The novel tells the story of Lily, a young woman who has recently moved to Boston after completing her master's degree in business. At the start of the novel, She is found on a rooftop deck, reflecting on the eulogy she gave at her father's funeral. To complicate matters, she is still angry at herself and her mother for concealing the domestic violence. On the rooftop, she meets Ryle Kincaid, a neurosurgery resident, and they instantly click and become instant friends and finally lovers.
Six months later, Lily opens her own floral shop, and Ryle and Lily continue to cross paths, despite their efforts to ignore their attraction to each other due to their opposing long-term goals. While Lily continues to read her old journals, the couple decides to date despite their reservations. Their relationship is happy and carefree until Ryle discovers Atlas' phone number in Lily's phone one evening. When Ryle becomes violent, Lily decides to leave him and seek refuge with Atlas.
Atlas lets her sleep in his guest room after she discovers she is pregnant with Ryle's child. When Ryle learns about the baby, he begs Lily to let him stay so they can raise the child together. Lily's mother agrees with her decision to leave Ryle, and the two form a tentative truce. Ryle is present when their daughter is born. When he asks Lily about the future of their marriage, she asks what he would do if Emmy told him her boyfriend had hit her. Ryle is sympathetic when Lily requests a divorce.
The epilogue takes place nearly a year later, with Lily rushing down the street with Emmy to drop Emmy off with Ryle. Atlas meets her on her way. They kiss after she tells him she is ready to be with him. Domestic violence, trauma, resilience, and hope are some of the themes explored in the novel.
