In 19th century France, distinguished, well-bred Ryno de Marigny (Fu'ad Ait Aattou) attempts to remain faithful to his wife Hermangarde, a highly regarded young woman of the French aristocracy. When tempestuous Spanish mistress Vellini (Asia Argento) reappears in Ryno's life, offering him the passion and emotional connection he lacks in his marriage, he falls to temptation. His reluctant obsession with Vellini eventually overtakes his conscience, as he succumbs to the deceitful path of infidelity.