Lisa (Linney) is a shoe designer, and Peter (Neeson) a software developer. Lisa dies from cancer, and after she dies, Peter learns that Lisa refused all treatment for her illness. Peter discovers a password to Lisa's computer, deliberately left by her, where he is confronted by disturbing evidence that she had been having an affair with "Rafe." Using his computer skills, Peter determines that Rafe, or Ralph (Banderas), lives in Milan, and he goes there to confront his pain and the evidence his wife has left him. In order to find out more about his wife's lover, he goes to a Milanese cafe, one of Ralph's haunts, and begins to play chess alone. Ralph engages him in conversation, and they begin to play chess and talk. Ralph easily speaks about Lisa, all unaware that Peter is his lover's husband. Over a period of time, they play several games of chess and, as far as Ralph is concerned, have a friendship.