After Ever Happy

At his mother's wedding reception, Hardin confronts his mother, expressing deep feelings of betrayal and anger due to her deception. The confrontation escalates as he grapples with his emotions, leading him to storm out into the night with a bottle of whiskey.

Later that night, Hardin, in a drunken state, attempts to set fire to Trish's house, fueled by a mix of rage and despair. Tessa discovers him in this destructive act, highlighting his internal struggle and the fragile state of his mental health.

As flames engulf his childhood home, Vance arrives just in time to rescue Hardin. With the fire department in pursuit of extinguishing the chaos, this moment serves as a pivotal turning point in Hardin's turbulent journey.

The following day, Tessa confronts Hardin with devastating news: Vance has accused him of causing the arson. This accusation sends Hardin spiraling deeper into feelings of isolation and desperation.

In a fleeting moment of peace amidst the chaos, Tessa and Hardin embrace, sharing a passionate kiss on a hill overlooking the city. This connection provides a temporary escape from their emotional turmoil.

Determined to escape his misery, Hardin indulges in self-destructive behavior, seeking out Vance at a party. Tessa attempts to offer him an escape from his downward spiral, but Hardin rejects her help, choosing to drown in his despair instead.

Tessa receives heartbreaking news about her father's death, reportedly from an overdose. Overwhelmed with grief, she reaches out to Hardin, who ultimately opens up to her, connecting over their shared sorrow.

Despite new tensions, Tessa and Hardin support each other at Richard's funeral, a poignant reminder of life's fragility. Their shared grief further complicates their already tumultuous relationship as they navigate their loss together.

During a dinner hosted by Hardin’s father, Ken, and Landon’s mother, Karen, the conversation shifts towards Landon’s move to New York City. This event is emblematic of shifting dynamics within their group and foreshadows future changes.

Under a starlit sky, Tessa reveals to Hardin her decision to leave Vance Publishing and move to New York. This news creates significant tension, leading to an emotional ultimatum from Tessa for Hardin to let her leave without chasing her.

While Tessa busies herself with responsibilities in New York, Hardin finds a path to recovery by completing his studies and attending Alcoholics Anonymous. This marks a significant turn in his life as he begins to confront his demons.

Hardin visits New York for work and is welcomed by Landon, but Tessa actively avoids Hardin while working at a restaurant. Their paths eventually cross unexpectedly, and both feel the chemistry revive as they share updates about their lives.

As Hardin and Tessa begin to reconnect, they slowly navigate their feelings for one another amidst a backdrop of personal growth. Their conversations reveal a new understanding and a desire to rekindle their romance.

Tessa stumbles upon a revealing book titled 'After' written by Hardin, detailing their tumultuous relationship. The realization that their private story is being exposed plunges her into despair and horror.

In a dramatic turn of events, Tessa decides to end her relationship with Hardin after the book becomes a bestseller. A chance encounter at a book signing leads to a confrontation that threatens to redefine their complicated love story.