Never Judge

Katerina never realized how many public events she would have to attend after the news of her relationship and later engagement to Eric was made public.

She had just come from that high society charity event a few nights ago, only to be informed by Eric's agent that some event organizers  were asking her to attend with Eric.

At first, Eric was very much  against her attending the event, not only did she have her own work to worry about, she was also pregnant. He and Alexi already fought with her over her involvement in Ian's and Cedric's schemes against the Rajas. The added work was not something that made Eric happy.

Katerina however insisted that she wanted to support Eric in every way possible. At the time  that their relationship was hidden, she noticed how much he had struggled with relationship rumors.

Katerina had also heard people's comments on how Katerina was not allowed to support Eric due to her being the  president's daughter. They were already trying to find ways to divide the couple by saying that Eric was a whipped boyfriend.

"Are you alright?" Eric reached out and gently squeezed Katerina's hand.

She looked up and gave him a small smile as she nodded. They were driving towards the event in one of the presidential cars. Her father had refused to let her go anywhere publicly in her cars. He argued that his grandchild's safety was at risk.

"I'm just a little bit lost in my thoughts." Katerina admitted as she leaned against Eric.

He planted a kiss on her forehead as he wrapped an arm around her shoulder and hugged her tightly.

"Is it because of the case? The one with the Reyes Group employees?" His concern was clear in the tone of his voice.

"It is, but I'm not stressed. I already know you and Alexi want me to stop working while I'm pregnant, but that's not going to happen. I'm just thinking of a way to prove that the employees were threatened." Katerina explained to Eric as their car pulled up in front of the red carpet.

"Okay, but if it's too much, tell us. We'll talk to Cedric." He told her.

"If it's too much I'll tell Cedric." Katerina rolled her eyes in annoyance at how controlling her fiance and her brother were. She was old enough to take care of herself, she had been taking care of herself for years now.

"Cedric will not  force me to keep working,  Eric." She said in a stern tone. "He will understand."

Not wanting to argue with  his pregnant fiance, Eric simply nodded. He quickly kissed her on the lips before slipping out of the door and rushing over to her side.

When Katerina and Eric stepped on the red carpet, the reporters were kind enough not to harass them. It was a rare instance, but they seemed to be afraid of the bodyguards that the president had sent over to protect his daughter.

"Remind me next time to ask Uncle Jose to loan me the car and the bodyguards, they make the media shut up." Eric whispered as he waved to both the fans and reporters that were snapping photos of the couple.

The event that night was an awards night for the best in the entertainment industry. It wasn't the largest award, but it held a special place in Eric's heart so he still went every year.

It was hosted by a small but enduring film agency that strived to bring the best of the country's films together. Unlike most awards it didn't look at the commercial success of a film, rather, it looked at it from a more artistic angle.

"Mr. Chan." A man who looked to be around five to ten years older than Eric said as he waved and approached the couple.

"Mr. Nelle!" Eric said as he quickly sprinted over with Katerina in tow. She rarely saw him this excited to meet anyone from the entertainment industry. "Mr. Nelle, this is my fiance, Katerina Sebastian."

Katerina offered her hand to shake Mr. Nelle's. The man smiled and gladly shook her hand.

"I saw the news, congratulations! I can't believe you managed to keep your relationship a secret for so long. To think I was even trying to set you up with several men and women throughout the years." Mr. Nelle teased.

Eric gave him a polite smile. He was never happy to discuss all his past relationships and attempts at relationships in front of Katerina. She  might have told him she was fine with it, but he still felt guilty after professing that she was the only one his heart ever desired.

"Why don't we head in, Mr. Nelle, I don't want to delay the event any longer." Eric suggested as he tried his best to divert the topic.

"Yes, yes, everyone is already here. I'll show you to your seats." Mr. Nelle said as he guided Eric and Katerina into the main hall of the hotel where the event was to be held.

"Eric, I need to use the washroom. I'll be back." Katerina whispered to Eric as she left.

Katerina took a while as she was feeling slightly nauseous, she was sure the event had already started as she checked on her makeup not wanting to embarrass Eric among his peers. She had heard and seen how they jeered at her, many saying that Eric could have done better with a fellow actress.

As always, her bodyguards were dutifully waiting for her as she stepped out of the washroom. She gave them a smile and shook her head, warning them not to tell anyone about her morning sickness. She knew that if  anyone found out, she would be scolded and made to stay at home.

Katerina was never one to sit down and do nothing.

As they rounded a corner she heard a familiar voice mention Ian's name, or at least his surname.

"Why give us more, Mr. Lim? Why hand Bella over and go beyond what you need to do to prove that you are indeed on our side?" Mr. Nelle said. Katerina could not see him without risking being spotted. She simply signaled for her bodyguards to back  up and stay silent.

She quickly took out her phone and messaged Ian.