A champion surfer from Australia, Ryder Turchese met and fell in love with
Dr. Melissa Mustard in Los Angeles.  After dating for a few months, Ryder
became jealous of Melissa's relationship with Dr. Justin Olive.  One night
after drinking, Ryder attacked Melissa and left her with a black eye.
Melissa, trying to make her relationship with Ryder work, forgave him, but
the abuse did not stop.  When Ryder found Melissa and Justin Olive in an
embrace, Ryder's jealousy got the best of him and he snapped.  When
Melissa heard of Ryder's attack on Justin she made plans to leave Los
Angeles.  When Ryder confronted her, Melissa confessed she was pregnant, 
but she was leaving to go care for her sick uncle.  Ryder, believing that Justin
was the father of Melissa's child, allowed her to leave, but vowed to follow her
wherever she went and make her pay for her "infedelity".