Prologue

Everyone in America knew Samantha Miller. She was the only child of US Senator Brad Miller and former Miss America Hillary Williams—the perfect example of "the rich, famous, and powerful family of America."

Samantha Miller excelled in everything she did. She was a valedictorian at Lawrenceville High School and graduated Cum Laude with an Economics degree from Harvard University. Very impressive!

What else? She gave pride to America by reigning Miss USA and eventually bagging the Miss Universe title at the age of twenty-two. Her beautiful, smiling face was plastered on billboards, posters, magazines, buses, buildings, and TV screens in One Times Square and other commercial areas in America. She was the epitome of every American Girl. She had beauty, brain, elegance, and class. All girls envied her, and men adored her.

Samantha was thirteen years old when her older brother died due to a car accident. Their family started to fall apart because of such grief. Her father was in denial. He devoted himself to his political career, travelling to different states and just occasionally stayed at home. She was drinking alcohol and became abusive in taking sleeping pills.

Despite all of these, Samantha remained strong. She helped her parents overcome the grief of losing her brother. She maintained open communication with her parents and encouraged expression of feelings for their loss. She accompanied her mother wherever she wanted to go and spent quality time with her until she eventually recovered. After a year, their family slowly started to normalize and learned to accept their loss.

She surely also knew how to make her parents happy. She made sure to obey her parents' wishes. Her father wanted her to take up an Economics in preparation for her future political interest. She did and excelled in it with flying colors in Harvard University. Her mother aspired for her daughter to be a beauty queen just like her. So, Samantha attended a training school for beauty pageants and joined the said contest. She also did it excellently and even nailed getting the Miss Universe crown. She wanted to please her parents so much in order to have a happy family again. In short, the perfect daughter that every parent could ever have.

But every daughter has her own flaws. She made an unforgivable accusation to someone four years ago. She ruined a person's life and lived to regret it ever happened. Every single night, her conscience wouldn't let her sleep. She wanted to turn back the clock and wished she'd never ever laid eyes on Lucas Monteiro.

It happened when Samantha was eighteen and was starting to take her Economics degree at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She was a freshman, and she felt strange, being in new surroundings. During the first day, she could not find her way to her first class. She was scratching her head and starting to get worried that she'd be late.

"Are you lost?"

She turned and studied the guy's appearance before answering. Not the usual guy that she saw every day but a nerdy guy in thick wool gray sweater, baggy brown cotton pants, thick-rimmed black eyeglasses, and canvas shoes. His dark brown hair was flattened to his scalp with greasy gel. He reminded her of Clark Kent, a six-footer or more.

"Yeah," she sighed, "I'm looking for Room 201, I wonder if this is it?" She pointed at the room across her.

"Let me see your schedule." He said, then studied the paper she lifted in front of his face.

"You're in the wrong building. The Department of Economics is at the other side. You can walk with me if you like. I'm on my way there."

"Oh, that's great. Thank you." She smiled, feeling so relieved.

"By the way, I'm Lucas."

"Samantha. Samantha Miller."

He glanced at her then smiled a little. "I know."

"You know me?"

"Of course, who wouldn't in America? You're Senator Brad Miller's daughter."

"Oh." She felt the sudden disappointment. Sometimes, she wished she was not labelled as her father's daughter. "You're also new here?"

"No. I'm in my senior year."

"Cool! So you're graduating soon."

He nodded with a proud look on his face.

Samantha learned from her Korean roommate/classmate Park Ji-won that Lucas was very popular at Harvard. He was the Student Council president, chief editor of the Harvard Newsletter, champion in Interschool Debate, all-time chess champion, has an Excellence in Math Award and Best Student Award, and is a consistent top-notch student. He was even a candidate for Summa Cum Laude with his Business Administration degree.

"Wow, he must be a genius!" Samantha's eyes grew bigger upon knowing Lucas' achievements.

"No doubt about that. Did you know that his family owns the Monteiro International Holdings Corporation? They're so rich! They own most of the biggest establishments in New York."

