What Happens in The Love Hypothesis? Spoilers for The Love Hypothesis

Detailed Spoilers for The Love Hypothesis

The Hypothesis that Started It All

Olive kicks us off with this gem:

hy-poth-e-sis (noun):
A supposition or proposed explanation made on the basis of limited evidence, as a starting point for further investigation.

Example: Based on the available information and data collected, my hypothesis is that the farther away I stay from love, the better off I’ll be.

Classic Olive—scientific and emotionally avoidant right from the start.

The Bathroom Meet-Cute That Changed Everything

We meet Olive Smith, sweet but self-doubting FMC, as she visits Stanford for a grad school interview. Naturally, she’s in the bathroom—her expired contacts have failed her, leaving her teary-eyed and questioning life choices.

Enter The Guy. The one who finds you crying in his lab’s bathroom and somehow makes it your fault. Olive can’t see him, but his tone screams smug grad student energy. After a hilariously awkward exchange, Olive blurts out her fears of not being “good enough” for grad school. Instead of a meaningless pep talk, The Guy cuts to the chase: “Why do you want to go?” She admits she wants to do meaningful research, and his reply—calm, simple—hits like a lightning bolt: “That’s the best reason.”

Cue the metaphorical fog lifting. Weeks later, Olive’s accepted to Stanford, and she doesn’t hesitate to say yes.

When in Doubt, Fake-Date a Grump

Three years later, Olive’s in a biology lab hallway, smashing her lips against a random man. Why? Desperation. The random man? Dr. Adam Carlsen, Stanford’s resident grump and academic terror. Oops.

Here’s the rundown: Olive panicked. Anh, her best friend, believes Olive is still hung up on Jeremy (an ex-fling), which is keeping Anh from dating him. Olive, in a misguided burst of loyalty, lied and claimed she’s dating someone else. When Anh spots her in the hallway, Olive’s rom-com instincts kick in—she grabs the nearest human and kisses him. That human happens to be Adam Effing Carlsen.

Adam’s response? He coolly mentions a potential Title IX complaint—not because he’s serious about filing one, but because he clearly wants answers. Solid start. Olive manages to explain her mess, but as she bolts away, Adam calls her by name—a puzzling detail since they’ve never met.

Back to research: Olive’s groundbreaking pancreatic cancer detection project is gaining traction, and she’s thrilled when world-renowned researcher Dr. Tom Benton replies to her email. But before she can celebrate, Anh corners her about “dating” Adam. Then, as if summoned, Adam appears and gasp plays along. He even casually rests his hand on her back like it’s no big deal. Once Anh leaves, Adam cuts through Olive’s excuses, pointing out she shouldn’t lie just to keep the peace.

But then he drops the kicker: He knows her name. Olive assumes he looked her up, but Adam doesn’t clarify, leaving us with more intrigue.

Things escalate when campus gossip explodes—everyone’s convinced Olive is dating Adam. She rushes to his lab, mortified, and insists they fake-breakup. Adam, ever the pragmatist, suggests leaning into the rumors. Why? Because the department thinks Adam’s a flight risk and froze his funding. Dating Olive could convince them he’s staying put at Stanford.

Overwhelmed, Olive asks for time to think. A few days later, she agrees, bringing a list of totally reasonable rules:

1. On-campus only: No meeting the family or holiday dinners.
2. No sex: Olive blurts this out, and Adam’s stunned silence triggers a spiral of awkward over-explanation.
3. No dating others: Adam agrees, almost too easily.
4. End date set: Fake dating wraps after the department’s budget review in a month.
5. Do couple-y things: Enter Fake Dating Wednesdays, featuring public coffee dates.

And just like that, the plan is set. What could possibly go wrong?

Malcolm’s Meltdown and the “Breathtakingly Stupid” Plan

First, Olive has to deal with her friend and roommate, Malcolm, who’s outraged she’s “dating” Adam Carlsen—the same Adam who made him redo half his research. Malcolm declares this fake dating plan “breathtakingly stupid” and suggests a better option: Dr. Holden Rodrigues, the hot faculty member he’s been thirsting over for years. (Spoiler: Holden is Adam’s best friend.) Olive brushes off the idea, begs for forgiveness, and they hug it out.

Meanwhile, Olive’s got bigger worries. Dr. Tom Benton, a renowned cancer researcher with all the lab equipment and funding Olive desperately needs for her project, is coming to Stanford. He’s suggested meeting with Olive during his visit to learn more about her work. The stakes couldn’t be higher—if she doesn’t impress him, her research dreams might fall apart.

Fake Dating Wednesday #1: Small Talk, Smirks, and Pumpkin Sludge

The first official coffee “date” starts with Olive in a mood. Her experiment is a disaster, her lab is broke, and the pressure to impress Dr. Benton is mounting. When she arrives, Adam is already there, calm and collected, which is both annoying and weirdly attractive.

The small talk is painful. Olive’s attempt to ask his favorite color? A flop. Adam’s response to her sugary coffee order? Judgy but polite. When Adam insists on paying—because he knows how broke grad students are—Olive shamelessly adds food to her order, turning his generosity into her next three meals.

Over awkward “green card marriage interview questions,” Olive learns Adam was born in the Netherlands, and Adam discovers she’s Canadian, though she avoids elaborating on her lack of connection to her home country. As they part, Adam flashes a rare smile—subtle, begrudging, and enough to make Olive take notice.

Fake Dating Wednesday #2: Chamomile Tea and Tom’s Intrusion

Olive arrives late to their second coffee date, frazzled from over-prepping her pitch for Dr. Benton. His lab has the resources Olive needs to make her research a reality, and she’s desperate to make a strong impression. When she finally arrives, Adam greets her in his usual broody style, and Olive’s not having it. She orders him chamomile tea (his least favorite) in a small act of petty rebellion, but he lets it slide, even cracking a joke. Progress? Maybe.

Adam shares his frustration about his frozen research funds, and Olive tries to cheer him up, reminding him this whole fake-dating gig is supposed to fix that. Just as things start to feel normal, in walks Tom Benton. Adam and Tom exchange a bromantic handshake, and Tom immediately recognizes Olive’s name—not from her research emails, but from the gossip mill. “So, you’re the girlfriend I’ve heard so much about?” he says, leaving Olive and Adam ready to sink into the floor.

Olive clarifies she’s the grad student seeking to work in his lab, and Tom’s interest shifts to her project. Panic sets in as Tom quizzes her about her groundbreaking (and deeply personal) pancreatic cancer research. When Tom gets too invasive, Adam steps in with a protective, “Stop harassing my girlfriend.” Swoon.

Tom apologizes (kind of), praises Olive’s work, and offers to fund her research for a year at Harvard—pending a report on her findings. Quick PSA: never trust someone with your unpublished research. Just saying.

As Tom leaves to get coffee, Adam explains his history with Tom—they were colleagues at Harvard when Adam was a grad student. Olive suggests coming clean about their fake dating, but Adam vetoes the idea, citing the sheer embarrassment. Secretly, Olive’s relieved.

