Edgard (João Miguel) works as a subordinate in the company of millionaire Werneck (Gracindo Junior) and is in love with Ritinha (Leandra Leal), a simple woman who works as a teacher to support her mother and her three sisters. One day, Peixoto (Leon Góes), Werneck's son-in-law, makes him a proposal to marry Maria (Leticia Colin), the boss's daughter. The reason is that Maria was abused and now is being forced to marry by her family. Edgard hesitates first but accepts the offer. From then on he enters into a great doubt: should he deposit the check and marry Maria or stay with Ritinha, his great love?