"Oh." She felt sudden disappointment. She would have liked it better if he was the boy-next-door type of guy.

"Despite being a billionaire's son, he's very simple and down-to-earth." Ji-won continued.

"Well, I agree with that."

"He may be a nerd, but he has sex appeal. I heard that he's very choosy in dating girls. He never even had a girlfriend here in Harvard."

"Really?" She was suddenly curious. She found it hard to believe.

"Yeah, according to my reliable source." Ji-won giggled, covering her mouth with her hand. "But you see, if you give him a makeover...change his nerdy clothes to sexy jeans and shirts, remove his grandpa eyeglasses and fix his greasy hair, he would be a hottie!"

"You're right but with too many achievements, I'm sure having a makeover is the last thing in his mind."

One morning, Samantha was waiting for her next class. She was alone, sitting on a bench under the shed of a tree and studying her notes, when Lucas approached her.

"Hey, Sam."

"Oh hi, what's up?" She smiled before closing her notes.

"Sorry to disturb you, I'm just wondering if you're interested in joining the editorial team. We're in need of a newsletter editor right now."

Being part of the editorial team in Harvard University would be a great honor, especially when added to her curriculum vitae. But she got scared of the pressure and high expectations.

"I would love to, but I'm not good at writing articles. I don't have any editorial background."

"Don't worry about that. It's an easy job, and I can help you."

"Well, I'm not so sure..."

"Come on, say yes. You'll enjoy the experience." He removed his eyeglasses and wiped the lenses with the edge of his sweater.

Samantha's jaw suddenly dropped. She was stunned at his handsomeness without the thick-rimmed eyeglasses. With his dark brown hair rumpled by the wind, he was absolutely a hottie.

"Okay but first, promise me that you'll teach me."

"I promise." He smiled and that moment, she knew she would be in deep trouble.

Since Samantha joined the editorial team, she often hung out with them, especially with Lucas. He edited her articles and gave her suggestions on how to make her story more interesting to read. During their weekly meetings in their editorial office, Lucas brings food for everyone. Oftentimes, he'd bring Samantha's favorite Krispy Kreme doughnuts.

One day, she was in the cafeteria having lunch with one of the editors, Caroline.

"Lucas likes you."

Samantha looked at Caroline in surprise. "What makes you say that?"

"First, he never ever brought food in any editorial meeting before. And second, he keeps on bringing your favorite Krispy Kreme doughnuts."

Samantha felt a swirling feeling inside her stomach. She had a feeling, too, that Lucas liked her, but she did not want to assume and keep her expectations high.

"I don't think so, he's just being nice to everyone."

"No, girl, he's in love with you. When you're not looking, he's staring. He can't take his eyes off of you." Caroline gave her a teasing look.

"Please stop it, Caroline. We're just friends."

"Every relationship starts with friendship. Let's see what will happen two weeks from now." Caroline raised one eyebrow then took a big bite of her burger.

In just a week, what Caroline said came true. Though Lucas never said anything about his feelings for Samantha, but it showed in his actions. He would send food and her favorite doughnuts to her dormitory. He would hang out with her during their free time—studying in the library, having lunch in the cafeteria, strolling in the park, and other things.

Samantha felt lucky to have Lucas help her cope with college. Her adjustment period became easier. He helped her with her assignments, research, and reports. He taught her in subjects she found most difficult, like Statistics.

As the end of the school year was getting nearer, Lucas became so bothered. The thought of being separated from Samantha brought sadness within him. She would still be in Harvard finishing college while he would be in New York running his family's business. Occasional visits would not be enough. He wanted to see her and be with her every single day. He would miss her terribly.

He could not bear not telling her what he truly felt for her anymore. One evening, while they were strolling in the park, he confessed his feelings for her.

"I love you."

Samantha's heart suddenly lurched. "What did you say?" She wanted to make sure if she heard him right.

"I'm so deeply in love with you, Samantha."

She stopped walking and merely stared at him. She could not believe that he finally said it. Too many times, she became frustrated, waiting for him to say the three magic words to the point that she almost gave up. But finally, he found the courage to say it.