Before they part, Adam makes one last request: keep the Harvard funding offer quiet, so it doesn’t fuel his “flight risk” reputation. Olive agrees. Fake Dating Wednesday wraps up with awkward encounters, protective moments, and more layers to this ever-complicated ruse.

Lap It Up: When Olive’s Seat is Adam (Literally)

Olive and Anh squeeze into a jam-packed auditorium for Dr. Tom Benton’s research talk, where the crowd is so tight, personal space becomes a distant memory. Olive gets jostled into Adam Carlsen—because, of course, he’s calmly sitting like the chaos around him doesn’t exist. Nearby is Adam’s friend, Dr. Holden Rodrigues, who’s vocal about hating both the talk and Tom. (Yes, drama is brewing.)

Then Adam does the unthinkable: he offers Olive his seat. The Grumpiest Man Alive—giver of chairs! Before Olive can process this generosity, Anh ups the awkward ante with the brilliant suggestion that Olive should just sit on her boyfriend’s lap. Mortified, Olive protests, but Adam gives a subtle nod, signaling he’s fine with it. So, Olive perches like she’s afraid she’ll break him.

Cue Olive’s internal spiral: This is the worst idea ever. What if he’s secretly regretting all life choices that led here? But Adam, ever calm, reassures her, “It’s fine. Just focus on the talk.” Slowly, Olive starts to relax. Turns out Adam’s lap is weirdly comfy, and his steadying hand on her hip? Surprisingly reassuring. When she starts sliding off, Adam’s firm arm around her waist pulls her back, and Olive melts a little.

As Tom drones on, Olive grows sleepy. Adam notices and leans in to murmur, “Don’t fall asleep.” Olive, with zero filter, replies, “But you’re so comfy.” Then, in her sleepy daze, she asks, “Do you want to fake-break up early?” Adam’s soft response? “No. I don’t want to fake-break up.” The tension between them could melt steel beams, folks.

Greg’s Fury, Olive’s Fire: The Angry Text Heard ‘Round the Lab

Picture Olive in full overworked-grad-student mode, in the lab since 5 a.m., laser-focused on her report for Tom Benton. Then Greg, a fellow grad student, storms in, radiating fury. The culprit? “Your stupid boyfriend,” he snaps. Ouch. Turns out, Adam (aka Carlsen) failed Greg’s proposal, leaving him with months of extra work. Classic Adam, the department hard-ass.

Another grad student chimes in, dragging Olive into the fray with a pointed, “Did you know he was going to fail Greg?” Olive, of course, denies any involvement, but the group spirals into a vent session, hurling insults at Adam, including the crowd favorite, “sadistic piece of shit.” When Olive tries to smooth things over with a gentle, “That sucks. I’m sorry,” Greg fires back with, “You should be.” Wow, Greg.

The confrontation leaves Olive shaken, Greg’s parting words echoing in her mind. Later that night, still stewing, she does something she’s been avoiding—she texts Adam. (Yes, she’s had his number this whole time and has never used it. Very on-brand.) The message is short and to the point: “Did you fail Greg?”

Adam’s reply is characteristically calm and precise. He explains that committees don’t fail students; they fail proposals. Greg’s work had significant weaknesses that needed addressing, and Adam flagged them because proceeding as-is would have produced poor science. Once Greg fixes the issues, Adam assures, he’ll approve it. Straightforward, no-nonsense, and about as warm as a Petri dish.

But Olive, still rattled, presses further asking if he could give the feedback more nicely, hoping for some hint of remorse. Adam’s response? Classic Carlsen: “It’s not my job to manage students’ emotions.”

The bluntness grates on Olive, and she pushes back. “Your criticism is needlessly harsh,” she points out, and he is antagonistic and unapproachable.

Adam doesn’t deny it. Instead, he doubles down: “Not everyone has what it takes to be a scientist, and those who don’t should be weeded out.”¹

Olive, battling her own insecurities, snaps back with a simple yet deeply satisfying, “Well, fuck you, Adam.” And Adam? He leaves her on read. Power move, indeed.

Side Note:

¹As a fellow academic, I can’t let this go without saying—this “weed out” mentality in academia is the worst. People aren’t born scientists; they’re shaped by curiosity, effort, and good mentorship. It’s especially harmful in introductory courses, where instructors brag about high fail rates instead of investing in evidence-based teaching. Adam might think he’s serving science, but attitudes like this serve no one. Okay, stepping off my soapbox now.

The Picnic: Shirtless Adam, Sunscreen Antics, and Fake Wedding Plans

Three days of silence later, Olive and her friends (Anh, Malcolm, and Jeremy) squish into a car, late for the department picnic. Upon arrival, the sweltering September heat doesn’t deter the faculty and grad students scattered across the field, playing volleyball and ultimate frisbee. But the real spectacle? Shirtless Adam Carlsen, casually showing off his six-pack like he’s moonlighting as a romance cover model.

Anh, the sunscreen queen, insists Olive lather up, citing science (and Jeremy backs it up with a cancer journal meta-analysis). Chaos ensues when Anh dumps a mountain of sunscreen into Olive’s hands, then yells across the field, “Hey, Dr. Carlsen! Have you put on sunscreen yet?” Olive panics, but Adam, unbothered, replies, “No.” Anh gleefully volunteers Olive to apply it for him. Despite protests, Olive reluctantly agrees.

As Olive’s hands glide over Adam’s broad, sun-warmed back, applying sunscreen at Anh’s insistence, she can’t ignore how oddly intimate it feels—especially considering half the department is within shouting distance. Flustered, she tries to apologize for their endless string of awkward encounters. But Adam, ever calm, surprises her with, “I don’t hate it.” His tone has just the faintest edge, leaving Olive wondering if he’s as composed as he seems.

As they banter, Olive teases him about his personality being “so—” and Adam, ever sharp, finishes her sentence: “Antagonistic and unapproachable?” (Yes, he did just quote her previous text message.) Flustered, Olive starts to apologize, only to notice the crinkle of amusement at the corners of his eyes.

As their banter continues, Olive wonders aloud what Anh’s next over-the-top stunt might involve, now that sunscreen duty is complete. This sparks a playful volley of increasingly ridiculous fake-dating scenarios: “Hold hands,” “Feed each other strawberries,” “Fake wedding,” “Fake-buy a house together,” and, topping it all off, “Fake-sign mortgage paperwork.” It’s pure rom-com chaos, and for a brief moment, Olive forgets the awkwardness and just enjoys the playful rhythm they’ve found.

Peak fake-dating energy, indeed.

Enter Tom Benton, who casually announces he and Adam are heading to Boston next week to kick off their joint project. When Olive asks how long Adam will be gone, he quietly replies, “Just a few days.” Olive feels a surprising wave of relief that it’s just a few days—totally normal, right? Tom adds a side of panic by requesting Olive’s report earlier than planned, and of course, she agrees.

As Adam and Tom return to their frisbee game, Olive rejoins her friends, bracing for the inevitable interrogation. Anh calls Adam moody, and Olive—uncharacteristically—defends him. When asked how they met, Olive improvises with “over coffee,” dodging suggestions that their romance started on Tinder or, hilariously, Craigslist. Anh wraps it up with a grin, declaring, “We’re happy for you—finally getting laid.”

