Rhona encourages Tess to go for it, saying life is too short but after Tess dies, Rhona learns that Paddy is Tess's married man. Initially Rhona insists on carrying on as normal but soon realises that she and Paddy cannot stay together, let alone adopt a child, as things are so bad between them that they didn't realise that Leo was hurting April. In March 2016, Rhona tells Pierce Harris (Jonathan Wrather), Tess' widower, that Paddy was Tess' lover so Pierce punched Paddy. Later, Rhona discover Aaron and Chas knew that Paddy was having an affair. Not long afterwards, Rhona gets involved with Pierce who harbours a dark secret. Initially her friends and family think this a bad idea but come round when they see that Pierce and Rhona are happy together. In October, after Rhona and Pierce argue, she goes camping with Paddy, Marlon and Leo. However, Pierce arrives and they argue again. After Pierce leaves, Paddy and Rhona go after him and are involved in a pile up, caused by Emma Barton (Gillian Kearney) pushing her husband, James, from a bridge. Rhona and Paddy are badly injured but they all survive and Rhona continues her relationship with Pierce. In January 2017, Rhona and Pierce's relationship takes a sinister turn when Pierce forces himself on Rhona. After this, Rhona is left in a state of confusion and probable shock, suggesting Rhona did not give her explicit consent. A month later, despite Pierce forcing himself on her for a second time, she agrees to marry him on Valentine's Day, although she has shared a kiss with Paddy. Pierce overhears Rhona and Paddy discussing the kiss, unaware that Pierce has overheard; On her wedding day, Paddy gives Rhona his mother's necklace and she and Pierce marry. Pierce shows Rhona information of a Lake District veterinary practice lease, but Rhona is surprised he acquired it without discussion and, when Pierce suggests Rhona is not over Paddy, Rhona admits she drunkenly kissed Paddy. He insults her so she attempts to flee the house, however, Pierce drags her back in the house and jealously rips the necklace off. Losing control, Pierce pushes Rhona to the floor and proceeds to rape her. He attempts to shift the blame onto Rhona but, under pretence of showering, a shocked Rhona escapes the house, goes to the police station and reports her rape.