"Sam, please don't torture me, say anything. Tell me if you feel the same way."

"Oh Lucas...I love you, too."

Lucas kissed her, gently tasting her lips. When she opened her mouth, he groaned, deepening the kiss, shoving his tongue inside her mouth to explore her sweetness.

Samantha never experienced such an electrifying sensation ever before. Her heart was beating so fast, her pulses racing, and her entire body was burning with desire.

She was already so wet and aching when Lucas lifted his face. "We have to stop. I forgot we're in the park."

"Oh, are we?" Samantha said in a frustrated tone.

He chuckled. "Come on, I'll take you back to your dorm. You have an early class tomorrow." He pulled her in the circle of his arms again.

"Yes, sir."

The night was warm and beautiful as they walked together hand in hand back to the dorm.

After their final exams, Ji-won invited Samantha to go with her to a bar. Some of their newfound friends in their economic subjects would be there.

Samantha was so excited to go. She hasn't partied or gone to a bar since she started university. She wanted to unwind after the long nights of studying in preparation for the final exams. Besides, she did not want to miss the fun of hanging out with their new friends.

Being in a new school made her feel so happy, free, and alive—something she has never experienced ever before.

But when Lucas arrived later in her room and found out of her plan that evening, he stopped her from going.

"Trust me, Sam, the people who go there are so wild. They get drunk and some take drugs. It's not a safe place."

"I already told them that I'll be there. They're expecting me."

"Then tell them you suddenly feel ill." Lucas insisted.

Samantha suddenly felt upset about Lucas being such a killjoy. She wanted to party, to hang out with people and enjoy her freedom. Unlike him who enjoyed reading business books and studying trading during his pastime. She found it so boring.

"You're being so protective. For heaven's sake, I'm not a kid anymore. Let me do what I want."

"Of course, you can do whatever you want, I'm not forbidding you. But going to this bar is not a good idea." Lucas was holding his patience.

"Stop worrying, I can take care of myself. Besides, Ji-won will be there, and our friends will be there to the rescue if something bad happens."

Lucas shook his head, not still convinced. "I doubt they could when they're drunk and drugged. Promise me you won't go there tonight."

"I can't. Ji-won will be there, and we won't see each other the whole summer. She'll be in Korea."

"That's a very poor excuse. You can talk and see each other every day on video call."

"Come on, Lucas. Don't give me that." Samantha let out a frustrated sigh. "If you're really worried about my safety, then come with me."

"You know I can't. My major subject exam is tomorrow. I have to study twenty chapters tonight." Lucas stood up pacing her thirty-six square meter room.

"Then stop worrying and trust me, okay? Don't complicate simple things. It's only for a night."

"If you really love me, Sam, you'll listen to me. I love you, and I want you to be safe." He glared at her, frowning.

"That's unfair."

He exhaled heavily. "I don't want to argue about this anymore. But honestly, I won't be able to concentrate on studying tonight if you go. I'll be so damn worried."

It took more than a minute for Samantha to decide and answer him. She loved him and did not want to burden him with worries. She knew how important his exam was, it was his last before he would graduate in two weeks.

"Okay. I won't go." Samantha reassured him.

A smile instantly crossed his face as he pulled her in his arms. "Promise?"

"I promise." She lifted her face and responded to his hungry kisses.

But promises were made to be broken. Samantha went with Ji-won to the bar together with their friends. They were having fun at first but after two hours, the bar became so crowded. The people inside were drunk, loud, and wild, including their friends. They were dancing wildly, and some were so high on drugs.

Lucas was right, Samantha thought. We have to get out of here.

Just in time, her phone rang. It was Lucas.

"Hello?"

"Where are you?"

Sam did not answer. She felt guilty of breaking her promise.

"Are you in the bar?" There was a hint of anger in his voice.

"I'm sorry, Lucas. I really can't say no to them."

"Stay there. I'm coming to get you." He said angrily then hung up.

Suddenly, there was a chaos in the bar. A group of male students were shouting and cursing each other. A bottle was thrown to the other guy and immediately, everyone was fighting. The place was in total riot.

