In the spring of 2020, Ethan's life takes an unexpected turn as he makes a visit to his former fiancée, Joy, who is now employed as a domestic worker in Calgary. While being swept away by nostalgia and love, Ethan decides to propose to Joy. However, their romantic plans quickly fall apart as the COVID-19 pandemic imposes a lockdown, leaving him unable to return home. Forced to move in with Joy, the strain on their relationship becomes palpable as Ethan grapples with the mundane tasks of a domestic life while his bar in Hong Kong faces bankruptcy in his absence.
As time passes through the turbulence of the pandemic, Ethan receives heartbreaking news that his father has contracted COVID-19. Without hesitation, he rushes back to Hong Kong, only to arrive just moments after his father's passing. In the wake of this tragic loss, and reeling from Joy’s absence, Ethan succumbs to a moment of weakness and has a brief encounter with a stranger. Unbeknownst to him, Joy, while video-calling him, witnesses this moment, leading to the shattering of their relationship as Joy calls off their engagement, crushed and heartbroken.
Fast forward three years, Joy, now working in a nursing home, aspires to pursue a career as a registered nurse in the United States. While picking up a friend at the airport, fate intertwines her path with Ethan and their mutual friend, Jhim Garbiel, who are now on a quest to find work in Canada. As they run into each other, Jhim, who works at a cafe, seeks Joy’s help for job opportunities, inadvertently swapping numbers with Ethan's in the process. This mix-up leads to a series of awkward encounters that fuel Joy’s suspicions of Ethan's interest in rekindling their romance. Still, Ethan vehemently denies any such intentions.
During a picnic, jealousy courses through Joy as she becomes aware of a colleague, Baby, fostering an undesirable affection for Ethan. In a spur-of-the-moment decision, Joy suggests that Ethan live with her under the guise of a common-law relationship for a year — an offer Ethan eagerly accepts. Their renewed connection elicits excitement among friends and family back home, blissfully unaware that their arrangement is more of a front than a genuine relationship.
As time progresses, Joy's feelings begin to shift when she witnesses Ethan’s willingness to help out at the nursing home. Moreover, Jhim informs her about Ethan's harrowing experience of barely escaping a knife attack from loan sharks and selling his house to settle debts. Craig and Joy start to mend their relationship, yet complications arise when Baby, in a fit of jealousy, tries to corner Ethan for a private chat in Joy’s presence. This culminates in a confrontation where Joy accuses Ethan of infidelity once more. Ethan’s pleas reveal that Baby had threatened them with allegations of fraud regarding their arrangement, prompting him to make the painful choice to break up to protect Joy's future.
As emotions swirl, Joy finally admits her true feelings for Ethan, leading them to a passionate reconciliation. However, the next day brings devastating news; Joy learns that her patient, Martha, has passed away from dementia complications. Amidst this grief, she discovers her application to the US has been accepted, leaving Ethan disheartened yet supportive. He acknowledges that this may be their final goodbye.
On her way to the airport, Joy stumbles upon a poignant letter from Martha, lamenting over the importance of cherishing loved ones and encouraging Joy to "return home." Overwhelmed by emotion, Joy aborts her plans and rushes to Ethan’s house. As she knocks on the door, a surprise awaits her – Ethan appears from the yard, and they reaffirm their love for one another. This heartfelt reunion sets the stage for their eventual marriage a year later, amidst hopes for a brighter future together filled with love and understanding.
