Germany, 1912. Friedrich Zeitz, a freshly graduated engineer with modest origins, becomes the right hand of aging tycoon Karl Hoffmeister. When Hoffmeisters degrading health condition starts to confine him permanently to his house, Friedrich has to visit him at home to get briefed. Thus Friedrich makes the acquaintance of Hoffmeisters younger wife Charlotte, a beautiful and reserved woman in her early 30s. He immediately becomes enamoured with her and struggles with his growing unrequited feelings for her, not realizing they are reciprocated. Just as they disclose their mutual attraction towards one another, Friedrich has to leave the country to oversee Hoffmeisters mines in Mexico. Separated by an ocean, they exchange passionate letters while awaiting the day that will reunite them. Then, on the verge of his return to Germany, World War I erupts. All maritime travel between South America and Europe is suspended. His beloved pines away for his return. Eight years later, with millions dead and Europe in ruins, the exile returns, to his homeland and to the woman he hopes has been waiting for him. But has their love survived the brutal passage of time?