Affairs of State

Rosemary was the wife of a powerful member of a political party in a major city. Her husband, Victor, was a man who believed that dedication to his constituents would keep him in his position in politics and perhaps even cause him to rise in the ranks. Victor wasn’t looking for material gain or power, he just really wanted to help people and make his city better for everyone. Together, they made a handsome, wholesome couple that the city had fallen in love with. Rosemary enjoyed standing next to her husband at events, making a show of her support for him and his ideas, but occasionally she just wished that someone would ask her opinion of the issues. No one knew that Victor got many of his best ideas from Rosemary. Victor realized that a day may come when Rosemary ceased to be happy standing in the shadows.

It was the May, the last month of Spring, and Victor was busy with campaigning around the city. He loved to have direct contact with the people, so he attended city events like the gardening event hosted by the Garden Club to raise money for scholarships. While there, Victor purchased a few plants and shook hands with anyone near him, holding babies and receiving hugs from housewives. Rosemary had skipped the event, deciding that she was already sick of the campaign and unsure if Victor’s magic hold on the people could last. She sipped a martini and gazed out the window, a plan beginning to form in her mind.

A few days later, Rosemary announced that she and Victor were separating. She cited that she was hoping to pursue her own ambitions and aspirations, and craft a career for herself. The city was stunned. Instead of rallying behind Victor, however, the city turned its attention to his challenger, a young man with little experience but with good looks and charm. The challenger rose in the polls.

In August, Rosemary and Victor were seen together in the most expensive restaurant in the city. They talked and laughed together, toasted with champagne and seemed very happy. The press were alerted, and were ready when the couple exited the restaurant. Rosemary and Victor, standing close together and clasping hands, announced that the separation was over.

Rosemary approached the nearest microphone. “I have realized that any foolish ambition I may have pales in comparison to the dreams Victor has regarding this city and the good people who reside here. I cannot imagine my life having more purpose than helping this man lead our city and our party into the best years we have ever had. I love Victor with all my heart, as I know you all do, too. I have missed him terribly. All I want is to be with this man and support him in his vision for our future!” The press went crazy with questions, but the happy couple slipped into a limousine and glided away. In the limo, Rosemary and Victor toasted and kissed. “Do you think we pulled it off?” Victor asked. Rosemary just nodded.

Victor skyrocketed in the polls. Everyone loved that Rosemary couldn’t resist him, so how could they? Come fall, Victor won in a landslide victory and there were whispers of him becoming the next President.

Pick 3 #5 This week’s list