No one ever asked how it happened. They all just assumed I was from a rich family and Howard just picked me out due to family alliance and the fact I was a pretty face. They had no idea I wasn't from wealth, my family didn't even live in the United States at the time. Well to be honest I had no interest in romance. Hey, this is my story. My name is Maria Collins Stark..

"Maria do you have your graduation speech ready?" Allie asked.

To say I was dreading making the commencement speak was an understatement, I tried even getting out of my own college graduation because I was dreading it so bad. It wasn't until my family told me they were coming from Italy to see it, that I finally decided I didn't have a choice anymore.

"Ready as it'll ever be." I sighed.

Allie throw herself on my bed as she smiled softly at me.

"You'll do fine Maria, you're not the top of our class for nothing, you know."

Just because I was smart, didn't mean I enjoyed speaking in front of people, must less that many. I just nodded, knowing nothing her or anyone else told me was going to make graduation day any better.

I was so preoccupied with my own anxiety I didn't really scan through the whole program, other than my own speech. So when a wide limo pulled into the gym parking lot I was a bit confused.

"Who is that?" I whispered to Allie.

She looked at me like I should've known, but I honestly had no idea, nor did I really care, just curiously to be honest.

"Honestly Maria how stressed are you? Didn't you read he was coming? Hell, it's all over the news!" Allie exclaimed.

"Who's coming? Why is it on the news? Honestly Allie, you act like you don't know me at all." I sighed.

However my eyes couldn't help but remain locked on the man getting out of the limo. To say he was good looking was an understatement, he was rather attractive, with dark hair and olive skin to match.

"I see Howard Stark has your interest hmm?" Allie giggled.

I hit her playfully, before shaking my head negatively. I know of him, I mean who didn't. My brother idolized captain America as well anyone would.

"He's far too old for us, Allie. Besides he has a reputation." I muttered.

Allie muttered something about me not being any fun as we headed off for me to practice my speech some more.

I honestly couldn't tell you much about the whole process. Majority of the speech was a blur, I was just happy I made it through it, without embarrassing myself. I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding, as I made my way back to my seat.

"He was staring at you the entire speech, and ps. He still is." Allie whispered.

I looked up to the dark brown eyes staring at me, and I quickly felt myself look away. Oh, no, we weren't getting involved with that man.

"Stop." I whispered back.

After the graduation I hugged Allie bye, before walking into the sea of people to find my parents. Before I got the chance an unfamiliar voice called out my name. "Ms. Collins is it? I turned around and there he was in all his glory the famous Howard Stark.

"Yes, Mr. Stark is it? It's nice to meet you sir, but I need to find my family, if you excuse me." I said.

I brushed past him, for him to only jump in front of me. The man didn't give up did he?

"You know of me. Congratulations, your speech was lovely. Nice to meet a fellow science student."

"Thank you, now if you excuse me Mr. Stark, I have family to attend to."

He just stood there smiling at me, like he didn't hear a word I said or didn't care. I brushed passed him one more time, this time he placed a gently hand on my shoulder causing me to smack his hand off me.

"Non mi tocchi cara. Abbiamo finito qui il signor Stark."

I didn't even realize I was speaking in my native tongue until he stood there speechless. I quickly left him standing there as I went to seek out my family. I had zero attentions of finishing that conversation or seeing Howard Stark ever again.

I couldn't but cry when I saw my parent's. I did it. I set out to come to America and get a degree and I did that. My parent's agreeded to meet me back at my apartment for lunch. I walked back to car, making a mental note to admit to Allie she was right about Mr. Stark. Speak of the devil himself.

"Are you following me now? I'm not afraid to call the cops on you Mr. Stark." I spoke.

I wasn't being stalked and harassed by a man much older than I was, and man with a reputation for being a womanizer much less.

"Capisco tutto quello che hai detto bambola. Quindi mi scuso. Buongiorno signorina Collins."

Just like that he turned to walk away, leaving me standing there completely stunned. How exactly did he know Italian and how did he find me? To say I was a bit fascinated and maybe a bit creeped out by Howard Stark would be an understatement.

Much to Allie's disappointment, he didn't find me again. My life became rather quiet. Unlike Allie I didn't find a job right off the bat. Maybe I should have majored in the medical field too, but nonetheless I needed a job. I wasn't exactly sure how I ended up at shield's doorstep, but here I was.

"Miss Collins is it?" A British voice spoke up.

A looked up to see a beautiful brunette woman standing over me with her hand outstretched.

"Yes, nice to meet you, and you are?" I asked softly.

"Agent Peggy Carter, but just call me Peggy, come along."

I smiled softly after her as I followed her into the office. She led me into an area of cubicles before setting the paperwork in her hands down on the desk.

"I want you to review these papers for me Ms. Collins, I'll be right over there if you have any questions."

I looked at her dumbfounded, wait we didn't even interview? Don't get me wrong, I been turned down enough the last months to last a lifetime.

"You mean I got the job?

"Of course. We can use all the help we can get, and your resume was impressive. Welcome to shield Ms. Collins." She smiled.

I felt a huge smile make its way across my face as I shook her hand.

"Thank you Ms. Carter, truly thank you. You won't regret this, I'll start on this now." I exclaimed shaking her head.

A smile lit up her beautiful face as she nodded before leaving me to it. I honestly had no idea what I was getting myself into. I never would have guessed it would shape my entire life.