Never Judge

"Si- sir, no, I would never-" Allan the reporter tried to say as a photographer gave him a nudge.

"You published those articles, remember?" The man reminded him, making Allan turn pale in fright.

He had forgotten about those articles, he was a paid journalist, he wrote what his bosses and their clients asked him to write. As a matter of fact, he had probably written false articles about half the people in the event. There were only a select few that he would not dare write about.

"You made a mistake writing about my wife." Cedric hissed as he glared at the man. 

If looks could kill Allan would have died a hundred times over, just based on how Cedric was looking down at him

Cedric took a deep breath and closed his eyes, there was a reason why this man was allowed to keep his job. He had asked Ram to get rid of all the reporters publishing false news about him and Adrianna in the past.

"Who made you write it?" Cedric asked.

"My- my- boss did." The reporter confessed in a shaky voice. He didn't understand why this time he was more afraid of the man standing before him than of his boss.

"I'd like to have a chat with you later." Cedric said in a less intimidating tone as he tuned his back on the man and offered his arm to his wife.

Adrianna happily hooked her arm around his and smiled up at him. 

Cedric turned his head and gave Allan a final look and gave out a warning. "Don't even try to run." Cedric said as he and Adrianna made their way into the party.

"That was quite mature of you." Adrianna said with a nervous laugh.

"Were you worried that I was going to make him kneel and beg for forgiveness in front of his colleagues?" Cedric teased. "This isn't some drama where the rich CEO demands apologies."

"Yeah, it comes pretty close." Adrianna said, rolling her eyes. "You go from calm and collected to overdramatic in a minute. Sometimes I worry." Adrianna said with a shrug.

Cedric turned to face her and lifted her chin so that they were looking each other in the eyes.

"The last thing I want is to make you uncomfortable." Cedric said in a soft tone. "I know I seem vengeful when it comes to people who have offended me, but I promise, if you aren't comfortable with it, just say the word and I will stop."

"Cedric, that's not what I meant." Adrianna said with a sigh. "I worry that you keep it in too much."

"Adri -" Cedric began to say as the organizer of the event arrived to greet them. 

"Let's continue this conversation at home." Adrianna told her husband as she placed a hand on his cheek.

Cedric quickly planted a chaste kiss on her lips before finally acknowledging the organizer's presence.

"Yes?" Cedric asked, shifting to a distant demeanor. 

"Sir, I'm here to escort you and your wife to your seats." The organizer said in a professional tone.

Cedric nodded, he was glad that the organizer maintained a professional tone despite catching the intimate moment he and his wife shared. 

They were soon led into the main ballroom of Maharlika Hotel. It was lavishly designed, when Cedric and Adrianna entered, the other guests couldn't help but turn their heads in their direction. 

The couple looked too perfect together, everyone could see how this wasn't some arranged marriage and how they were truly happy in each other's presence.

"I really don't like the attention." Cedric complained. For some reason he now felt naked without his disguise. 

"Relax Ced." Adrianna whispered to her husband as she gave his arm a gentle squeeze. "Even if they are talking about us behind our  backs, they are just jealous."

Cedric smiled at Adrianna as they finally reached their table.

"So kind of you to finally join us." Ram teased his friend.

"I knew you would be the other major donor." Cedric said with a knowing smile. "Hello Francesca." Cedric said, greeting his friend's date.

"Cedric, Adrianna." Francesca greeted them with a warm smile. "We both know how close this foundation is to Ram's heart."

"Where are the others?" Adrianna asked, somewhat expecting Cedric's other friends to be at this event as well. 

The only familiar person she saw was Eric, who was seated with other actors and actresses. He had a voluptuous model as his date. 

Adrianna suddenly felt bad for Katerina, in order to protect their relationship, Eric had to bring fake dates to high profile events such as these. 

Ram never forced him to do that, but Eric wanted to in order to steer curious eyes away from Katerina. His girlfriend already had too much on her plate to think of his popularity.

"They are all out busy hunting for Aiden." Francesca suddenly said. "If it weren't for my brother Andres, I would be out there with them." 

Francesca's tone was laced with poison as she spoke of Aiden. Something told Adrianna that the Roccis were not helping just out of goodwill.

Noticing Adrianna's confused look, Francesca decided to give her an explanation.

"Aiden stole something from the Roccis." Francesca said. "I only found out when I got to speak to Benedict, so yes, the Roccis want him too."

Adrianna simply nodded, knowing not to pry.

"Aiden and his people took something from the Roccis that couldn't be replaced." Ram suddenly said, making Adrianna more curious.

"It's alright Adri, you can ask." Francesca said with a smile.

"I didn't think you were up to sharing." Adrianna told Francesca.

"Ram and his friends are helping me, they have helped me a lot." Francesca said with a nod. "If it weren't for Cedric trusting Benedict, I wouldn't have found out the truth."

"The truth to what?" Adrianna asked.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, please put your hands together for our top donors, Mr. Ramon Abad and Mr. and Mrs. Cedric Reyes." The host suddenly announced, making Adrianna, Cedric, Ram, and Francesca stand.

"I'll tell you later." Francesca promised as they went up to the stage to receive the award.