He was the most popular teenager in town, the girls wanted him and the boys wanted to be like him. She on the other hand was an average teenager, until her father died and her step-mother took control - she went from average to servant. In her mind she believed she was living a life just like Cinderella and that one day a prince will come rescue her from the wrath of her step-mother and step-sisters. To him he wasn't living until he met his princess, so he waited hoping the day will be soon.

This is where our story begins: he was in the market to pick up some herbs for his mother when he first saw her, really saw her; he was taken back at first glance. She was so beautiful that no one around him could compare, he wondered why he never noticed her before. She was picking up some fruit in the local market to make the fruit tart her step-mother requested for dessert that night. She turned around after buying her fruit and bumped into someone.

"I'm so sorry sir," she replied helping him pick up his things "I wasn't watching where I was going."

"Girl these were expensive and now they're ruined!" he snatched his things from her "You're going to have to re-pay me!"

"I'm sorry sir; I have no money left on me. If you would allow me to run home I'd be more then happy to re-pay you."

The man didn't like her answer, he went to back hand her across the face. The male teen thought she wasn't paying attention to the man and went to go help but she surprised him. She dodged the man's attack gracefully, he stumbled and tried again more aggressively but she dodged again.

"MARIA!" she grimaced and turned to the voice.

"Yes Cathy?" she asked.

"Mother wants you home right away," the girl ordered.

"Mother won't be happy knowing you were fighting," Cathy's twin smirked.

They caught a glimpse of the male teen thinking he was looking at them and called in unison "ITACHI!"

The girl they called Maria turned around; her basket of fruit now half empty. He walked up to her, Cathy and her twin Cally pushed Maria behind them. He really didn't care for them, he was more interested in the girl they called Maria but she paid him no attention leaving him with only a glance.

"Itachi, we're having a birthday ball tonight," Cally flirted.

"Is she going to be there?" he gestured to Maria.

"Unfortunately," Cathy scowled.

"Then I'll see you tonight," he smiled his famous heart throbbing smile before leaving.

"He was laughing at you Maria," Cathy teased.

"He's going to come to our ball to tease you," Cally continued.

She sighed and went home with Cally and Cathy gossiping behind her. Her step-mother decided to make her the personal attendant of the twins that night. It might have been their birthday but no one wanted to come near them as usual, so as usual they blamed her and sent her away. Itachi came to the ball and immediately tried to search for Maria; he finally found her tending the garden.

"I saw you defend yourself today," he said walking up to her "In the market."

She jumped and turned to him, a soft blush caressing her cheeks "Oh?"

"You were really graceful."

"Thank you," she mumbled.

"My name is Itachi. I don't believe we've met before."

"We have, multiple times."

"I'm sorry I don't recall," he paused walking closer "I would remember such a beautiful face."

She gave a small smile offering her hand "My name is Maria."

He took it kissing the back of it "I know you can dodge and probably defend, but can you attack?"

He backed away as she tried to attack him but he kept dodging all her attacks. He smirked grabbing her fist. He lowered it as he walked behind her, his hand trailed up her arm and rested both hands on her shoulders. Her body tensed instantly upon contact to his touch.

"You're too tense," he whispered massaging her shoulders "You need to loosen up."

When she wasn't as tense his hand trailed down her arm forming a fist around hers. Gently he lifted her arm and made a punching movement. One after another for her to get used to the gesture, his arm around her stomach holding her against him.

"If your opponent dodges to the opposite direction, pivot on your foot to kick them."

He backed away so she could do so; he approached to lift her leg just a little higher. He let go and she put her leg down to stand in front of him then bowed. She felt nervous around him, her heart pounding loudly in her chest bowing was all she could do to hide her blush.

"Thank you for teaching me the proper way to attack Itachi."

"There is no proper way, just some ways are better then others," he cupped her chin and lifted her head so their eyes met "There is a better way to thank me though."

He leaned in to kiss her. She stood up straight arms glued to her sides surprised and unsure of what was happening. He snaked his arms around her waist holding her until the tension left her body. Itachi pulled back keeping her in his arms and smiled, she blushed.

"You really are beautiful Maria, like a princess."

"And here I thought my Cinderella story would never take its turn."

"Then Princess Cinderella, would you care to be mine and only mine?"

She smiled wrapping her arms around him and kissed him, Maria had found her prince. Since she and Itachi started dating her step-mother was nicer to her, especially since his family was rich. Her step-sisters were very jealous and tried to break them apart many times. Itachi and Maria's love grew every day; they were too strong to be separated by the twins' feeble attempts.