Dan Hardesty, a suave and charming con artist, is mingling in the bustling streets of Hong Kong when he meets Joan Ames, an elegant and vivacious woman. Unbeknownst to Joan, Dan is a fugitive wanted for murder. Their chance encounter takes on a serendipitous tone as they share an instant connection over drinks, even as Dan is quietly pursued by Steve Burke, a diligent police officer determined to bring him to justice. Following this brief but significant rendezvous, Dan boards a luxury ocean liner bound for San Francisco, with Burke closely tailing him to ensure he faces his inevitable fate. To Dan’s surprise and delight, Joan is also on the ship, seeking solace and hope as she grapples with her own secret illness.

As they sail across the Pacific, Dan and Joan form a deep bond marked by passion and shared dreams, each unaware of the other's looming personal crises. They promise to meet each other again under the Golden Gate Bridge on New Year’s Eve. Their relationship blossoms against the romantic backdrop of the ship's opulent settings but remains shadowed by their individual predicaments. The fervor of their newfound love is juxtaposed against time’s fleeting nature, forcing them to cherish every moment while clinging to ideals of fate and destiny. As the ship draws closer to San Francisco, realities arise that will test their connection and challenge their resolve to keep promises made amidst the romance of their journey.