The soap opera portrayed the daily lives of three generations to show that there is no ideal time to love and be happy. The relationship between widower Álvaro and lawyer Bruna is shaken by the arrival of sweet Madalena in the fictional town of Nova Esperança. The young woman is hired as a housekeeper for businessman Xistus, Álvaro's father-in-law, and charms everyone.

Financial problems in a religious school for girls force the government to interfere. While waiting in the conference hall to communicate the fact to the school administrators, the intervenor falls asleep and a crazy dream begins, involving teachers, students and strange characters.

Two teenagers fall in love, but their feuding families and fate itself cause the relationship to end in tragedy.