And just like that, the department picnic becomes another chapter in Olive’s increasingly chaotic fake-dating saga.

Late-Night Chips and Raw Confessions

It’s late, Olive’s exhausted, and her vending machine dreams are crushed when her beloved salt-and-vinegar chips are sold out. Muttering to herself, “I wish you were salt-and-vinegar chips,” she’s startled by none other than Adam Carlsen, who’s been quietly sitting in the break room the entire time. Casual. Turns out, Adam bought the last bag—her bag—and offers her the rest. Begrudgingly, she accepts, accusing him of snack theft.

The banter starts light. Olive teases Adam about needing caffeine this late, and he dryly notes that HR frowns upon forcing grad students to pull all-nighters. But things take a turn when they delve deeper. Adam admits he’s 34, and Olive shares her own age, 26, before casually asking if academia ever gets better. Adam’s honest reply—“It absolutely doesn’t”—hits her hard, triggering memories of “The Guy” in the bathroom years ago. Vulnerability surfaces as Olive opens up about losing her mom to cancer and how it fueled her passion for science. Tears flow, and Adam, surprisingly tender, hands her a crumpled napkin, encouraging her to let herself feel.

They patch things up after Olive apologizes for her snarky text about Greg. Adam owns his role in the situation, explaining his harsh feedback was about scientific rigor, not cruelty, and even apologizes for creating a space where Greg lashed out at her.

Before Olive leaves, Adam offers troubleshooting advice for her experiments and invites her to borrow equipment from his lab. When she teases that the rumors about his cruelty might be exaggerated, Adam replies with a swoon-worthy, “Or maybe you just bring out the best in me.”

Feeling bold, Olive asks why he’s really fake dating her and not, well, actually dating anyone. Adam hesitates, starts to answer, and then—of course—they’re interrupted by Jeremy, who barrels in obliviously. Jeremy’s interruption pulls Olive away, leaving Adam’s response a mystery.

Reports, Revelations, and a Shot of Courage: Olive’s Day of Wins and Flu Shots

In true Olive fashion, she emails Tom her report but forgets the attachment. Classic. After a sheepish follow-up email, Tom replies: he’s read it and suggests they discuss it—at Adam’s house. Olive double-checks with Adam, who not only agrees but offers her a ride. She declines, arranging for her roommate to drop her off instead.

When Olive arrives, Adam is returning from a run, perfectly timed to walk her inside. She and Tom dive into a 20-minute Q&A session about her project, during which Olive spirals with anxiety, unsure if Tom wants her in his lab. Just as they’re leaving, Tom casually drops, “I’ll see you next year at Harvard, right? I have the perfect bench set aside for you.”

Relief floods Olive, who fist-pumps and jumps around like she’s won the lottery. Adam watches, amused, until she impulsively throws herself into his arms. After a brief hesitation, he hugs her back, murmuring, “Congratulations.”

In the car ride home, Olive admits she didn’t specifically choose Tom’s lab—he was the only professor who responded to her email. Adam explains professors get hundreds of inquiries daily and suggests having her advisor reach out next time. Their conversation turns to Adam’s work with Tom, and he shares how their grant collaboration reignited his passion for research, saving him from a professional rut. Olive feels a surprising wave of gratitude toward Tom for keeping Adam in academia.

But then Adam says something strikingly familiar: “Academia takes a lot from you and gives back very little.” The tone, the phrasing—it’s identical to what “The Guy” in the bathroom told her years ago. Slowly, the pieces click. Could it have been Adam all along? It seems impossible, yet everything about their connection defies logic. The realization warms Olive’s heart, her feelings for Adam deepening with quiet certainty.

Olive laughs at the absurdity of it all and asks Adam if he wants to grab coffee to celebrate—his grant, her year at Harvard, everything. Adam smirks, asking if she means actual coffee or chamomile tea. Olive ups the ante with a suggestion: “Let’s hit Fluchella first.” She explains it’s the university’s flu shot festival, complete with its own cheeky name.

Adam resists, claiming he never gets sick. Olive, ever perceptive, figures out the truth—he’s afraid of needles. After much teasing, Adam reluctantly admits they feel “disgusting.” Olive insists, offering to hold his hand, and he eventually agrees. True to her word, she holds his hand as they walk to the clinic, proving even flu shots can have their swoon-worthy moments.

Fake Dating Wednesday #3: Sore Arms, Overheard Confessions, and Holden’s Grand Entrance

It’s another fake dating Wednesday, and Olive’s minding her own business in the lab when she gets a text from Adam. Her immediate thought? He’s canceling their coffee date. After all, yesterday was a marathon of flu shots, chats, and way too much emotional vulnerability.

But no. The text reads: “My arm hurts.”

Olive giggles. Yes, giggles. Then she texts back: “Should I come over and kiss it better?” Oh, Olive. You’re in trouble. Anh agrees, swooping in to declare Olive “disgustingly in love” with Adam. Olive denies it, sparking a rapid-fire exchange of “I’m not in love” versus “Yes, you absolutely are.”

Anh softens, admitting she used to worry no one would see how amazing Olive is. Now, watching her and Adam, it’s clear they’re both smitten. Anh even confesses she no longer fears Olive will get hurt from Anh’s relationship with Jeremy because she sees what Olive looks like when she’s actually in love.

Olive’s inner monologue? Shit.

Cue a Starbucks emergency meeting with Malcolm, where Olive spills all. Malcolm, smug as ever, hits her with an “I told you so” before diving into the obvious: “Everyone likes tall, broody, sullen hunks with genius IQs.” Olive vents about her rare feelings of attraction, worrying Malcolm might hate her for liking his nemesis. Malcolm reassures her: “Adam isn’t the same with you.”

When Malcolm asks when she’ll confess her feelings, Olive’s answer is a hard never. Her fear? Adam will think she orchestrated their fake-dating scheme to trap him. “What if he likes you too?” Malcolm asks, but Olive waves it off, convinced it’s impossible. She spirals, blurting: “Do I tell him I’m into him? That I think about him all the time? That I have a huge crush on him? That—”

And then, her phone buzzes. A text from Anh. It’s 10:00 a.m. Wednesday. Starbucks.

Adam is standing right behind her.

Olive, flustered, asks Adam if he heard everything. (Spoiler: he did.) Malcolm, sensing danger, makes a hasty exit, leaving Olive to face the music. Adam, ever calm, confirms he heard her rambling. Olive panics, blurting, “It wasn’t about you.” Adam, bland and even, replies, “I know.”

Olive tries to explain she likes…someone. Before she can dig a deeper hole, Adam reassures her: ‘If this isn’t working for you anymore, we can stop.’ Horrified, Olive insists they keep the arrangement going.

Enter interruption #2: Adam’s best friend, Dr. Holden Rodrigues. Holden, delighted to see Adam outside his office, drops into the conversation like he belongs there. After confirming plans for a ride to the airport, Holden can’t resist taking a jab at Tom. “Is he going to be gagged and tied up in the trunk?” Adam sighs audibly, clearly used to Holden’s antics.

