“There is no such thing as bad people. We’re all just people who sometimes do bad things.”
Chapter 1: Meeting Atlas
Lily Bloom, a recent college graduate, moves to Boston to start her own floral business. While sitting on a rooftop, she meets Ryle Kincaid, a handsome neurosurgeon. Their chemistry is instant, but Ryle makes it clear he’s not interested in a relationship. Meanwhile, Lily reflects on her past, particularly her teenage love for Atlas Corrigan, a homeless boy she once helped.
Chapter 2: First Encounters
Lily and Ryle continue their casual encounters, but their connection deepens. Lily reads old journal entries about Atlas, revealing how he became a refuge from her abusive father. Ryle, despite his initial reluctance, starts falling for Lily, though his temper occasionally flares in unsettling ways.
Chapter 3: A Blossoming Romance
Ryle and Lily’s relationship intensifies. He confesses his love but admits his fear of commitment due to a traumatic childhood incident. Lily, still haunted by memories of her father’s violence, sees parallels but ignores them, believing Ryle is different.
Chapter 4: Atlas Reappears
Lily bumps into Atlas, now a successful chef. Their reunion stirs old emotions, complicating her feelings for Ryle. Meanwhile, Ryle’s jealousy and possessiveness begin to surface, culminating in a violent outburst where he shoves Lily. He apologizes profusely, and she forgives him, rationalizing it as a one-time mistake.
Chapter 5: Escalating Tensions
Ryle’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic. After another argument, he hits Lily, leaving her bruised. Devastated, she confides in Atlas, who urges her to leave Ryle. Lily wrestles with her love for Ryle and her fear of repeating her mother’s cycle of abuse.
Chapter 6: Breaking Points
Ryle’s abuse worsens, culminating in a brutal attack after Lily admits she’s pregnant. Realizing she can’t subject her child to the same trauma she endured, Lily finally leaves him. She leans on Atlas for support while preparing for motherhood alone.
Chapter 7: A New Beginning
Lily gives birth to her daughter, Emerson, and rebuilds her life. She reconnects with Atlas, who has never stopped loving her. Though Ryle seeks redemption, Lily chooses to prioritize her and Emerson’s safety, breaking the cycle of abuse.
Key Ideas
- The cycle of abuse and its psychological grip on victims.
- The complexity of love coexisting with pain.
- Self-worth and the courage to walk away.
- Intergenerational trauma and breaking destructive patterns.
- Redemption versus self-preservation.
Who should read this book?
- Readers interested in emotionally intense contemporary fiction.
- Those exploring themes of domestic abuse and resilience.
- Fans of flawed, realistic characters and bittersweet endings.