Betrayal

"Why isn't he here yet?" Abigail wondered aloud while waiting inside the function hall for James. All the other couples to be wed that day were already grouped, leaving her the only one alone. Several staff members approached her repeatedly, saying the wedding was about to start and that her groom needed to arrive soon or they would not be able to participate in the ceremony. The young woman assured the staff that the young man was on his way. However, minutes passed as she stood by the door of the function hall, and still, there was no sign of James.

The woman's shoulders slumped as she watched the wedding ceremony unfold. All the couples present were joyful except for her. Not only was she unable to attend the wedding, but her groom also did not arrive. She watched them exchange vows with happiness while discreetly wiping away her tears. She didn't know what happened to James or why he failed to show up for their wedding. Was she the only one excited about their union?

Abigail dropped the bouquet she was holding and walked out of the function hall. In those moments, it felt as if her world had crumbled. All her preparations, her savings, and her plans had vanished like a bubble. The excitement she had felt earlier had all turned into disappointment. Crying, she returned to the cabin she shared with James. The cruise ship was already at sea, not to return to the pier until after Christmas. Thus, the lady decided to seclude herself in their cabin, not wanting to face anyone due to embarrassment. Although no one there knew her, the shame she felt towards herself was something she could not hide.

It was as if Abigail was doused with cold water when she opened the door to their cabin and saw James without a stitch of clothing on, and to make things worse, he was on top of a woman. It was as if Abigail was struck like a stone where she stood, staring at them. When the woman cuddled with James, noticed Abigail standing at the door. She slightly pushed the young man and then covered her naked body with a blanket. James immediately covered his body with the blanket when he saw Abigail standing at the door and looking at them.  Abigail was speechless when she saw the woman lying next to James. 

She hadn't expected this scene in the cabin she shared with James—the cabin she had paid for with all her savings for their wedding cruise. Yet, someone else had taken over the room meant for their honeymoon.

"What are you doing here?" James asked her as he stood up and covered his lower body with a sheet. "Is the wedding over?" he asked sarcastically, smiling as he walked to the table where a wine glass was placed. The young woman's gaze fell on the table set with wine and food, seemingly prepared for their honeymoon night. But it appeared they had celebrated without her.

"Why are you two here? What does this mean?" Abigail asked, her fists clenched, holding back tears, desperate for answers from James himself.

"You are not blind, and not that stupid, I would say. You understand what you saw. Should I explain everything to you?" James said, taking a drink of alcohol before facing her. Doesn't he feel any remorse for what they did? Or even apologize for their actions?

"You're still naive even now, Abby. Don't tell me you're going to marry James?" Tiffany remarked, not bothering to get up from where she lay.

"Are you joking? Why would I marry her? I am not yet crazy, am I?" James said with a laugh, looking at Tiffany with a smile.

"What do you mean? Aren't we here because we're getting married? Did you deceive me?" Abigail asked, her voice beginning to crack from the overwhelming pain.

"You're the only one who thought of getting married. Why would I marry someone like you? Look at yourself. Who would marry someone like you?" James retorted.

"What are you saying?" Abigail asked. "All the kindness you showed me, all the care you expressed—was none of it real?" The young woman knew she might be hurt by his response, but she needed to hear it.

"Are you foolish, or are you just pretending?" he said, eyeing Abigail disdainfully from head to toe. "Look at the difference between us. I come from a distinguished family, while you—"

"You look decent in what you're wearing," he remarked. "Think about it, why would I marry someone like you? An office maid, a servant to all. I only approached you out of pity. And you were foolish enough to believe my words." Abigail clenched her fists tighter and walked towards the young man.