When Olive awkwardly asks how they know each other, Holden spills the tea: their diplomat parents, a shared childhood in D.C., and high school, college, and grad school together. The highlight? Prom night. Holden’s date dumped him, so Adam stepped in. They slow-danced, held hands, and made the ex regret every decision. Iconic.

When Holden finally leaves, Olive seizes the chance to ask why Holden dislikes Tom. Adam explains it’s an inexplicable grudge from grad school, though even Holden himself doesn’t seem to know the reason. Olive also wonders why Adam hasn’t told Holden about their fake relationship. Adam shrugs it off but adds, “He thinks highly of your research.”

Before parting, Olive hesitates and asks Adam: “Are we friends?” Adam answers, “Yes.” But just as she’s about to leave, he stops her with a soft, unexpected compliment: “This might be inappropriate, but… Olive. You are really… You are extraordinary. And I cannot imagine that if you told Jeremy how you feel, he wouldn’t…”

Adam still thinks she’s in love with Jeremy.

Crushed, Olive can’t bring herself to correct him. Instead, she flees with a shaky, “See you next week.”

Campus Blues, Cryptic Warnings, and Conference Chaos

With Adam in Boston, campus feels oddly empty. Malcolm encourages Olive to confess her feelings, but she won’t hear it. Meanwhile, Anh daydreams about industry jobs, envisioning Jeremy funding her long-term academic dreams. Olive, happy for her friends, can’t shake the pang of loneliness. For the first time, work and friendships aren’t enough—she wants more. She wants Adam.

Sunday arrives with a text from Adam: a picture of an over-the-top drink topped with a muffin. “Think I can smuggle this on the plane?” Olive quips back: “TSA is incompetent, but maybe not that incompetent.” His reply? “Too bad. Wish you were here.” Swoon.

Later, Olive bumps into Holden on campus. He jokes about Adam’s absence, adding, “Even I miss that little shit. How are you holding up?” Olive mumbles she’s fine, but then Holden drops a bomb: “I’m glad Adam finally asked you out. He’s been talking about this ‘amazing girl’ for years.”

Wait. What?

Olive’s brain short-circuits. Adam wanted to ask her out for years? Convinced Holden means someone else, Olive spirals, imagining Adam’s feelings are for another woman in their department.

Before she can process, Holden warns, “Watch your back around Tom. And Adam’s back too. Especially Adam’s back.” Cryptic much?

Olive gets an email from the conference organizers: her abstract has been selected for a faculty panel. Translation? No poster session—she has to give a talk. Panic sets in. Her advisor is thrilled, calling it a huge opportunity. Olive is less enthused. After some encouragement—“Carry yourself with the confidence of a mediocre white man”—she reluctantly agrees.

Anh and Malcolm, excited for her, reveal they’ve sorted housing: Anh is staying with Jeremy, and Malcolm is rooming with other grad students. Olive? She’s flying solo. Anh suggests the obvious: “Why spend money when you can stay with Carlsen?”

After Anh leaves, Malcolm apologizes for not including Olive in the plans. Olive brushes it off, overwhelmed by the thought of preparing her talk and sorting housing. As she heads back to the lab, she can’t shake how much she misses Adam—and how tangled her feelings have become.

Olive’s conference housing search has hit rock bottom. We’re talking inflatable mattresses and sketchy motels. As she debates her dismal options, Adam reappears, back from Boston and looking effortlessly calm. Olive, startled, blurts, “I didn’t know you were back.” Adam, ever composed, mentions he flew in last night.

When Olive invites him to sit, worried he might feel obligated, she tells him he doesn’t have to stay, that she knows he has grants to win and broccoli to eat. Adam quips about finding balance between brownies and broccoli, and just like that, the tension evaporates. Their banter flows as Olive vents about her friends assuming she’d room with her “boyfriend.” Adam listens, unfazed, before offering a solution: sharing his room. Olive’s rom-com radar immediately pings—“There will only be one bed.” Adam, bewildered, assures her it’s a double. (Sure, Adam. We’ve heard that one before.)

Adam gently points out the risks of Olive staying far away, reminding her they’re friends and he doesn’t want her navigating unsafe transportation. Olive, unable to argue, agrees.

The conversation shifts to Olive’s talk, her nerves palpable. Adam, rather than offering empty encouragement, shares his own nightmare story: a last-minute presentation with no slides or script. When Olive jokes that he’s as brutal as his old advisor, Adam’s mood darkens. “I’m not like him,” he snaps, before admitting that mentoring is hard and he prioritizes high standards over popularity.

The tension eases when Adam offers to review Olive’s slides and promises to attend her talk if she wants him there. She admits she does, and they part ways—with Adam buying her beloved “pumpkin sludge” on the way out. Swoon.

Conference Chaos: Two Beds, a Talk, and Tom’s True Colors

Surprise! Olive’s rom-com instincts were wrong—there are two beds in Adam’s hotel room. The space is unassuming, but the subtle signs of Adam’s presence—his book, neatly tucked suitcase—feel oddly intimate. With a full schedule ahead, Olive assumes they won’t see much of each other. Wrong again.

Dressed in a black wrap dress for her talk, Olive barely steps out of the bathroom before Adam walks in. He freezes. His mouth drops open. “You look…” he begins, but Olive awkwardly interrupts, “Professional.” Adam, clearly flustered, recovers, mumbling, “That’s not what I… But yes. You do.” Their easy small talk resumes, complete with Adam handing her a protein bar and reassuring her about her talk.

It’s during this exchange that Olive notices Adam’s badge: “Keynote Speaker.” Somehow, she’d completely missed all the promotional material plastered with his name. That’s when it hits her: Adam’s keynote address is at the same time as her talk. He won’t be able to attend like he’d originally promised. Adam heads off to finalize his slides, offering Olive a casual, “It will be fine. And if not, at least it will be over.”

Her talk doesn’t go perfectly, but Olive handles minor hiccups with grace. Her friends cheer her on afterward, and two prominent researchers praise her work. She feels buoyed—until Tom ruins everything.

At the podium, Tom starts off friendly enough, casually asking where Adam is. When Olive mentions his keynote address, Tom rolls his eyes and mutters, “He does that, doesn’t he?” Brushing off the comment, Olive thanks Tom for the opportunity to work in his lab, but his tone shifts sharply as he grabs her arm and leans in. “I think there are a lot of things we can gain from each other,” he murmurs.

At first, Olive assumes he’s talking about research, so she politely reiterates her gratitude. But then Tom leans closer, his smirk turning predatory, and makes a crude comment about how her dress fits.

Horrified, Olive pulls back, but Tom isn’t done. He mocks her achievements, sneering, “You didn’t think I accepted you because of your work, did you?” Olive denies his accusations, insisting she’s earned her place, but Tom doubles down. “A girl like you. Who figured out so early in her academic career that fucking well-known, successful scholars is how to get ahead. You fucked Adam, didn’t you? We both know you’re going to fuck me for the same reason.”

The insinuation makes her stomach churn. Furious, she vows to tell Adam everything, but Tom just laughs, cold and dismissive. “Go ahead,” he taunts. “Who do you think Adam will believe?”

