Owen Springer has just moved to Manchester to look after his demanding hypochondriac dad, Arnold. So the last thing he's looking for is a big affair - until he meets Anna Fairley and his good intentions are swiftly forgotten.

Anna is still reeling from Owen's declaration of love but is determined to put it behind her and try to avoid him where possible - after all she is happily married to Richard and, as she tells her close friend and neighbour Phyllis, she's worked hard to get where she is today However, just when all looks lost Owen finds out some information which he could use to his advantage - it seems Richard Crane is not the devoted husband he appears and is leading a secret double life.

Anna discovers Richard's infidelity via a cleverly designed trap. She, in turn, takes a lover in revenge and, taking stock of her life, considers divorce. A mysterious parcel arrives at Arnold's house and Owen finds Anna waiting outside - realising that she has finally admitted the strength of her feelings for him.

Owen, full of Anna's love for him, retracts his resignation at the hospital but the net is closing in on the lovers as both Richard and Vivien try to find out what is behind Anna and Owen's behaviour.

A brawl and tit-for-tat vendetta ensues between the two who now hate each other. Questions and recrimination all round as an investigation is launched at the hospital over Richard and Owen's fight.

Anna realises that the time has come to make a choice about her future, but is it with Owen or Richard?