Meeting

"You haven't changed a bit. From high school until now, you still dress the same. How do you expect to get a boyfriend like that?" Tiffany remarked, looking her up and down. Abigail glanced at her friend. As far as she could recall, Tiffany didn't use to dress this way in high school or college. She used to say that it didn't matter what they wore as long as they were comfortable, that it was all about how one carries oneself. But now, it seemed Tiffany had changed 360 degrees; even her clothes and the bag she carried were branded. Abigail knew that Tiffany's family was affluent. It seemed she was the only one who remained unchanged over time.

"Come, I'll introduce you to someone," Tiffany said cheerfully, taking the young woman's hand and leading her to the table where James was seated.

"I met him earlier while touring the cruise," Tiffany explained, stopping in front of James.

"James, I want you to meet my friend, Abby," Tiffany introduced. "Abby, meet James," she said, turning to look at Abigail.

"I know him," Abigail replied simply. Tiffany looked at Abigail in surprise, noticing her serious expression while gazing at the seated young man. Upon seeing Abigail's face, James immediately stood up from his seat.

"Wow, what a small world, you two know each other," Tiffany remarked, managing a smile despite the sudden awkwardness of the situation.

"Yeah, she's my colleague," James said.

Colleague? Abigail's mind echoed as she glanced at the young man. Had she heard right? Was 'colleague' all that James considered her? They weren't on that cruise as coworkers. They were there to get married.

"Oh, you mentioned earlier that you work at Ulrick Group," Tiffany said, turning to Abigail. "You work at Ulrick Group?" she asked, surprised. Abigail couldn't blame Tiffany for her astonishment. It was indeed challenging to get a position in such a prestigious company. She was perplexed by her acceptance; during her interview, she had been on the verge of sickness from nerves.

"Wow," Tiffany exclaimed in awe. "You're truly impressive. I've always known you were smart. It seems almost all of our classmates wanted to get into that company, but you're probably the only lucky one who did," she added. 

The young woman simply responded to Tiffany with a modest smile. Indeed, it was tough to get into that company.

"Ah, what are you doing here? Are you with someone? I heard there's a group wedding happening on the cruise the day before Christmas Eve. I'm here to cover the event," Tiffany said, showing her ID. Abigail was aware that Tiffany worked for a publishing company, which was the latest update she had shared in their group chat.

"No way!" she exclaimed, looking at the young woman. "Don't tell me you're getting married?" Tiffany said incredulously to the lady.

"Why? Is it bad?" the lady asked, hiding her annoyance at Tiffany's remark. She didn't want to get upset with her friend, knowing she meant no harm.

"Of course not," Tiffany replied with a smile. "Since we're already here, why don't you introduce me to your fiancé?" she suggested. Abigail looked at the young man standing before them. How could she reveal to her friend that this man, who had introduced himself as her colleague, was the one she was about to marry?

"I'm sorry, but may I speak with Abigail alone for a moment? It's work-related," James said, seemingly reading Abigail's thoughts at that moment.

"Sure," Tiffany responded simply. The two excused themselves and walked out of the restaurant. James led Abigail to their cabin inside the cruise ship.

"Colleague?" Abigail asked, turning to look at the young man once they were inside their room.

"Are you upset because that's what I told her?" James inquired casually, taking off his coat.

"Am I not the one you're going to marry, and yet you introduce me only as a colleague? Who wouldn't be angry? Do you expect me to be pleased?" the girl said sharply.

"Don't be angry," James spoke, then approached the girl, wrapped his arm around her waist, and pulled her closer. "I don't want to ruin our moment later. I want us to keep a low profile for now. It's all for the element of surprise, you understand me, right?" he said soothingly.

"And another thing, stop frowning. You'll spoil your beauty," James teased, placing his index finger on Abigail's forehead.

"Smile. It's going to be our wedding night later. I want you to be the most beautiful bride," James said. Abigail smiled in response. This was what she loved about James; he could soothe her so quickly. She didn't know if it was just James's charm or if she was just too willing to believe his words.

Slowly, James moved his face closer to hers, as if intending to kiss her. The girl quickly closed her eyes in anticipation of James's kiss. Yet, she was taken aback when she felt a kiss on her forehead instead, reminiscent of his past affection. Simultaneously, the sound of his cell phone rang out.

"Sorry, I have to take this," said the young man, glancing at his phone.

"Who is—" the girl began to ask, cut off mid-sentence.

"It's Uncle Edward," the young man replied.

"Is it work?" Abigail inquired.

"Seems so," he said, then stepped back from the girl. "Let's meet at the venue later. Make sure to look dashing, my bride," James tenderly said, kissing her forehead before leaving. Abigail watched him depart with a lingering gaze.

"I should get ready," Abigail said to herself as she walked towards her suitcase and took out a white dress. It wasn't as extravagant as the wedding dresses she had seen in movies, but she knew her wedding would be memorable nonetheless. This was her Christmas gift to herself: marrying the man she loved most. And she couldn't wait for it to happen, hoping James felt the same anticipation.