Before Olive can respond, he delivers the final blow. “If you want to finish your project, my lab is your only opportunity. And if you don’t . . . well. You sent me information on all your protocols, which means that I can easily replicate them. But don’t worry. Maybe I’ll mention you in the acknowledgment section.” His words are a direct threat, but it’s the casual way he says, “You’re mediocre.”

Heartbroken, humiliated, and outraged, Olive flees, desperate to escape his venomous presence.

Tears, Comfort, and All-You-Can-Eat Sushi

Olive is a mess, holed up in her hotel room after Tom’s disgusting behavior. Tears stream down her face as she replays the encounter, her self-doubt and rage crashing over her in waves. Convinced Adam is busy with keynote speaker duties or mingling at the department social, she’s caught completely off guard when the key card beeps. It’s him.

She hastily tries to mask her tears, but Adam, with his unerring focus, isn’t fooled. He kneels in front of her, his hand cupping her cheek, his voice soft but firm as he asks, “What happened?”

Between stammered excuses and a half-hearted attempt at banter (which somehow includes a debate over someone hoarding the last bag of chips), Olive finally opens up—sort of. She tells Adam she overheard people calling her talk derivative, claiming the only reason she was selected was her supposed connection to him. It’s only half the truth, but Adam’s reaction is classic protector mode: jaw tight, eyes blazing, and a deadly calm as he demands, “Who said it?”

When Olive tries to brush it off, dismissing the hurt, Adam cuts through her defenses like a scalpel. “It’s not what they said—it’s that you think they’re right. Don’t you?” His words are raw, but they’re followed by something softer: genuine praise. He calls her brilliant, her research groundbreaking, and her passion evident to anyone who pays attention. His sincerity wrecks her in the best way.

Unable to hold back, Olive leans into him, burying her face in his neck as sobs wrack her body. And Adam? He doesn’t flinch. His hand finds the nape of her neck, grounding her, steadying her, as he holds her with a tenderness that feels heartbreakingly intimate. It’s in that moment that Olive knows—she’s fallen for him. You absolute ass, she thinks, even as her heart swells.

When the tears finally subside, Olive pulls away, thanking him for his kindness and for letting her, well, snot all over his blazer. Adam, in true fashion, smiles and says, “Anytime.” And he means it.

As Olive steels herself for the department social, Adam surprises her. Taking her hand, he announces, “We’re not going to the social.” His solution? A spontaneous escape for “free alcohol” (well, free for her). Smiling, he calls her his girlfriend as he whisks her away, leaving Olive with the thrilling sense that her world has just shifted in the best way.

Their joined hands become the center of attention. Science Twitter’s elite and department colleagues shower Adam with “Great talk” and easy camaraderie, while Olive mostly gets ignored—or scrutinized like an unusual lab sample. The only person Adam pauses for is Holden, who cheekily asks if they are skipping the boring stuff. When they confirm, Holden declares he’ll drink their share of the booze and extend their apologies. Adam tries to wave it off with a “no need,” but Holden insists, winking as he promises to blame it on a “family emergency . . . or perhaps a future-family emergency.” Cue the eye roll from Adam as he ushers Olive outside.

On the street, Olive struggles to keep up with Adam’s long strides in her heels. “Um, I’m wearing heels here,” she protests. Adam smirks, teasing her about being “less vertically challenged than usual,” which earns him a glare. She firmly declares that at 5’8”, she’s plenty tall.

They debate dinner options, Olive mocking Adam’s infamous eating habits (hard-boiled spinach? Really?) while Adam shoots down her sushi-train idea—until she tugs his sleeve and pleads, “Please. Please?” And with a resigned sigh, Adam gives in, because, let’s be real, he can’t say no to her.

Adam’s first complaint about the restaurant? The $20 all-you-can-eat sushi, a major red flag in his book. But Olive is undeterred, gleefully grabbing sushi and even a chocolate doughnut off the conveyor belt. Their banter is gold: Olive asks if her sushi is tuna or salmon, Adam deadpans “spider meat,” and when she dares him to try it, he declares it tastes like foot. Olive, unfazed, is having the time of her life.

They trade quips over edamame (aka “basically broccoli”), debate Fast and Furious movies (Adam is Team Fast Five, Olive is all about Tokyo Drift), and even spot a couple that looks suspiciously like they could be fake dating, too. When Adam teases he’d recommend fake dating, Olive hides a smile, stealing one of his edamame in response.

The Elevator Carry and the Turning Point

Back at the hotel, Olive is barefoot and nursing blisters from her heels. Ever the overachiever, Adam doesn’t just offer her sympathy—he scoops her up bridal style and carries her to their room. She half-protests but mostly melts, because seriously, who wouldn’t?

Inside, Adam quietly removes every conference-related item from sight, sparing Olive the sting of earlier humiliation. The gesture is so thoughtful it makes Olive’s heart ache. When she realizes she forgot pajamas, Adam hands her an oversized “Biology Ninja” T-shirt that’s soft, smells like him (and detergent), and immediately becomes her new favorite thing.

Later, as they relax, their conversation takes a deeper turn. Olive reflects on her talk, admitting she originally felt panicked but also like she could maybe belong in academia. Adam shares a raw story of his own, revealing how his toxic advisor in grad school nearly drove him out of science entirely. He even applied to law school at his lowest, convinced he’d never succeed. It’s a vulnerable, deeply personal confession that makes Olive see Adam in a new light.

When Adam tells Olive, “I wish you could see yourself the way I see you,” it’s a moment of pure, unfiltered truth. His belief in her brilliance is unwavering, and it leaves Olive closer to him than ever—and more unsure of her own heart.

And then, it happens: the kiss. It’s not their first, but it’s the first that’s entirely theirs. It’s slow, tentative, and charged with unspoken feelings. Adam, ever the responsible one, pulls back, insisting, “This is not a good idea.” But his grip on her wrist and the way he looks at her say otherwise.

Olive challenges him. Adam resists, citing ethics, power dynamics, and her supposed love for someone else. But Olive dismantles his arguments with stunning clarity, making it impossible for him to deny the truth: they both want this.

And just when Adam’s resistance is hanging by a thread, Olive seals the deal with her iconic line: “I’ve never been surer of anything. Except maybe cell theory.”

And, well, you know what happens next—the tension that’s been simmering for pages finally erupts, delivering a scene so perfect, so electric, that it’s worth experiencing firsthand. Here’s the thing, romance lovers: I’m not going to spoil what happens after this, but trust me, it’s everything you’ve been hoping for and more. You’ll savor every single moment. ✨?

Later, Olive is savoring the serenity of a Boston night, curled up with Adam in what feels like the calm before the storm. They chat softly, Adam tracing patterns on her hip as they exchange stories about childhoods, snowstorms, and the quirks of their upbringing. We learn Adam’s financially rich but emotionally sparse diplomat childhood shaped him into the guarded man he is today, while Olive lightens the mood with playful imaginings of a young Adam navigating a world of distracted parents and stern au pairs.

