The festive countdown commences in the heartwarming premiere of Rivals Season 1, Episode 3, as the O'Hara sisters meticulously orchestrate their Christmas preparations. Taggie, a sparkle in her eye, unwraps a dazzling, lavish bracelet, mistaking it as a tender gesture from her erstwhile love. Her heart flutters with anticipation for her brother's birthday bash, envisioning a reunion with her ex, a fantasy fueled by hope that they might reignite their romance. Little does she know, the elegant accessory is actually Rupert's conciliatory offering, atoning for his appalling conduct at the Jones' soirée.
Surprise arrives in the form of Patrick O'Hara, his arrival sooner than anticipated eliciting joyous reactions from all.
Elsewhere, Rupert's voice trembles with desperation as he pleads with his ex, Helen, for a fleeting moment to reconnect with his children, only to be met with a steely refusal. Defeated, he redirects his focus to his evening's companion.
The day of the much-awaited bash dawns, and Lizzie, ever the compassionate sister, urges Taggie to set aside her differences and perhaps mend fences with her ex. Amidst these preparations, anxiety brews – concerns over their father's relentless workaholic tendencies and fears of Maud's alluring advances towards Rupert dominate their thoughts. Declan, deep in the throes of his Rupert-centric investigation, finds the gathering's scale unsettling, preferring an intimate gathering over the impending revelry.
As the clock ticks towards the party's commencement, Taggie finds solace in the warmth of the kitchen, surrounded by friends who lend a helping hand. Yet, her resentment towards Rupert lingers, leaving her perplexed at the thought of sharing a table with him. Maud's casual remark, suggesting she should be grateful for Rupert's inappropriate advances, adds insult to injury. Taggie's world shatters further when her ex arrives, not alone but accompanied by his new romantic interest. Her siblings rally around her, offering comfort amidst the heartache.
Rumors of Declan's bash reach fever pitch, drawing even the prying eyes of paparazzi. James playfully chastises Lizzie for a ladder-clad stocking, while Freddie's attempts to discuss work with Tony are politely shooed away, as the moment belongs solely to celebration. Sarh's jealousy simmers as she witnesses Maud unabashedly flirting with the tardy Rupert. Adding another layer of intrigue, Patrick's godfather, the same man who shared a clandestine affair with Maud, graces the party's glamorous landscape.
Once more, the undeniable pull between Lizzie and Freddie draws them inexorably towards each other's orbit. Rupert, meanwhile, finds himself unable to avert his gaze from Taggie, even amidst her bustling duties attending to everyone's needs. Through Caitlin, he discovers that Taggie mistakenly believes the bracelet to be a token from her former lover.
Tony keeps a watchful eye on Declan, ensuring he refrains from lashing out at Rupert at the lively gathering. Unfortunately, Maud's overt flirtations with Rupert, right under Declan's nose, only fuel the simmering tension.
As the revelry reaches its crescendo, Declan delivers a heartfelt soliloquy, brimming with pride for Patrick. Just as Patrick prepares to address the crowd and herald in the new year, Cameron's grand entrance steals the spotlight, sending Patrick momentarily off course. Amidst the countdown's frenzy, Patrick forgets his speech and finds himself drawn into a kiss with Cameron, much to Tony's fury who had explicitly forbidden such frivolity. Tony's wife, perceptive as always, senses the undercurrents but chooses to remain silent.
Outside, Charles and Gerald's relationship takes a turn for the worse when Charles attempts to bestow his house keys upon Gerald. Gerald's aspirations for a political career and the necessity of a wife for such a path become clear, leaving Charles heartbroken but feigning composure. He seeks solace in alcohol, only to be consumed by a panic attack in the solitude of a room.
Within the party's bustling confines, Rupert manages to clear the air with Taggie, yet she steadfastly refuses the bracelet. As they sway to the music, Rupert confesses that her perception of him terrifies him, while she insists he can evolve for the better. Unconvinced, Taggie abruptly ends their dance and departs. Sarah attempts to reclaim her dance with Rupert, but he gently rebuffs her, reiterating that their bond has long faded, hoping she'd comprehended this from the start. Sarah, however, finds solace in Tony's invitation for a screen test, a ploy to incite Cameron's jealousy, while she, in turn, manipulates Patrick.
Caitlin's chance encounter with Tony's son leads to an impromptu invitation for a private weed-smoking session upstairs. Later, Mud, heartsick, requests a private conversation with Rupert, only to be met with rejection and the revelation of his affections for Taggie. Devastated, she retreats to Declan's comforting embrace.
As the party wanes, Tony stumbles upon his son indulging in weed and a steamy make-out session with a waiter. The evening's surprises are not over yet, as he also inadvertently interrupts a foursome involving Bas.
Meanwhile, Taggie swiftly dials for an ambulance as Charles's groans of chest discomfort pierce the air. Grief-stricken by his mother's dementia and Gerald's rejection, he wonders if true love will ever find its way to him. Desperate, Charles pleads with Taggie to keep Tony in the dark, fearing dismissal or demotion. Taggie valiantly shields Charles from the prying lenses of paparazzi, her every move a testament to loyalty.
Later, Rupert stumbles upon Taggie, a weight of responsibilities heavy on her shoulders, in the kitchen. With gentle words and a tender touch, he soothes her frayed nerves, promising to shoulder the burden and alleviate her stress. In a moment of understanding, she grants him forgiveness, and he guides her to bed, ensuring her rest.
As he departs, Rupert offers a clever ruse, pretending drunkenness to charm the paparazzi and secure the photos of Charles, his act a testament to his dedication to their cause.
Dawn breaks, painting the sky with hues of gold as Cameron and Patrick share a moment, watching the sunrise in serene contemplation. Patrick's admiration for Cameron is palpable, yet she views him through the lens of innocence, albeit tinged with ambition.
Returning home after breakfast, Cameron finds Tony waiting, his jealousy and anger simmering beneath the surface. She quells his fears with words of reassurance, swearing never to cross paths with Patrick again.
Back at the O'Hara abode, Maud confesses boredom amidst her unemployed state to Declan. Their conversation takes a sensual turn as they explore the desire to be touched by each other, their love blooming in an intimate embrace.
The episode crescendos with Tony's brazen demand, offering Cameron a promotion as the controller of programmes in exchange for sexual favors. Meanwhile, Patrick, though bound for college, finds himself inextricably drawn to Cameron, his heart still enchanted by her presence.
