Grounds for Marriage

Ina Massine, a celebrated opera diva, divorced throat specialist Dr. Lincoln Linc Bartlett three years ago. She now regrets the breakup and schemes to win him back. Linc has moved on and is engaged to someone else, but the past keeps haunting them.

In the present, Linc is engaged to Agnes Oglethorpe Young, the daughter of his mentor. He tries to stay loyal, but Ina's persistence tests his resolve and fuels Agnes' suspicion. The love triangle sets the stage for their tense dynamic.

Ina presses her advantage and makes repeated attempts to win Linc back, weaving charm and proximity into every encounter. She capitalizes on moments at Linc's apartment and common spaces to test his boundaries. The tension between them grows as he resists.

On the night of Ina's La Bohème premiere, she is bothered by a sore throat and calls for Dr. Young. Linc substitutes for Young, suspects she is faking, and privately doubts her illness.

Linc examines Ina and diagnoses a tropical disease she may have contracted in South America. He cautions about the illness, but Ina ignores the diagnosis and continues with the performance.

The morning after, Ina unexpectedly cannot speak. Dr. Young diagnoses functional aphonia caused by shocking news and recommends psychiatric help, even hinting that a new love interest could help restore her voice.

Ina is assigned as Linc's patient, which aggravates Agnes. Dr. Young advises addressing the emotional root of the problem, suggesting a healthier dynamic could resolve Ina's condition.

Linc contacts his brother Chris, hoping he can romance Ina, believing a distraction might help Ina recover her voice. He hopes a change in her romantic prospects will ease the tension.

A date is arranged between Ina and Chris, but Ina shows little interest in Chris and remains preoccupied with Linc. The attempt reveals how strong her attachment to Linc still is.

A couple of nights later, Ina spends an evening with Linc, sharing drinks and dancing at a nightclub. They are spotted by Agnes's friends, and Linc's restraint resurfaces as their connection deepens.

A few nights later, Ina stays with Linc as he battles a severe cold. He has a feverish nightmare and wakes screaming for Ina, a moment that crystallizes his lingering feelings for her.

Upon waking, Linc realizes he still loves Ina and goes to the couch to hug her. Ina's singing voice physically returns, signaling a powerful emotional breakthrough between them.

Agnes and Chris walk in on Ina and Linc, and Agnes feels betrayed. She ends the engagement, despite Linc's attempts to explain and salvage the situation.

Ina storms out wearing Linc's pajamas but returns later, realizing Linc's struggle with functional aphonia. Chris informs Ina that Linc is still in need, and she resolves to marry him again; they share a kiss, and his voice is restored.