The conversation takes a sweet turn when Olive shows off her one Dutch phrase—“ik hou van jou” (I love you, because of course)—which leads to a hilarious yet tender moment where Adam’s Dutch accent renders her completely speechless. There’s even some scar-sharing: Olive recalls a childhood snowstorm incident, and Adam reveals a faint scar from a “stupid fight” (Olive teases asking if it was one of his grad students). It’s all lighthearted, yet there’s an undercurrent of something deeper brewing.

Then, the bombshell drops. Adam casually mentions the possibility of moving to Boston. Yep, Harvard Boston. Olive’s stomach—and ours—plummets as she pieces it together. He’s not going home tomorrow; he’s interviewing for a position at Harvard. Suddenly, the flight risk she thought was a department rumor is very, very real.

Adam explains his reasons: being closer to his aging parents and, of course, Tom (ugh). Professionally, the move makes sense. Personally, it’s a punch to Olive’s gut, especially since Adam offers to help her acclimate to Boston and Tom’s lab. (Adam means well, but Olive knows she can’t even begin to unpack her feelings about Tom with him right now.)

Despite the emotional whiplash, Olive keeps it together, smiling through the ache as she decides to make the most of their remaining time together. She buries herself in Adam’s arms, silently declaring this their perfect—and likely last—night. It’s bittersweet, tender, and oh-so-heart-wrenching.

Bestie Bombshells, Heartbreaking Goodbyes, and One Last Kiss

The next morning, Olive is jolted awake by a barrage of frantic texts from Anh, all capitalized and impossible to ignore. While Olive struggles to pretend the world outside her room doesn’t exist, Anh and Malcolm burst in, buzzing with news. Malcolm, glowing, spills the tea: he hooked up with Holden Rodrigues at the department social. Anh, never one to miss a comedic moment, officially demotes Olive to treasurer of the “Hot for Teacher” club. Malcolm, meanwhile, waxes poetic about Holden’s dimples and “platinum-level hotness.” It’s all lighthearted chaos until Malcolm casually mentions Holden’s update: Adam’s research funds have been unfrozen. The date? September 29th—the day they agreed weeks ago would be the end of their fake-dating arrangement.

As Olive processes this emotional blow, Adam texts her, inviting her to dinner and offering to show her Tom’s lab. It’s a reminder of everything weighing on her heart: the fake relationship that now feels far too real, and the devastating decision she knows she has to make.

Olive arrives at Adam’s new hotel room (paid for by Harvard) under the guise of returning a forgotten charger. But what really stops her in her tracks is Adam’s genuine smile when he opens the door. Their conversation starts light and playful, full of banter about Malcolm and Holden’s sudden romance, complete with haikus about elbows and allergy trivia. The easy camaraderie reminds Olive just how much she enjoys being around Adam, how natural it feels to orbit his world.

But the mood shifts when Adam gently brings up the idea of filing a complaint about the harsh comments Olive supposedly overheard at the conference. Olive shuts him down, unable to confess the truth about Tom and weighed down by her unspoken fears.

When Adam invites her to dinner, Olive points out the date—September 29th. His research funds have been released, the mission is complete, and the clock on their fake relationship has run out. With her heart breaking, Olive tells Adam it’s time to end their arrangement. She tries to convince herself that it’s the right thing to do: Anh and Jeremy are happy, Adam’s funding is secure, and their agreement has run its course.

Adam quietly agrees, but there’s an unmistakable devastation in his voice as he promises to be there for Olive if she ever needs him. His words hit Olive like a tidal wave of regret. She thanks him for everything, their goodbye awkward and painfully restrained.

Just as she turns to leave, Olive leans in for a soft kiss on Adam’s cheek—a final gesture of gratitude and farewell. But that small, innocent touch lingers, and before they know it, their goodbye transforms into something deeper, a kiss filled with all the emotions they’re too scared to say aloud. It’s electric, vulnerable, and achingly real. But when Adam pulls back, his restraint is a quiet reminder that this is the end, no matter how much it hurts.

As Olive walks out the door, her heart feels like it’s shattering into a million pieces. And honestly? Ours does too. But oh, what a beautifully devastating way to fall.

Tears, Truths, and Team Holden to the Rescue

Heartbroken and exhausted, Olive spends her time hiding away in Adam’s now-empty hotel room, wallowing in her misery. But Olive isn’t one to stay down for long. After a few pep talks and some ill-advised crunches, she channels her energy into protecting her research, emailing her mentor Dr. Aslan for advice and brainstorming ways to outmaneuver Tom Benton’s slimy antics. Bonus: she interprets his interest in stealing her work as a backhanded compliment. Go, Olive.

Things take a sharp turn when Olive receives an email from Dr. Aslan asking for the recording of Olive’s talk to share with other researchers. Reluctantly, Olive sets to work on editing the audio file, realizing it’s far too long because she accidentally left her phone recording for hours after her presentation. Enter Anh and Malcolm, who burst into her room, eager to drag Olive out of her funk with stories of Anh’s successful outreach event and Malcolm’s chaotic first date with Holden (which, naturally, included dinner with his entire family and a very memorable dessert).

As Olive listens to their chatter while scrubbing through the audio file, she accidentally clicks on the moment—the one where Tom Benton unleashed his vile tirade about her. His sneering words about Olive’s career choices and insinuations of personal misconduct blast through the room. The effect is immediate: Malcolm and Anh go from amused to alarmed in seconds, their concern turning to outrage as they piece together what they’ve just heard.

To avoid hearing his venom again, Olive hands Malcolm and Anh her headphones and hides in the bathroom, crying her eyes out while the faucet runs. When her friends finally come to find her, their reactions are just as you’d hope: Anh’s crying angry tears, and Malcolm’s laying down curses that include hemorrhoids and genital warts for Tom. Honestly, same, Malcolm.

But Anh cuts through the rage with a pointed question: Does Adam know? Olive, of course, hasn’t told him. She’s convinced that spilling the truth would sabotage Adam’s work, his potential move to Harvard, and everything he’s built with Tom—despite Tom being the absolute worst. Anh, in her no-nonsense way, calls it what it is: sexual harassment. She’s adamant that Adam would believe Olive, insisting they should report Tom. But when Olive balks, Anh doubles down, pointing out the obvious: Adam is head over heels for Olive. He wouldn’t even want to move to Boston if he knew you weren’t going to be there, she argues. Despite Anh’s protests and unwavering belief in Adam’s feelings, Olive, ever the self-sacrificing martyr, refuses. She doesn’t want to risk taking something Adam values away from him, even if it’s built on lies.

Cue the plot twist. Malcolm, ever the drama king, decides it’s time for a grand reveal: Olive and Adam’s fake dating scheme. Anh’s shock is both hilarious and justified. She replays every cringe-worthy public display of affection, from the sunscreen incident to parking lot kisses, with increasing disbelief. Olive sheepishly confirms it all, and Anh lands on a verdict: “You’re an idiot, but you’re my idiot.”

The conversation circles back to Tom, and Malcolm delivers a lightbulb moment—Holden, Adam’s best friend (and Malcolm’s boyfriend), might have insight. Olive suddenly remembers that Holden hates Tom, a tantalizing clue that there’s more to uncover. Armed with Malcolm’s smugly offered contact, Olive is ready to confront the messiest chapter of her life, bolstered by her friends’ love, loyalty, and righteous fury.

