Never Judge

The host began to read through the award recipients' credentials, everyone was surprised with the amount of awards and works credited to the recipient. They didn't expect that Jason would have done so many relevant projects.

"Our award recipient is not only a well respected designer but a philanthropist as well." The host said.

At that Veronica looked at Miguel, something was wrong.

"It's not his credentials." Miguel said with a grin. He could see Jason getting flustered at the side of the stage, he was trying to tell the organizer that those credentials were not his, it belonged to someone else. Someone he hated with a passion.

"No, they aren't. But that's not possible." Veronica couldn't understand what was going on, why was the host reading her credentials. She was just a guest at this event, they had announced that the artist J would be receiving the award this year.

"Ladies and gentlemen, our award recipient this year changed her name in order to succeed without her family's influence, she finished her studies in Paris and has worked with the most famous names all over the world. She also has recently gotten married and is in an incredibly loving marriage with one of the most renowned doctors of our time." As the host said this, Miguel felt Veronica's grip on his hand tighten. She was visibly nervous and confused.

"V, this isn't your first award. Why are you so nervous?" Miguel whispered.

"It's like I stole the award." Veronica told Miguel.

"No dear, I took it back for you." As Miguel said this, Veronica looked at him with surprise and amazement. She never knew Miguel could do something like this, and he did it for her.

"Look Veronica, Jason looks like he's about to have a breakdown." Nicole said as she laughed at the man that was standing by the side of the stage. His sister, Carmen, had come up to him to get him to go back to his seat. 

"I pity her. I like her so much but she's got such a rotten brother." Katerina said with a sigh.

"He looks so stupid trying to talk to the organizers." Natalia, who as usual had remained silent the whole night, pointed out.

"Ladies and gentlemen, guests, please put your hands together for Mrs. Veronica Abad - Chan." The host proudly said.

"I would prefer if you dropped the Abad and just carried my last name." Miguel seductively whispered into Veronica's ear. Seeing as his wife was still in shock, he helped her up and guided her up the stage. 

By the time Veronica noticed that Miguel was holding her hand, they were already at the center and Uncle Emilio was handing her the award.

"Congratulations, Veronica. We're really proud of you." Emilio said as he gave the young designer a tight hug. 

"I think my wife is a bit in shock." Miguel teased as he looked lovingly at Veronica. 

When the audience saw this, they couldn't help but sigh and awe at the loving couple on stage. Miguel, despite being a superstar in his own right, was willing to play second fiddle and support his talented wife. Very few men would be willing to do what he did, he was very supportive. Many guests snapped photos of them on stage and Veronica became the envy of most women; who knew such a perfect man existed.

"Miss Veronica, would you please say a few words." The host said. Cedric immediately handed his mic over to Veronica who finally managed to compose herself. 

Miguel wanted Veronica to be the center of attention, so he began to take a step back and let go of his wife. But it seemed Veronica had other plans, as Miguel slowly let go, she grabbed his hand tight. Miguel ended up standing in place while Veronica smiled at the audience.

She gave a quick thank you speech before finally returning the mic to Cedric. In a very public display of affection, Miguel hugged her from behind and kissed her on the cheek, this resulted in the press capturing their affection on camera, while the audience clapped{. 

As they walked off the stage, Miguel nudged Veronica and pointed towards the back. You could clearly see four guards carrying Jason out as his date chased after them. It seemed he didn't handle the disappointment so well. 

After the auction and the awards ceremony, there was a small party for select guests as well as those who had placed the winning bids. The organizers had done this intentionally so that people would bid higher in the hopes of being able to mingle more intimately with VVIPs that had come to the auction. 

"Did you see them dragging Jason out?" Nicole giggled as she walked to the after party with Veronica, Katerina, Ayanna, Natalia, and Adrianna.

"That was so embarrassing!" Katerina said with a laugh.

"He deserves it." Ayanna added.

The after party was more relaxed Adrianna was quickly offered a seat on the soft couch with Ayanna sitting on one side and Nicole on the other.

"Cedric made you sit next to me, didn't he?" Adrianna said as she glared at Nicole.

"Well…" Nicole said unable to properly answer Adrianna's question.

"Miss Veronica!" A young girl excitedly approached the group.

"Yes? I'm sorry but do I know you?" Veronica asked in an intimidating tone.

"Veronica, don't be so scary, relax." Katerina said and laughed.

"I'm sorry Miss Veronica, but you don't. I'm just such a big fan." The girl said almost squealing in excitement. She looked back at her friends who were giggling in the distance. It seemed they had encouraged her to approach the group.

"Oh, I didn't know I had fans. I'm sorry if I came off a bit cold." Veronica said in a much nicer tone, The girl visibly calmed down and smiled an even bigger smile.

"Miss Veronica, could I, maybe, get a picture with you and your autograph?" The girl asked full of hesitation.

"Oh, are you sure?" Nicole asked suddenly.

Veronica's jaw dropped at Nicole's comment and Katerina laughed loudly.

"Nicole, that's not a nice thing to say." Adrianna said, in a motherly tone. 

"I mean, I'm just surprised. I'm sure Veronica would be more than willing to let you take a photo with her and give you her autograph. I swear nothing is wrong with Veronica." Nicole said in an attempt to salvage the situation.

"You're making it worse." Katerina said in between laughs. 

"Nicole, stop talking." Ayanna scolded.

"Ignore my friend." Veronica said as she rolled her eyes at Nicole. "Of course I'll take a photo with you and give you my autograph."

The girl quickly took out her phone and snapped several photos with Veronica. She also took out her sketching pad and handed it to her idol to sign.

"Hey kid. How did you get in here?" Katerina asked Veronica's fan.

"Oh, my dad and my friend's dads all got the winning bid for some items. When we saw you guys coming here, we quickly followed." The girl said with a blush.

"I hope your dad didn't out bid my fiance on anything." Ayanna said with a wink.

"Oh no Miss Reyes. I'm sure no one beat Mr. Laurence on any bids." The girl said quite defensively. At a young age she knew that these women were people she should never cross. 

"Dear, don't scare her." Ray said, as he hugged Ayanna from behind making her jump in surprise.