Set in Rio de Janeiro, the main plot follows the romantic adventures of four young people: Sônia, Joyce, Paulo, and Carlos. The youngest, Joyce, was raised by her aunt and uncle, Flávia and Dario Rodrigues, following her mother's death and her father's disappearance. Dario and Flávia are Sônia's parents, and they raised both girls as sisters. The story becomes even more complicated with the arrival of Carlos, a young man of humble origins who falls for Joyce the moment he meets her. Joyce, however, does not reciprocate his advances and spurns his interest. Increasingly in love with Paulo, she even pretends to be blind after an accident—solely to remain close to the doctor—and proves willing to do whatever it takes to keep Sônia out of her way.