Holden BubbleButt (Malcolm’s name, not ours—though we’re not arguing) had just finished his talk on crystallography, which Olive only pretended to understand. Afterward, she approached him to discuss Tom, bracing herself for whatever insight Holden might share. Turns out, Holden doesn’t just dislike Tom; he outright doesn’t trust him. He recounts suspicious patterns from their grad school days—like how Tom always seemed to “save” Adam from their abusive advisor’s wrath, but only after setting him up to fail in the first place. Shady, right?

Holden also highlights a dynamic Olive hadn’t considered: Adam’s collaboration with Tom is much more beneficial to Tom than it is to Adam. While Adam sees Tom as irreplaceable, Holden insists that Adam, one of the best scientists of their generation, is the real linchpin in their partnership. The kicker? Holden casually drops that Adam has been recruited by prestigious institutions for years—including Harvard—but only agreed to interview after Olive decided to join Tom’s lab. Yep, let that sink in.

Holden doesn’t directly tell Olive what to do, but his advice is clear: good science—and, by extension, good decisions—requires examining all the evidence, even the uncomfortable stuff. His subtle nudge leaves Olive reeling, but also armed with a fresh perspective on Adam, Tom, and the impossible situation she’s found herself in.

Crashing the Dinner: Olive Drops the Truth Bomb

Olive storms into a swanky Harvard restaurant, her heart pounding and her red duffle coat blazing like a flag of determination. She’s here for Adam, ready to drop a truth bomb in the form of a damning recording of Tom being, well, the absolute worst. Her plan? Get Adam alone and show him the receipts. But Adam spots her the moment she walks in, and in true Adam fashion, everything else becomes irrelevant. He excuses himself from a table full of Harvard bigwigs, marches over to her, and immediately asks, “Are you okay?” The concern in his voice, the way his hands almost touch her but hesitate—it’s heartbreakingly perfect.

Olive tries to explain, but before she can get the words out, Tom saunters over, dripping condescension. He tries to brush Olive off, insinuating she’s just some silly grad student, but Adam isn’t having it. “Leave,” he orders, his voice cold as ice. When Tom refuses, dismissing Olive as a “student Adam’s screwing,” she calmly plays her ace: the recording. Tom’s disgusting comments about her intelligence, her work, and her supposed tactics for career advancement fill the air. It’s like watching a train wreck—horrifying, but you can’t look away.

Adam’s face hardens, his calm shatters, and he explodes with quiet fury. Before anyone can react, he’s pinned Tom against the wall, growling threats that are as protective as they are terrifying: “If you say another word about the woman I love…” (Yes, you read that right—he said love.) It’s the kind of declaration that makes your heart skip a beat and your jaw hit the floor.

The chaos escalates as restaurant staff and Harvard faculty rush to intervene, but Olive’s quiet plea—“Adam, don’t. He’s not worth it”—cuts through the noise. And just like that, Adam lets Tom go. Ignoring the flurry of shocked onlookers, he turns to Olive, cradles her face in his hands, and apologizes, his voice breaking with emotion. He’s sorry he didn’t know, sorry she had to deal with Tom, sorry for everything. It’s raw, it’s tender, and it’s everything Olive didn’t know she needed.

When a furious Harvard dean demands an explanation, Adam straightens up, all calm authority and barely leashed anger. He tells Olive to send him the recording, promises her with quiet determination, “I’m going to take care of this,” and adds, “Then I’ll come find you, and I’ll take care of you.” His words leave no room for doubt—Adam Carlsen is a man on a mission, and nothing will stand in his way.

Homeward Bound: Dinner, Teasing, and Holden’s Big Reveal

After a week of heartbreak, betrayal, and unexpected twists, Olive finds herself navigating a whirlwind of emotions. It all starts at the airport, where her inbox is ablaze with emails from top researchers praising her work and offering collaborations. It’s the validation she’s dreamed of, and for a moment, her heart soars. But then, walking toward her with that signature broody charm, is Adam. Fresh off his flight, tired but laser-focused on Olive, he looks at her like she’s the only person in the world.

The reunion leads to dinner—a chaotic, hilarious, and heart-melting double date with Malcolm and Holden. From Holden’s exaggerated tales of Adam’s childhood misadventures to Malcolm’s fiery tirade against pumpkin spice (“Satan’s dandruff”), the banter is comedic gold. Amidst the chaos, Olive and Adam exchange quiet looks and subtle smiles that reveal the undeniable shift in their relationship: this isn’t fake anymore.

But Holden, ever the agent of chaos, drops a bombshell: Adam has been pining after Olive since the day they met. Olive’s mind flashes back to her grad school interview, where an intimidating stranger in the bathroom offered her the encouragement she desperately needed to pursue her dreams. She realizes Adam didn’t just remember her—he’s been quietly falling for her all this time, noticing every detail, from her Star Trek references in seminars to her playful moments at department picnics. It’s a revelation that leaves her breathless.

A Walk to Remember: Confessions, Revelations, and a Love Story Fulfilled

The evening takes a tender turn when Olive insists Adam share a fortune cookie with her. The slip of paper reads: “You can fall in love: someone will catch you.” Adam’s reaction—a subtle clench of his jaw and a pocketed fortune—says everything he doesn’t. On their walk back to Olive’s apartment, Adam opens up about the fallout with Tom, revealing Harvard’s decision to fire him and the disciplinary actions underway. Though hurt by Tom’s betrayal, Adam makes it clear: the only thing that matters to him is Olive.

And then, Olive drops the bombshell. She remembers their very first meeting—the day he comforted her in a bathroom at her grad school interview. What Adam reveals next? He hasn’t just been pining for Olive—he’s been quietly, steadfastly noticing her. For years. Every detail, every moment, like when she nervously gave her first seminar talk and used a Star Trek reference in her slides, or when she spent hours playing freeze tag with Dr. Moss’s kids at a department picnic, completely winning them over. He remembers it all. While Olive thought she was just another face in the crowd, Adam was watching, admiring, and quietly falling for her in a way that makes you want to clutch your heart and swoon. And Olive? She had no idea.

Finally, after all the missteps, lies, and misunderstandings, Olive gathers her courage. She explains how her fear of rejection (and of reading too much into their connection) held her back. But no more. She’s ready to be honest. With tears streaming down her face, she confesses in Dutch “Ik hou van jou, Adam.” Translation: I love you. It’s tender, raw, and deeply satisfying—a moment that rewards all the tension and slow-burn build-up with pure emotional payoff.

Epilogue: Full Circle and “Pumpkin Spice” Kisses

Ten months later, Olive is thriving—new job at Berkeley, late-night kisses with Adam, and more happiness than she ever thought possible. The epilogue brings us back to where it all began: the biology building, the water fountain, and a scientifically reconstructed moment in time.

Determined to re-create their first kiss, Olive commands Adam into position with playful instructions like, “Say ‘pumpkin spice’!” Adam, as smitten as ever, obliges with mock exasperation. As the countdown ticks to the exact minute Olive pinpointed, the air hums with romance. Adam pulls her close, every inch of their connection grounding and thrilling her. With a teasing grin, Olive whispers the words that started it all:

“May I kiss you, Dr. Carlsen?”

