A week before the wedding, Pablo finds out that his own grandmother was a housemaid. He marries Imelda but continues his relationship with the housemaid.

Pablo rebels against his family’s disapproval of marrying the housemaid. He starts false accusations against Imelda from their wedding night, escalating into psychological abuse throughout their marriage. Imelda silently endures his non-physical abuse, thinking she is responsible for Pablo’s change of heart. She is determined win him back hoping for an eventual happy family life, unaware of Pablo’s family conspiracy to cover up his mistress.

Imelda's awakening comes seven years later, when she engages a detective who uncovers Pablo's double life. In a Catholic country where there is no divorce law, Imelda uses her legal skills to fight against cultural and religious norms, society expectations and an influential family. She achieves three resolutions: Obtain the entire proceeds from the sale of her house which she registered jointly with Pablo, annulment of her marriage and migration to Australia with their 9-year-old son, Enrico.

But upon arrival, Imelda faces the stigma of a “Filipina mail-order-bride” in the 1980's Australia. Soon, she discovers that her legal qualifications are unrecognized. Undeterred, she juggles working full time as a paralegal during the day, studying at night while carrying out housekeeping and sole parenting duties. She fights discriminatory policies, and becomes a qualified Australian solicitor. Facing gender, age and racial bias in the employment market, Imelda establishes her sole legal practice, promoting her services on honesty, competence and affordability. She gains meritorious awards from both the Philippine and the Australian governments attesting to her significant impact in both countries.

Years later, Imelda at age 67, accidentally meets Manny, age 69, as a dance partner. She engages his services as bookkeeper while Manny teaches her what a genuine life partner means. Enrico, matures as an accomplished professional- the Chief Finance Officer of an international company, and a volunteer in the Australian Army Reserve Force with the rank of a Lt. Colonel.