The Wrong Play

1. Obsession blurs the line between love and control.

I knew Jace Thatcher was the wrong play the second he set his sights on me.

Jace's possessive nature. Jace's intense focus on Riley quickly escalates into obsessive behavior, blurring the line between genuine affection and a need for control. His actions, while seemingly romantic, often disregard Riley's autonomy and boundaries.

Callum's manipulative tactics. Callum's control is more insidious, using emotional manipulation and threats to keep Riley in his grasp. He isolates her, undermines her self-worth, and makes her believe she is dependent on him.

Contrasting motivations. While both men exhibit possessive tendencies, their motivations differ. Jace's obsession stems from a deep infatuation and a desire to protect Riley, while Callum's stems from a need to dominate and control her.

2. Running from the past doesn't guarantee freedom.

I have secrets. Scars. A past that’s still chasing me.

Riley's attempt to escape. Riley's decision to leave her hometown and start anew at Tennessee is driven by a desire to escape the trauma of her past relationship with Callum. She hopes that distance will provide her with the freedom to heal and rebuild her life.

The past's persistence. Despite her efforts, Riley's past continues to haunt her, manifesting in her anxiety, fear of intimacy, and difficulty trusting others. Callum's unexpected arrival at Tennessee shatters her illusion of safety and forces her to confront her demons.

Internal battles. Riley's struggle highlights the fact that true freedom comes not from physical escape, but from confronting and overcoming the internal wounds of the past. She must learn to heal from her trauma and reclaim her sense of self-worth.

3. True love means accepting someone's darkness.

You need someone who can take care of you.

Jace's unwavering support. Despite learning about Riley's past trauma and ongoing health struggles, Jace's feelings for her remain unchanged. He accepts her fully, flaws and all, and is committed to supporting her through whatever challenges she faces.

Challenging societal norms. Jace's acceptance of Riley challenges societal expectations that women should be perfect and problem-free. He sees her worth beyond her struggles and loves her for who she is, not who she should be.

Unconditional love. Jace's love for Riley is unconditional, meaning that it is not contingent on her meeting certain expectations or conforming to societal norms. He loves her for her strength, her vulnerability, and her unique spirit.

4. Sacrificing dreams for love can lead to resentment.

Falling for him? Might be the worst play of my life.

Riley's fear of burdening Jace. Riley's fear of burdening Jace with her health struggles and emotional baggage leads her to consider sacrificing her own dreams and desires. She worries that her needs will hold him back from achieving his full potential.

The importance of individual goals. Riley's internal conflict highlights the importance of maintaining individual goals and aspirations within a relationship. Sacrificing one's own dreams for the sake of another can lead to resentment and a loss of self-identity.

Finding a balance. Riley and Jace must find a balance between supporting each other's individual goals and nurturing their relationship. They must learn to communicate openly about their needs and aspirations and find ways to support each other's growth.

5. The past can be weaponized to control the present.

Once I had given in, there didn’t seem to be a way to take it back.

Callum's manipulation of Riley's trauma. Callum uses Riley's past trauma against her, manipulating her fears and insecurities to maintain control. He reminds her of her past mistakes and makes her believe that she is unworthy of love and happiness.

The power of gaslighting. Callum's gaslighting tactics distort Riley's perception of reality, making her question her own sanity and judgment. He denies her experiences, minimizes her feelings, and makes her believe that she is imagining things.

Breaking the cycle of abuse. Riley must recognize Callum's manipulative tactics and break free from the cycle of abuse. She must learn to trust her own instincts and reclaim her sense of self-worth.

6. Facing fears requires embracing vulnerability.

I was born with something broken inside of me.

Riley's guarded nature. Riley's past trauma has made her guarded and reluctant to open up to others. She fears vulnerability and believes that it will only lead to pain and disappointment.

Jace's encouragement of vulnerability. Jace encourages Riley to embrace her vulnerability and share her fears and insecurities with him. He creates a safe space where she can be honest about her struggles without fear of judgment or rejection.

The power of connection. By opening up to Jace, Riley experiences the power of genuine connection and learns that vulnerability can be a source of strength rather than weakness. She discovers that sharing her burdens with someone who cares can lighten the load and foster deeper intimacy.

7. Love can be a battlefield of possessiveness and protection.

You’re going to know me better than anyone ever has in my entire life.

Jace's protective instincts. Jace's love for Riley is intertwined with a strong protective instinct. He wants to shield her from harm and ensure her safety, but his protectiveness can sometimes veer into possessiveness.

Riley's need for independence. Riley values her independence and resists Jace's attempts to control or restrict her. She wants to be loved and protected, but not at the expense of her own autonomy.

Finding a balance between protection and freedom. Jace and Riley must find a balance between Jace's protective instincts and Riley's need for independence. They must learn to trust each other and respect each other's boundaries.

8. Breaking free requires choosing yourself, even if it hurts.

I wasn’t looking back.

Riley's decision to leave Callum. Riley's decision to leave Callum is a pivotal moment in her journey toward self-discovery and healing. It is an act of defiance against his control and a declaration of her own worth.

The pain of separation. Leaving Callum is not easy for Riley. She experiences guilt, fear, and uncertainty about the future. However, she knows that staying with him would be even more detrimental to her well-being.

Prioritizing self-preservation. Riley's decision to leave Callum highlights the importance of prioritizing self-preservation, even when it is difficult or painful. She recognizes that her own happiness and well-being are worth fighting for.

9. True strength lies in vulnerability and acceptance.

I’m the only one who ever will.

Riley's journey toward self-acceptance. Throughout the story, Riley grapples with feelings of self-doubt and unworthiness. She struggles to accept her flaws and believes that she is somehow broken or unlovable.

Jace's unwavering belief in Riley. Jace's unwavering belief in Riley's worth helps her to see herself in a new light. He challenges her negative self-perceptions and encourages her to embrace her strengths and accept her imperfections.

Embracing vulnerability. By opening up to Jace and allowing herself to be vulnerable, Riley discovers a new level of strength and resilience. She learns that true strength comes not from hiding her flaws, but from embracing them and allowing herself to be loved for who she is.

10. The most important thing is to be with someone who makes you feel safe.

You’re beautiful. You always have been.

Riley's need for safety. After experiencing trauma and abuse, Riley craves safety and security in her relationships. She needs to be with someone who makes her feel protected, respected, and valued.

Jace as a source of safety. Jace provides Riley with the safety and security she needs to heal and thrive. He is a constant source of support, understanding, and unconditional love.

Building a healthy relationship. By prioritizing safety and trust, Riley and Jace build a healthy and fulfilling relationship that allows them to grow and support each other. They create a space where they can be vulnerable, honest, and authentic without fear of judgment or rejection.

Last updated: May 16, 2025