All Chapters of Too Close To Handle: Chapter 1 - Chapter 9

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

"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 dropp

Everyone turned to look at Abigail and the young man with her as they entered the cruise ship's casino. The crowd was in disbelief at the sight. Abigail could also hear the whispers of those present. She heard the name the people were calling the man with her."Are you Edward Ulrick?" the lady asked in surprise, halting and turning to face the young man. She was astonished that the man she was seeing was James' uncle; he bore no resemblance to what she had envisioned. The company employees' descriptions had not captured the handsomeness of Edward's features in her mind. She had imagined Edward as an older man, being James' uncle, yet the reality stood starkly different before her now.The young man stopped walking and turned towards the lady."Why? You seem startled," Edward said with a smile to the lady."Well, you don't look like what I had in mind," the lady replied. Edward's brow furrowed in curiosity at her words."I'm intrigued. What did you think I looked like?" the young man a

"I guess I was just lucky. I have my lucky charm with me," the young man replied, then kissed Abigail's hand. The lady's eyes widened at the gentleman's action. Her heart skipped a beat because of what he did."I have something for my lucky charm," said the young man. They looked at the man who approached Edward. They were even more surprised when the man opened a box in front of them, revealing the red diamond from the auction earlier. Abigail looked at the young man in astonishment. She thought someone else had won that red diamond."A rare piece of red diamond is fitting for a gem like you," he said as he placed the ring on her finger. The woman's heart raced even more as she gazed at the young man. Why was he treating her with such distinction? Could she trust the kindness he displayed?James and Tiffany, observing the pair, were in disbelief at Edward's gesture."You're joking, uncle, right? You can't possibly give that expensive red diamond to someone like her," James remarked t

When Abigail awoke the next morning, she found herself alone in the expansive room; Edward had departed. Her gaze wandered until it settled on the food arranged on the table.Abigail rose from her bed and walked towards the table. She noticed the food prepared for her and a note. Picking up the note, she read the message inscribed on it."Sorry I didn't wait for you to wake up. This cruise won't dock until after Christmas. You can stay in this cabin until then, Merry Christmas, My Lucky Red," the note from the young man read.Abigail looked at the food and smiled, unable to hide the young man's sweetness. She felt embarrassed knowing she had initiated what happened between them the previous night. Perhaps it was because she felt she could trust him. She didn't know if she would see Edward again, but she was happy with what he had done for her. The only memories she had of him were the ring he had given her and that night.Abigail stayed on the cruise, celebrating Christmas by herself.