Lima, Peru, 1985. The social and economic fabric of the country are deteriorating in the face of escalating terrorist activity. Alex Fraser is a devoted company man, who adores his children. As the terrorist campaign takes hold in Lima, his already shaky marriage starts to spiral downwards. His wife, Erika, yearns for peace and stability, for her and her children. Gradually they become more estranged. Alex makes the fateful decision to employ a legal assistant to help him through the turmoil - Malika. She is a bright, cheerful Peruvian law graduate who feels trapped by the seeming inevitability of her life. Gradually, almost imperceptibly, their working relationship grows into a deeper rapport. Despite their better judgment, this develops into a love that neither wants to recognize - until it's too late. Alex and Malika must confront the greatest moral dilemma of their lives. For both, following their hearts would have a high price - for her, scandal; for him, the loss of his children.