Federico Brandi, an accomplished music composer, is married for the second time after losing his first wife Chiara, the love of his life. He cannot stop thinking about her. He feels that his new wife Marta is only staying with him out of pity due to the fact that he is in a wheelchair. He treats her horribly. She is a dedicated step-mother to his son Marcello who wants desperately to race horses. She spends much time with him and his training. Federico thinks that Marcello is nothing but a dreamer wasting his time and shows no support for him at all. Federico has no respect for Marta - treating her like a whore. He shouts at her and is very rough with her physically. Giorgia (Loredana Romito who appeared in 15 films), Federico's private live-in secretary sees and hears what is taking place. She is very attracted to Marta and makes advances towards her. Marta, starving for attention allows the advances and the two women have a secret relationship