After Everything

A year after Tessa ended their relationship, Hardin is still consumed by his feelings for her. He struggles to find motivation to write, feeling lost and heartbroken without her in his life.

Hardin's publisher, Katherine, pushes him to create a follow-up to his successful novel, necessitating inspiration before the year's end. This adds to his stress as he grapples with writer's block stemming from his unresolved feelings for Tessa.

Reluctantly, Hardin goes out clubbing with Katherine and her friend but finds no enjoyment in the outing. Memories of Tessa overwhelm him, leading him to drink excessively until he passes out.

The next day, Hardin's mother and birth father reprimand him over his drinking habits. They express concern over his inability to move on from Tessa, prompting a conversation about making peace with the past.

Hardin decides to travel to Lisbon to reconnect with Natalie, someone from his past. Aiming to make amends, he feels a glimmer of hope for moving on while tackling his writer's block.

Upon meeting Natalie, Hardin recalls the history they share. He remembers the moment he seduced her to win a bet, a situation that later caused significant fallout for her.

Natalie reveals that she moved to Lisbon to escape the backlash from the viral video Hardin's friends made. She lost her chance at college and sought a fresh start.

Hardin faces new challenges when Sebastian, wary of him, encourages him to try cliff diving. This moment serves as a reminder of facing fears and taking risks as Hardin navigates his emotions.

After flirting with another girl, Hardin is physically assaulted by Sebastian and his friends. The incident leads to his arrest, showcasing the culmination of unresolved tensions among them.

Hardin's birth father arrives to bail him out and delivers a motivational speech. He encourages Hardin to honor Tessa's memory while also advancing in his own life.

After receiving an invitation to Landon's wedding, Hardin chooses to remain in Lisbon longer to focus on his writing. This decision reflects his commitment to working through his emotions and producing new material.

Natalie brings Hardin a care package and apologizes for Sebastian's earlier behavior. In a moment of vulnerability, she almost kisses him, but Hardin reminds her of his unresolved feelings for Tessa.

Feeling inspired, Hardin begins writing again, completing his manuscript titled 'Before'. He seeks Natalie's opinion on it, acknowledging her part in his journey while also highlighting their shared past.

Back in America, Tessa and Nora anxiously prepare for Landon's wedding. The moment Hardin and Tessa walk down the aisle together marks their first encounter in over two years.

In a heartfelt moment after the reception, Hardin gets down on one knee and proposes to Tessa. Their mutual understanding and love come to fruition as they recognize their inevitable connection.

Fast forward, Hardin returns home with his new book 'Later' in hand. He is greeted by their daughter and a visibly pregnant Tessa, symbolizing a new chapter in their lives.