Jessica (Josie Bissett), a young American pianist, arrives in Venice to participate in a prestigious music competition. After missing her initial appointment due to flight delays, she convinces the enigmatic conservatory director, Alvise (Peter Marc Jacobson), to readmit her. Alvise and Jessica quickly enter a passionate affair. However, Alvise harbours a dark secret: years earlier, he was humiliated by Jessica's mother, and he seduced Jessica purely as an act of revenge. Heartbroken after learning the truth, Jessica rejects Alvise and finds true comfort and love with Luca (Cort McCown), a struggling engineering student who helped her upon her arrival in Italy.