The Star Maker's Revenge

I watched the man I loved, the star I' d built from scratch, standing on a stadium stage.

My heart hammered, knowing he was about to call me up, to begin our dreamed-of life together.

But then he smiled, a brilliant, camera-ready smile that didn' t reach his eyes.

"I' d like to welcome to the stage, my fiancée… Nicole Lawrence!"

The name hit me like a physical blow as the polished pop-country princess glided out to kiss him.

Later, when I confronted him with our old demo tape, he stared at me with cold, empty eyes.

"I' m sorry, I don' t know you. You should probably go home."