And with that, their love story comes full circle, leaving us swooning, smiling, and ready to reread every glorious moment. ✨

Bonus Romance Intel: Olive and Adam’s Love Story Continues!

Okay, so while The Love Hypothesis officially wraps up Olive and Adam’s story (aside from that very spicy bonus chapter from Adam’s POV at the conference—yes, you know the one), there’s a little something extra for those of us who can’t get enough. Turns out, our favorite academic power couple makes a cameo in Ali Hazelwood’s Love, Theoretically!

Fast forward two years, and Olive and Adam are still going strong—engaged and navigating the delightful chaos of finding academic positions together. (Because nothing says romance like synchronized grant applications, right?) But here’s the kicker: Olive has a plan. And when Olive has a plan, you know it’s going to be equal parts genius and adorable.

She’s scheming to surprise Adam during an upcoming hike in Yosemite with an impromptu elopement. Just the two of them, a park ranger, and zero guest list drama. No fuss, no frills, no one awkwardly clinking champagne glasses during a “toast.” Honestly? It’s peak Olive-and-Adam energy: intimate, thoughtful, and with just enough nerdy charm to make us swoon all over again.

So, if you needed one more reason to dive into Love, Theoretically, here it is: a sweet little glimpse into Olive and Adam’s happily-ever-after. ?✨

Characters

• Olive Smith: A brilliant but self-doubting Ph.D. candidate at Stanford, Olive is deeply passionate about her research in early pancreatic cancer detection—a field she entered after losing her mother to the disease. Caught in a web of awkwardness and good intentions, she orchestrates a fake-dating scheme with Adam Carlsen to convince her best friend Anh that she’s moved on from her brief fling with Jeremy. Beyond the romantic charade, Olive faces the pressing challenge of securing a better-funded research lab to complete her groundbreaking work.
• (Dr.) Adam Carlsen: Stanford’s broody and brilliant professor, Adam Carlsen, is known for his high standards and unapproachable demeanor, but beneath the surface lies a man who’s been quietly pining for Olive since their chance encounter in a bathroom during her grad school interview. Shaped by an abusive graduate advisor, Adam is committed to mentoring with fairness—critiquing the work, not the person, because science deserves rigor without cruelty. Adam agrees to a fake dating arrangement with Olive to unfreeze his research funds, as the department considers him a “flight risk” with no roots. Turns out, Adam’s gruff exterior hides a thoughtful, caring man whose devotion to Olive runs far deeper than she realizes.
• Anh: Olive’s best friend and the ultimate cheerleader. Anh is bold, funny, and fiercely protective of Olive, though she’s not above meddling in her love life. Her budding relationship with Jeremy, Olive’s ex-fling, sets the stage for Olive’s fake dating scheme.
• Malcolm: Olive’s sarcastic, loyal roommate and fellow grad student. Malcolm’s skepticism about Olive dating Adam doesn’t last long once he learns the truth about their arrangement. He’s also hilariously smitten with Dr. Holden Rodrigues, turning his long-time crush into an unexpected romance.
• Jeremy: Anh’s love interest and Olive’s ex-fling, Jeremy is a fellow grad student who unintentionally sparks the need for Olive’s elaborate fake-dating scheme. Though his romance with Anh is what sets the plot in motion, Jeremy remains a kind, respectful presence, genuinely supportive of both women—proof that not all exes are drama magnets in a love triangle.
• (Dr.) Holden Rodrigues: Adam’s longtime best friend and fellow professor, Holden is charismatic, warm, and full of witty banter. He’s the perfect foil to Adam’s stoicism, bringing humor and heart to the story while also offering invaluable insights into Adam’s feelings for Olive.
• (Dr.) Tom Benton: The story’s primary antagonist, Tom is a world-renowned cancer researcher with a toxic personality lurking beneath his charming facade. Initially a potential mentor for Olive, Tom’s true colors are revealed in a shocking moment that changes the course of her career—and Adam’s trust in him.
• (Dr.) Aysegul Aslan: Olive’s supportive research advisor at Stanford. Approaching retirement, she’s no longer applying for grants, leaving her lab underfunded and without the advanced equipment Olive needs to continue her groundbreaking work on pancreatic cancer detection. This funding gap prompts Olive to reach out to Dr. Tom Benton, whose well-equipped lab offers the resources Olive desperately needs, though it eventually comes with far more complications than she bargained for. Dr. Aslan remains a steady presence, encouraging Olive’s academic pursuits and boosting her confidence at critical moments.

Setting

• Stanford University: The heart of the story, Stanford’s campus serves as both Olive and Adam’s professional and personal stomping grounds. Labs are alive with groundbreaking research (and occasional tension), and the academic environment amplifies the stakes of their fake dating arrangement, from whispered gossip to coffee shop run-ins with colleagues.
• Olive Research Lab: Olive’s primary research space and the site of her dedication to pancreatic cancer detection. It’s here she battles outdated equipment, juggles experiments, and grapples with academic challenges.
• On Campus Break Rooms and Coffee Shops: These spaces highlight quieter, more personal moments—like late-night vending machine snacks, Adam’s unexpected vulnerability, or the playful banter that builds their connection.
• Academic Conference in Boston: The Boston conference is where Olive’s academic and personal lives collide. Amidst high-stakes presentations and faculty networking events, Olive delivers her first big talk, earns recognition from top researchers, and faces a devastating confrontation with Tom. It’s also where her relationship with Adam deepens, leading to raw confessions and transformative moments that change everything.

Favorite Quotes

“You put in expired contacts?” He sounded personally offended
“Just a little expired.”
“What’s ‘a little’?”
“I don’t know. A few years?”
“What?” His consonants were sharp and precise. Crisp. Pleasant.
“Only a couple, I think.”
“Just a couple of years?”
“It’s okay. Expiration dates are for the weak.”
A sharp sound – some kind of snort. “Expiration dates are so I don’t find you weeping in the corner of my bathroom.”
Unless this dude was Mr. Stanford himself, he really needed to stop calling it his bathroom.

“Olive,” Dr. Aslan interrupted her with a stern tone. “What do I always tell you?”

“Um . . . ‘Don’t misplace the multichannel pipette’?”

“The other thing.”

She sighed. “ ‘Carry yourself with the confidence of a mediocre white man.’”

“This might be inappropriate but… Olive. You are really… You are extraordinary” – Adam

“Adam.” She rubbed her forehead with her fingers. “There will be only one bed.”

He frowned. “No, as I said it’s a double—”

“It’s not. It won’t be. There will be only one bed, for sure.”

He gave her a puzzled look. “I got the booking confirmation the other day. I can forward it to you if you want; it says that—”

“It doesn’t matter what it says. It’s always one bed.”

He stared at her, perplexed, and she sighed and leaned helplessly against the back of her chair. He’d clearly never seen a rom-com or read a romance novel in his life. “Nothing. Ignore me.”

“How are you?”

“Good. Fine. I mean, I wish I were dead. But aside from that.”

“I wish you could see yourself the way I see you.” – Adam