Episode 9 of The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 picks up where vows collapsed and heartbreak ruled. Belly’s Paris trip isn’t escape—it’s a crossroads where love and independence collide. The fandom is holding its breath. 👉 Watch the moment that defines her future.
The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3, Episode 9: Belly’s Crossroads of Love and Independence
The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3, Episode 9, which premiered on September 3, 2025, on Prime Video, catapults viewers into the emotional aftermath of a shattered engagement, delivering a pivotal moment in Isabel “Belly” Conklin’s (Lola Tung) journey. As she prepares for a Paris study-abroad program, her path collides with Conrad Fisher (Christopher Briney) at the airport, transforming her trip from a mere escape into a profound crossroads where love and independence clash. With the fandom on X holding its breath, this episode, titled “What Ifs,” redefines Belly’s future while teasing the resolution of the iconic love triangle. This 1,000-word analysis dives into the episode’s key moments, character arcs, and thematic weight, drawing on fan reactions and narrative clues to unpack the moment that shapes Belly’s destiny.
The Airport Collision: Love Meets Resolve
Episode 9 begins with the fallout of Episode 8’s devastating breakup, where Belly ended her engagement to Jeremiah Fisher (Gavin Casalegno) after his discovery of her lingering feelings for Conrad and the Christmas secret. The airport setting, a bold departure from the Spain arc in Jenny Han’s We’ll Always Have Summer, amplifies the stakes. Belly, suitcase in tow, is moments from boarding her Paris flight when she spots Conrad at her gate, waiting for a Boston connection. The moment, scored to Taylor Swift’s Cardigan with its aching lyric “I knew you’d haunt all of my what-ifs,” is electric. As one X post raved, “The airport scene is EVERYTHING—Belly’s heart breaking and healing in one look.”
Their exchange is raw and layered. Conrad, unaware of Belly’s presence until she calls his name, is visibly undone, his eyes reflecting the pain of their fractured history. Belly, embodying a newfound strength, declares, “I’m going to Paris for me, not to run from you.” Her words, a fan favorite on Reddit, underscore her shift toward independence. Yet, the chemistry between Lola Tung and Christopher Briney crackles, hinting at unresolved love. Conrad’s parting gift—a note slipped into her hand—echoes the book’s letters but leaves its contents a mystery, fueling fan speculation about whether it’s a confession or a farewell. The scene ends with Belly boarding her flight, leaving Conrad behind, but the note ensures their story isn’t over.
The Love Triangle’s Breaking Point
The episode signals a potential end to the Belly-Conrad-Jeremiah love triangle, a cornerstone of the series. Jeremiah, reeling from the engagement’s collapse, is absent from the airport but appears in scenes at his father’s firm, a show-original arc. Gavin Casalegno’s portrayal captures Jeremiah’s heartbreak and determination to rebuild, though some fans on X lament his shift from the “sunshine boy” of earlier seasons. A flashback to Susannah’s letter, which favored Conrad for Belly, deepens his sense of betrayal, suggesting he’s stepping back from the triangle. One X user noted, “Jere’s work arc feels like closure, but it hurts.”
Belly’s Paris decision reframes the triangle as less about choosing a brother and more about choosing herself. This aligns with fan sentiment on X, where 65% of a poll favored Belly’s independence over a romantic resolution. However, Conrad’s note keeps “Bonrad” hopes alive, with fans theorizing it could mirror the book’s letters leading to a wedding. The showrunners, Jenny Han and Sarah Kucserka, balance these threads, leaving room for either a book-inspired reunion or a bold new ending.
Belly’s Crossroads: Escape or Empowerment?
Belly’s Paris trip is no mere escape—it’s a deliberate step toward self-discovery. Flashbacks to Cousins Beach—volleyball games, bonfires, and Conrad’s shy smiles—contrast with her resolve to forge a new path. A voiceover, a series hallmark, reveals her mindset: “Cousins holds my heart, but Paris holds my future.” This sentiment, paired with Lola Tung’s emotive performance, marks Episode 9 as Belly’s turning point. The Paris setting, a shift from the book’s Spain, adds a romantic yet introspective backdrop, hinting at her writing ambitions teased in earlier episodes.
Fans on Reddit praise this arc, with one user writing, “Belly’s ‘I choose me’ vibe is the growth we’ve waited for.” Unlike the novel, where Belly’s post-breakup journey leads to Conrad’s letters and a wedding, the show emphasizes her agency. The note from Conrad, unseen by viewers, is a wildcard—will it pull her back to Cousins, or will she embrace Paris fully? The episode leaves this open, making Belly’s choice a defining mystery.
Supporting Characters: Grounding the Drama
Episode 9 weaves in supporting characters to balance its emotional intensity. Taylor (Rain Spencer) and Steven (Sean Kaufman) offer levity with their flirty college-prep scenes, building on their Episode 8 spark. A moment where Taylor teases Steven’s “dorky” dorm plans delights “Staylor” fans on X. Laurel (Jackie Chung) provides quiet strength, supporting Belly’s Paris decision in a heartfelt call, reinforcing the show’s theme of female empowerment. These subplots ensure the episode resonates beyond the central romance, appealing to the series’ multigenerational fanbase.
Taylor Swift’s Soundtrack: Heartstrings Pulled
The soundtrack, led by Taylor Swift’s Cardigan, is a narrative force. Its wistful tone in the airport scene amplifies Belly and Conrad’s tangled emotions, echoing the book’s nostalgic love story. Subtle Swift tracks, like Evermore in a Cousins flashback, deepen the mood. Fans on X have dissected these choices, with one tweeting, “Swift’s music is the pulse of Belly’s heart.” The soundtrack not only enhances the episode but also fuels speculation about whether it foreshadows a romantic resolution or a new path.
Fan Reactions and Theories
The fandom is buzzing on X and Reddit. The airport scene earns praise, with one user calling it “a masterclass in tension and longing.” Fans are split on the ending: 65% in an X poll want Belly to stay independent, 30% root for “Bonrad,” and 5% hold out for Jeremiah. Book purists worry the Paris arc strays too far from the novel’s wedding, while others embrace the fresh direction. The note has sparked fan fiction, with theories ranging from a love confession to a simple “be happy.” One Reddit thread predicts a Season 4 arc where Belly, in Paris, responds to Conrad’s note, keeping the romance alive.
What’s Next for Belly?
With three episodes left, Episode 9 sets up a finale that could either nod to the book’s Conrad-Belly wedding or carve a new path. Paris promises growth, but the note suggests Conrad’s lingering pull. Will Belly find clarity as a writer, or will she return to Cousins? Conrad’s next move is unclear—will he follow her, or let her go? Jeremiah’s work arc hints at closure, but the show’s love for surprises keeps possibilities open. Episode 10, airing September 10, 2025, on Prime Video, may reveal the note’s contents, shaping the season’s endgame.
Conclusion
The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3, Episode 9 transforms Belly’s Paris trip into a crossroads where love and independence collide. The airport encounter, charged with raw emotion, marks the potential end of the love triangle and the start of her self-discovery. With stellar performances, a haunting soundtrack, and bold deviations from the book, this episode delivers the moment that defines Belly’s future. As she boards her flight, note in hand, the fandom holds its breath for what’s next. Don’t miss Episode 10 on Prime Video to see how Belly’s choice unfolds.
