Victory Collection-Book One

My Dearest Roland

My Dearest Roland

Roland was an artist who travels the world, to each of his art galleries. He was a handsome, eligible bachelor of 31, who had not yet met Ms. Right. Just when he wasn't looking, there she was, the young protege' of the former Prime Minister of Prolanka. She, Marlana, became the next Prime Minister at the age of 26.

She had been in office for two years when she met Roland at his newly-opened New York International Art Gallery in Prolanka. She was personally looking for a painting for the renovated main office at the Foreign Embassy. She had changed some of the procedures and programs, and wanted a painting to reflect those changes.

She was raised and educated with a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility. Her father encouraged her to read extensively and also develop in creative endeavors. So it was, that an interest in art brought her to Roland's gallery.

When she was introduced to him, by her trusted friend and aide, it was not love at first sight. She had, unfortunately, had a misconception that New Yorkers were rude and that a good-looking one, like him, could be only be one way.

She soon began to change her perspective and see him as a finer, deeper person than she had given him credit for. She learned that the old addage was true ... you can't judge a book by its handsome, gorgeous, wonderful cover!

She began to think in the opposite extreme, that no woman could measure up. Nevertheless, the more undecided she became about the painting, the more time she was buying to be there with him. Indeed, the more her thoughts were not on the painting! She matured quickly in her role as Prime Minister. So, it had been a while since she felt as giddy as a school girl.

But in that frame of mind, she had prayed that he would ask her to dinner. He did, and to the theater as well. With each new encounter, her thoughts of him became all the more obsessive. Now, she had a dilema! How could she focus on the duties of her office, that had been so important, so crucial? She knew the answer.

She couldn't do both; She would have to choose. But how? How could she let him go, or leave her public life's dream? She had to tell him. He was intelligent and aware of the condition of her country at present. She was devoted to her country and its people, so much so that she denied her own life and happiness.

Among her duties was the fight against poverty and disease. She was a humanitarian, so she also cared about women being put down or not making the same salaries as men. She was concerned about a disaster a few years before; an earthquake that some people had still not recovered from. Relief efforts were still going on, and extensive rebuilding.

Plus, there were other concerns. Prolanka was a small country in Eastern Europe. There had been tensions with a neighboring country for decades. They had entered a "cold war". Now, there was even talk of a possible invasion and occupation of Marlana's country!

But, through it all, she found solace in Roland's arms. They had many of the same Christian values and faith. He also made her laugh and want to dance with joy. They had fallen in love against all odds. Nevertheless, she vowed that her duty must come first. Could a commitment to him be put on hold until the war ended. It felt like forever; Was it?

What she already knew, the day they met, had come to the surface as a not-so-gentle reminder. She hated herself for how selfish she had been, letting him love her too. She would have to deny herself. But she couldn't bare to deny him.

Still, her duty was unmistakable. She had taken an oath, and committed herself to the people. It wasn't that she could not marry or even be in love. But, conditions in Prolanka were dire, and would take her entire focus and involvement.