Emma Carter lost her father early and was raised by her struggling mother, Joanne Carter, alongside her sister, Natalie Carter. Bound by an old engagement, one sister had to marry the mayor's slow-witted boy. During a lot-drawing to decide their fate, Joanne let Natalie cheat, forcing Emma into a hopeless marriage. Later, Emma vanished while working away from home with her husband, prompting a guilt-ridden Joanne to search for her. Meanwhile, Natalie went to college but became gold-digging, resenting her mother and her family of origin. On the day of Natalie's engagement to a wealthy heir, Emma and Joanne reappeared to expose her true colors, making Natalie finally pay the price for her hypocrisy.