Hardin finds himself grappling with the memories of Tessa, a year after their breakup, which occurred when she stumbled upon his manuscript After, detailing their tumultuous love story. While under pressure from his publisher, Katherine, to create a follow-up to his best-seller by the year's end, he struggles with writer’s block and his feelings for Tessa.
In a predictably wild night out with Katherine and her friend, Hardin’s mind is elsewhere, as he is haunted by flashbacks of Tessa. After an excessive night of drinking, he wakes up to a stern reprimand from his mother and birth father, urging him to stop wallowing in self-pity and to find a way to move forward. Explaining that Tessa was the very essence of his being and his artistic inspiration, he is encouraged to confront his past. His mother suggests reaching out to Natalie, an old acquaintance from his childhood who is now based in Lisbon.
Taking the initiative, Hardin flies to Lisbon to reconcile with Natalie, who works in a bridal shop. Although their initial conversation is terse, they later catch up and reminisce. Hardin recalls a time when he impulsively accepted a bet to seduce her for proof during a poker game, which backfired spectacularly when the video of this encounter went viral, leading Natalie to leave for a fresh start. As they reconnect, Natalie invites him to the beach, where he confronts Sebastian, a cautious friend who ultimately leads him into a dangerous cliff diving adventure.
During a sailing trip with Natalie, Hardin opens up about his breakup with Tessa, coming to the poignant realization that both he and Natalie dealt with the fallout of public scrutiny in their private lives. However, a rift forms when Sebastian confronts Hardin over perceived flirtations, resulting in a physical altercation.
After being bailed out by his birth father, Hardin receives a valuable pep talk that sparks an epiphany: he can cherish the memory of Tessa while moving forward with his life. As he starts to clean his space, a wedding invitation from Landon, asking him to be the best man, catalyzes his decision to stay in Lisbon longer and focus on his writing.
Natalie surprises Hardin with a care package, leading to an awkward moment where they almost kiss. However, Hardin makes it clear that his heart still belongs to Tessa. Boosted by Natalie’s support, he dives back into writing and completes his new manuscript, titled Before. He seeks Natalie's approval for her portrayal in the book and even gifts her a dream coastal home as a gesture of goodwill.
Back in America, Tessa, with Nora’s support, prepares nervously for Landon's wedding. The reunion of Hardin and Tessa as maid of honor and best man marks a significant moment, their first encounter in over two years. During his speech, Hardin’s heartfelt emotions about missing Tessa resonate deeply, prompting a reconciliation. Their shared vulnerability culminates in an unexpected moment when Hardin proposes.
In a hopeful flash-forward, Hardin returns home with his new book, Later, under his arm, warmly greeting their daughter, while Tessa, visibly pregnant, shares a moment of joy with him, suggesting a new chapter in their lives.
