Having grown up in her sister's shadow, Melissa Newman graduates high school and travels alone to Germany to visit family. While there, she meets Stefan Koehler and, after a whirlwind romance, they plan on marrying in two years. Melissa returns home to Chicago weeks later and is coerced by her family into breaking all ties with Stefan. She marries another man on the rebound and quickly realizes she is stuck in an abusive marriage until one fateful night. Melissa begins therapy where she comes to terms with her guilt, anger, and bitterness. She embarks on a journey of healing and self-awareness and overcomes many obstacles only to return to Germany where she encounters Stefan. Will the same magic ignite their passion once more? Will Stefan find out Melissa's secret? Will Melissa give up her new life in Chicago to be with the one man she will always love?