Wild Side Chapter 31: Rhys – Summary and Analysis

⚠️ Spoiler Warning: This guide contains detailed spoilers for the entire novel. Proceed only if you've finished reading or are comfortable knowing the plot.

Summary

Rhys confronts his boss, Anthony, after learning that his unscheduled time off to get married has been exploited to create a forced romance storyline with fellow wrestler Elle. Anthony reveals that Rhys’s wedding ring spotted in a recent promo will be used to sell a secret-elopement narrative, leading to a kiss and unmasking on TV. Rhys is furious but reminded that he verbally agreed to cooperate. After the tense meeting, Rhys steps outside and texts Tabitha. She cheerfully discusses their last names and insists they are a family, chosen rather than born into. When Rhys admits work is forcing him to pretend he eloped with Elle, Tabitha encourages him to treat it as part of the job, even suggesting he pretend Elle is onions. Rhys worries about his growing feelings for Tabitha and the lie he told about Erika’s death, sensing that secret could damage their fragile trust.

Key Events

Rhys storms into Anthony’s office and demands the romance storyline be killed.
Anthony insists Rhys agreed to creative direction when he took time off to marry Tabitha.
Rhys learns the plan involves a fake kiss and an unmasking, pushing him into a “baby-face” role.
Anthony mocks Rhys’s attachment to Tabitha, calling her “Tabby,” which enrages Rhys.
Will waits outside and apologizes; Rhys reassures him and heads outside to cool down.
Rhys receives a text from Tabitha about their last names; she defines Dupris as “from the meadow” and calls their marriage a chosen family.
They text about work: Rhys reveals the forced-elopement storyline, Tabitha tells him to go along with it but asks for a heads-up before any on-screen kiss.
Rhys internally acknowledges he worries about Tabitha more than expected and dreads the lie about Erika coming out.

Character Development

Rhys shows vulnerability for the first time. His usual control and independence are challenged by Anthony’s authority, triggering childhood feelings of powerlessness. His texting with Tabitha reveals a softer, more domestic side—he seeks her approval and values her opinion.
Tabitha continues to grow in her role as Rhys’s partner. She confidently labels their marriage a family, offers emotional support, and proves she can handle his chaotic world without jealousy or insecurity.
Anthony solidifies his role as an antagonist—a manipulative businessman willing to exploit Rhys’s personal life for ratings.
Elle remains a source of tension; her advances are unwelcome and highlight Rhys’s distrust of her motives.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

Control vs. Helplessness: Rhys feels stripped of agency, reminiscent of his unstable childhood. The forced storyline represents the loss of power he has fought to maintain.
Chosen Family: Tabitha’s definition of their union as a chosen family counteracts Rhys’s belief that they are merely bound by circumstance.
Communication: The text exchange between them demonstrates how honest, playful communication can build intimacy even in a fake marriage.
Masks (literal and figurative): The unmasking element of the storyline symbolizes Rhys’s fear of being exposed—both his wrestling persona and his secret about Erika.

Why This Chapter Matters

Chapter 31 is a turning point for Rhys’s internal conflict. It bridges his professional and personal lives, forcing him to confront what he values more: his career or his growing connection with Tabitha. His willingness to consider violating his contract if Tabitha told him not to kiss Elle shows his priorities shifting. The chapter also deepens the central secret of the novel—the lie about Erika—making its eventual revelation more impactful.

Study Questions and Answers

1. Why does Rhys react so strongly to Anthony forcing a romance storyline?
Rhys has always avoided personal storylines because they feel fake and violate his character. More importantly, the forced narrative triggers childhood trauma: having decisions made for him with no say. His anger is rooted in a deeper need for autonomy.

2. How does Tabitha’s response to Rhys’s work crisis reveal her character growth?
Instead of reacting with jealousy or insecurity, Tabitha encourages Rhys to treat the kiss as part of the job and jokes about pretence. Her confidence and emotional support show she trusts Rhys and is secure in their relationship, a stark contrast to their earlier tension.

3. What does the text exchange about last names reveal about Rhys and Tabitha’s relationship?
Tabitha explores the meaning of “Dupris” and “Garrison,” offering Rhys a sense of belonging through chosen family. Though Rhys resists the idea initially, her insistence—and his eventual acceptance—shows that their bond is evolving beyond a mere arrangement.