Never Judge

"Oh look Ram is here with Francesca!" Alexi said in an attempt to divert the topic. Cedric assumed that Katerina's frankness made Jen feel uncomfortable.

To Cedric's surprise Ram entered with his fingers interlocked with Francesca's, he knew that their relationship was all a facade, so it made him wonder why Ram was acting like this when everyone present knew that the relationship was fake. 

Next to Ram, Francesca looked graceful but uncomfortable, as if she didn't want to put on the act in front of people that knew the truth.

"Ram!" James Abad said as he waved his son over. "You brought Francesca?" Even his own father was surprised with his actions.

"Yeah. We came from an event so I invited her along." Ram said with a nod. "You don't mind right, Cedric?" Ram called out to Cedric who was on a different table.

"Of course not." Cedric said with a laugh. "Francesca is like an honorary member of our little family." 

"Thank you." Francesca said with a smile.

Cedric watched as Ram's eyes scanned the people present, he didn't know who Ram was looking for. 

"Veronica picked Miguel up." Katerina said as she quickly caught on to who Ram was looking for.

"Veronica can't drive. How would she pick Miguel up?" Ram asked as he led Francesca to their table.

"She asked the driver to take her, duh." Nicole said as she rolled her eyes at Ram. For a smart person he didn't think sometimes. 

"Oh, right." Ram said as he scratched his head.

"So what's up with the act?" Ray asked as he looked at Ram and Francesca. "We all know the truth, so why are you acting like a couple in front of us?" 

Cedric was not surprised at his brother-in-law's straightforwardness, he had had just expected Ray to hold back in front of Francesca who wasn't used to being around them yet. 

"We're not faking." Ram suddenly said shocking everyone on the table.

"This is a joke right?" Cedric asked Ram as he glared at him. "If you're trying to fool your parents don't drag us into it."

"Francesca, is it true?" Katerina asked.

"Y- yeah." There was a little hesitation in Francesca's tone, but she confirmed what Ram said.

"Francesca, if Ram is threatening you with anything you can tell us." Eric said as he looked at his fellow actor. "Ram isn't a dangerous one, he just likes to pretend."

Ram rolled his eyes at Eric's comment. "What will it take for you to believe that Francesca and I are legitimately together?" Ram asked.

"Kiss her. Passionately." Veronica said from behind her brother as she arrived with Miguel. 

"Sure." Ram said as he pulled Francesca to him and kissed her.

"Oh my gosh." Nicole suddenly said with a gasp, none of them had expected Ram to do as they asked and kiss Francesca.

"Now do you believe me?" Ram asked as he broke off the kiss, but continued to hold Francesca. The woman in his arms blushed and buried her head in his chest. "She isn't one for physical displays of affection." Ram said with a shrug as he kissed the top of Francesca's head.

Cedric stood up from his wheelchair and pulled Ram to the side.

"Hey! I told you not to stand!" Miguel shouted as he chased Cedric with the wheelchair, he didn't want Cedric to over exert himself and cause a more serious injury.

"What about her?" Cedric asked as he and Ram were out of earshot.

"Sit!" Miguel shouted as he caught up to Cedric and Ram.

"I can walk!" Cedric answered back.

"I said sit Cedric, or god help me I will tie you to the chair!" Miguel threatened.

"Seriously Miguel, shouldn't you be saying that to my sister?" Ram said with a laugh as he saw Miguel turn red.

Cedric laughed as well and gave in and sat.

"She and I don't have a chance." Ram said with a sigh.

"Why? Who would reject one of the five princes?" Miguel asked, with him, Cedric, and Ray happily married, Ram and Alexi were the most eligible bachelors in the country. Ram more than Alexi because everyone knew that Alexi was a playboy and his wife would probably have to suffer through multiple mistresses.

"My family won't accept hers, and we've drifted too far apart. I don't think she likes me anymore anyway." Ram said with a shrug.

"You are acting like a teenager." Miguel accused. "Just ask her."

"It's not that simple Miguel." Ram explained. "You don't even know who she is."

"Oh I'm pretty sure I have an idea who she is." Cedric said with a laugh. Ram had never been discrete, neither was the woman he liked so Cedric quickly figured out who it was. 

"I genuinely like Feancesca." Ram said. "She is nice, mature, she is who I need. I don't need someone that acts like a child and can't figure out what she wants."

"Be kind to Francesca. Don't play with her, don't break her heart, we both know she's been through so much." Cedric said as he looked his friend in the eyes.

"I know, and I genuinely like her Cedric, I could never hurt Francesca." Ram insisted.

"So you and the other girl,you're completely over her?" Miguel asked Ram. "You can't be in a proper relationship when your heart isn't sure." 

"Since when have you been so knowledgeable in love. You've only loved one person ever." Ram said with a laugh as he teased Miguel.

Miguel simply laughed with him and shook his head.

"I'm sure, I've moved on." Ram said with a different determination in his eyes.

"Let's go back, they're probably wondering what happened to us." Cedric told his friends. "You have to push me since you insist on making me sit in this damn thing." Cedric told Miguel who only laughed and pushed him.

"You know it's only for a day, you don't need this tomorrow." Miguel said as he rolled his eyes at Cedric.