An affair with the unpredictable Joe as well as the need to escape from the domination of her mother led to a marriage that Virginia was determined would work. But Joe had no reason to trust or respect women, leading to a marriage filled with both insecurity and tragedy. As he draws her into one humiliating situation after another, Virginia is forced to admit that her romantic dream has turned into a nightmare, with her future happiness dependent upon her own courage and strength of character.