She was glad when Lucas arrived.

"What's going on in here?" His eyes grew big as he observed the situation inside.

"I'll tell you later. We have to get out of here fast."

They were about to leave when a big guy suddenly punched Lucas.

Lucas was caught off guard and landed on the table. "What the fuck!"

The guy aimed for another punch, but Lucas evaded. He stood up and retaliated by punching the guy twice. The guy immediately passed out on the floor.

"Come on, let's go." Lucas grabbed Samantha's hand and walked out.

Lucas was very disappointed that she did not keep her promise. His hands were trembling with anger. But he wanted to let the matter go and talk when they were calmer. He knew that their discussion would only end up in an argument.

"We'll talk tomorrow, Samantha. It's late already."

"I'm so sorry, Lucas. I love you." Samantha said. When Lucas did not answer, she got out of his SUV feeling so sad.

The following day, Lucas took his final exams. As usual, he nailed it.

Samantha would be going home to New York in the afternoon. He decided to go to her dormitory before her driver picks her up. They could have lunch together in a new fancy restaurant just outside the campus.

At first knock, the door in her room was instantly opened by an older man.

Lucas was surprised to see Samantha's father, Senator Brad Miller.

"Good morning, Senator." He greeted but the Senator simply ignored it.

"You must be Lucas Monteiro." Angry eyes glared at him like a hawk.

"Yes, sir."

The senator opened the door wider, an invitation for Lucas to enter the room.

He saw Samantha sitting on her bed with her head bent. Her mother was standing beside her and giving him a brutal, unfriendly stare.

He suddenly got nervous. He wondered what he did wrong.

"So you are the young man responsible for that riot last night. How dare you bring my daughter into that crowded bar last night and fight with those kids! I could sue you for it!" Mrs. Miller was hysterical. The veins in her neck popped out at the intensity of her anger.

Lucas was confused why Samantha's parents accused him of what happened in the bar last night. "I had nothing to do with it, Mrs. Miller. I was only there to pick up..."

"Don't deny it! Look at this paper, it's enough proof of your notorious acts. You're nothing but a bad influence to my daughter. STAY AWAY FROM HER! You disgust me. You could be one of those kids, a drug addict!" Mrs. Miller pushed the newspaper on his hand.

Lucas saw the picture of himself in the newspaper, punching the guy last night. Another was a picture of him dragging Samantha out of the bar. The headline:

'BILLIONAIRE'S NOTORIOUS SON, LUCAS MONTEIRO STARTED A RIOT IN A BAR LAST NIGHT, DRAGGING SENATOR BRAD MILLER'S PRINCESS WITH HIM.'

The article mentioned that he was drunk and under the influence of drugs. He was accused wrongly of starting everything that happened in the bar.

"This is not true. They wrote wrong information. Sam, tell them what really happened." Lucas turned to Samantha, but she ignored him.

"Sam told us everything. You forced her to go to that bar." Mr. Miller snapped angrily. "How could you do this to my own daughter? I could have you put into jail for this!"

"Senator, please let me explain."

"I'm not interested to hear your explanation, young man." Mr. Miller gritted his teeth. "I don't know who you're working with, but you did a good job in damaging my family's reputation, and yeah," he smiled sarcastically, "on the first day of the Senatorial campaign."

"You got it all wrong." Lucas felt trapped. He was relying on Samantha to defend him, but she just let her parents accuse him wrongly.

"You're not going to see my daughter again. Stay away from her or else, you'd wish you'd never been born. I won't hesitate to make you pay for what you did." Mr. Miller eyebrows furrowed as he surveyed Lucas' reaction. "It's what she wants also, for you to leave her alone."

"I don't believe you, Senator."

"Tell him, Sam." Mr. Miller said aloud, making Samantha jerk up.

"It's true." Samantha turned to Lucas. "I hate you, and I don't ever want to see you again. Just leave me alone!" She shouted and started crying.

Lucas was shocked upon hearing Samantha. It was like seeing a different person. Without a word, he turned around and left.