Thomas Wagner, a Filipino-American raised in the rural mountainous region in the north Philippines, was leaving for college to become a doctor, his father's wish. Afraid of being left behind to suffer years of subserviance, lifelong love Joy Lapez binds her Thomas to her in the most intimate way. Elections in the Philippines are not won on speeches. They are won with bribes and fear. A long standing feud between the Lapez and Justo families will spill into the political arena and beign to spill the blood of the townspeople of Calamba. A mayor's need for money will send Joy away from Thomas. As the struggle between Lapez and Justo unravels his life, Thomas will endure a new life that is more than just missing his sweetheart. No one said unconditional love is easy. Neither is forgiving the unforgivable. Thomas never thought he would have to chase his wife to the airport to prevent her from marrying another man.