A Stranger on Her StageAward-winning actress Jennifer Shaw was convinced I had deliberately tipped off the paparazzi about our relationship, hoping to use the exposure to pressure her into marriage.
She grabbed my chin and splashed scalding water across my face.
"You're no different from all those men clawing their way to the top.
"You want fame? Fine. I'll make you famous. Famous enough that you won't dare show your face again."
Within days, I was blacklisted online. With a burned face and a crippled right hand, I was thrown out of her villa on a night of pouring rain.
That same evening, she walked the red carpet arm in arm with a rising young star, soaking in the thunderous applause.
I dragged my suitcase down the deserted road and disappeared into the rain.
Four years later, we crossed paths again on a parenting reality show.
She watched as I stepped onto the stage as an ordinary guest, a little girl beside me who openly rolled her eyes at her.
Her eyes reddened as she moved to block my way.
"Where did you get that child?" she demanded. "What are you trying to do?"