Set in 1939, during the early days of World War II in Thailand, the novel opens with Angsumalin meeting one last time with her childhood friend, a young Thai man named Vanus.
In Thonburi, opposite Bangkok on the Chaophraya River, the Imperial Japanese Navy establishes itself at a base.
Angsumalin finds that Kobori is a truly nice gentleman and start falling for him but she keeps her feelings secret because of the war.
Then, for political reasons, Angsumalin's father – who is a leader in the Free Thai Movement, insists that she marry Kobori.
Understanding that Angsumalin is not marrying him out of love, Kobori promises not to touch her, but he breaks that vow after the wedding.