In 1942 Hong Kong, Will Truesdale, a newly arrived Englishman, falls into a passionate relationship with Trudy Liang, a Eurasian socialite. As World War II breaks out in Japan, Will is sent to an internment camp, and Trudy is forced to make dangerous alliances for survival. Ten years later newlywed Claire Pendleton moves to Hong Kong as a piano teacher to a wealthy family. Quickly seduced by the social life, Claire becomes involved in an intense affair with Will, and learns of a devastating past and long-buried secrets.