Michelle Shaw, a woman born with a hearing impairment, struggled with social isolation as wealthy families shunned her. Her marriage of three years to Ryan Lawson remained unacknowledged, leaving her feeling like an invisible wife. Michelle's existence was reduced to ridicule and humiliation until the arrival of Ryan's first love, who stole his attention away. Ryan initially refused to let this new woman go, stating with a deep emotional intensity that he would never allow her to leave over his dead body.