; he didn't judge her based on her looks. She felt that James truly liked her for who she was.

Abigail subtly removed her glasses. Approaching the two, she couldn't afford to look like their maid. Her attire was simple enough, and with glasses, she would appear as a nerdy assistant. The sophistication of James' companion's dress, as well as James' own high-end clothing, intimidated her. She felt dwarfed by their presence, yet she couldn't just stand there.

"Abby!" the girl accompanying James cheerfully called out and waved at her. The girl squinted her eyes to get a better look at the face, unable to recognize the girl from where she stood.

"What are you doing just standing there?" said the girl as she approached her. It was only when she came closer that she recognized the face of her friend.

"Put on your glasses. You know you can't see well without them," the girl said as she handed the glasses to Abigail.

"I am not blind, you know," Abigail replied simply.

"I know," the girl responded. Once Abigail had put on her glasses, she looked up at the woman standing before her.

"Tiffany?" Abigail exclaimed in surprise upon recognizing the girl.

"It's me. How have you been? It's been so long since we've seen each other. We haven't met since we graduated from college. I guess we've both been busy with our jobs," she said to her, and quickly hugged Abigail. The young woman couldn't react due to the sheer surprise.