Wellershof tells the dramatic story of an affair and its consequences in his novel. Years ago, Marlene left her husband Leonhard to live with his best friend Paul. They struggled to restore the balance of their friendship. When Leonhard marries the young Anja, it seems that happiness is restored. However, Leonhard cannot fulfill Anja's desperate desire for love. Thus, the story repeats itself. Anja cheats on her husband with Paul and pays a high price for it. Once, Marlene left her husband Leonhard to live with his best friend, the surgeon Paul. Surprisingly, the friendship among the three has withstood this trial. It is only when Leonhard becomes involved with a young student and soon marries her that the situation escalates and the established order of friendship is disrupted.