Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of graphic violence, sexual content, child abuse, and illness.

On her trip back to LA, Noah chastises herself for everything that happened in New York. She regrets being with Nick now that she knows he’s with Sophia. Back at home, she discovers a missed call from Raffaella and reflects on how their relationship has changed over the past year. Raffaella revealed that she was cheating on Noah’s dad with William throughout their marriage and was with William the night Noah’s dad attacked her. It took Noah a while to forgive Raffaella, but she realizes that now it is important to forgive Raffaella because her feelings for William are “what [she] had with [Nick]” (108). She reaches for her pendant. Discovering it’s gone, she vows to move on.

Over the following months, Noah settles back into her life in LA and distracts herself with school. However, she can’t help feeling hurt when she sees headlines announcing Nick and Sophia’s relationship. She’s going home for Thanksgiving and hopes Nick won’t be there. She pulls out her bags, surprised to find Lincoln’s business card in her suitcase. On her drive to Raffaella and Will’s, she calls Lincoln about a new job.