Days Update Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Chad tells Cat that the other day, she asked if she kissed him but he said she was dreaming and he thought she should know it wasn’t a dream. Cat can’t believe it and says she’s so sorry as she was delirious and sick. Chad says it just wasn’t how he imagined kissing her for the first time for real as they then kiss. Chad says that was as they continue kissing.

Javi brings Tesoro to the Brady Pub and runs in to Steve. Javi mentions Leo buying Tesoro’s outfit as Steve comments that it looks like they are taking good care of him. Javi tells Steve that he really needs to thank him since the day Tesoro was dropped off at the fire station, he was ready to give him to foster care until Steve shared his experience with him and he got the idea that his family could take him in. Steve says he’s glad it al worked out. Javi says he is too as he’s starting to wonder what they’d do without Tesoro.

Sophia goes to see Melinda in her office and asks what was so urgent. Melinda reveals that she went to see Patsy McGowan right after Brady did which shocks Sophia.

Tate reveals to Brady that the picture in the frame is a photo of his baby with the adoptive parents. Brady is shocked as he reveals to Tate that it’s just the picture that came with the frame, leaving Tate confused. Tate questions why Sophia would give him a fake photo. Brady says he doesn’t know but it’s the latest in a growing list of details about his baby’s adoption that just doesn’t add up.

Marlena goes to sleep and has nightmares about her time as Stefano’s Queen of the Night. In her sleep, she says “no, this isn’t right.” She says she doesn’t want to be his queen and doesn’t want to be separated from her children again.

Tate still can’t believe Sophia would give him a fake photo. Brady says too many things about his baby’s adoption feels way off. Brady goes over Sophia going to Chicago to meet the adoptive parents but then she just happens to go in to labor right then and there. Tate mentions not even getting a chance to meet her. Brady then reveals that he’s not sure his baby is a “her”.

Sophia questions what Brady was doing there and begins to panic that she gave Tate the lawyer’s name when she was actually planning on using her, so he must have given it to Brady. Melinda tells her to take it easy because Patsy stuck to their story.

Brady tells Tate about how Sophia referred to the baby as “him” and said she just misspoke. Tate agrees that it’s weird. Brady brings up Sarah being very surprised that the baby was a girl and when he asked her about it, she again looked uncomfortable. Tate argues that he has a right to know the truth and wants to go find Sarah. Brady reminds him that Sarah can’t violate the confidentiality as Sophia’s doctor, but admits he feels like Sarah was hiding something. Tate complains that he needs to know what happened to his baby.

Steve tells Javi that Tesoro is really lucky to be in such a loving home and repeats that he’s happy that everything worked out well. Javi brings up that Tesoro will be available for adoption soon, but he doesn’t think he’s ready to say goodbye.

Chad and Cat kiss until Rachel runs up and interrupts them. They try to explain that Cat was helping Chad with his swing. Rachel asks Chad if they can go home and says she’s not having fun since she’s terrible at golf too. Chad agrees to get the kids home before tomorrow’s first day of school. Chad and Cat decide that Rachel must not have seen them kissing. Cat then goes to check on Aaron and Felicity.

Steve tells Javi that he doesn’t usually give unsolicited advice, but maybe his reluctance to give Tesoro up is a sign that he’s meant to be with him permanently. Steve says Javi obviously loves him and seems heartbroken at the thought of giving him up. Javi says there are so many families who will want him. Steve brings up his experience in the system and says foster families get priority when it comes to adoption.

Sophia tells Melinda that besides them and Patsy, the only other person who knows her baby is a boy is Sarah who said she’s bound to confidentiality. Melinda questions how else Brady could’ve found out. Sophia admits she slipped up and referred to the baby as him. Melinda asks what she was doing talking to Brady about it in the first place. Sophia explains that she ran in to him in the Pub and he brought it up, but it’s fine because she covered for it. Melinda says not good enough since Brady’s still sniffing around and asked Patsy for a copy of the adoption papers. Melinda assures that Patsy turned him down but Tate might ask her. Sophia asks what she’s supposed to do if he does. Melinda says she will get her a copy to give to him which will say the baby is female and leave out the adoptive parents’ name. Sophia points out that Tate wanted an open adoption while Melinda says she will say they only agreed to a semi-open adoption which would keep their names private and any communication would be done through a third party. Sophia worries that Tate said he was letting it go but she knows he was still sad about losing the baby and now he’s going to lose his mind.

Tate repeats that he wants the truth. Brady says he wants that too, so he went to Steve for help. Tate realizes this is why Brady asked for the name of the adoption lawyer. Brady explains that he didn’t want to worry him for no reason if there was nothing to his suspicions. Tate says he’s now worried and asks what Steve said they should do. Brady says they need to get a copy of the adoption papers, so he went to the attorney but he got shut down pretty badly, so he asks if Tate can get a copy from Sophia without raising her suspicions. Tate agrees to try while Brady says he will take the stock photo to Steve. Brady warns Tate not to let on that he knows the picture is fake so they don’t give Sophia room to cover her tracks again. Brady promises they are going to figure this out as he exits.

Marlena wakes up in a panic before realizing it was just a dream. Marlena then screams, causing Tate to run in to her room and find that Rachel’s snake got in to Marlena’s bed.

Chad goes back to Cat’s apartment with her and says everyone is accounted for as Aaron and Felicity went for pizza and they dropped off Thomas and Rachel back at their homes. Cat asks if Chad is sure that Rachel didn’t see them kissing. Chad insists that if she did, they never would’ve heard the end of it but if she showed up a few seconds earlier, it would’ve been a close call. They agree that they should be more careful. Cat remarks that she can tell Chad would’ve hated it if Rachel saw them kissing which she guesses is because Chad feels like it was a mistake.

Tate apologizes to Marlena, guessing he didn’t put the lid on the aquarium tight enough after the snake escaped this morning and says he’ll talk to Brady about getting him a more secure home and keeping Rachel’s door closed. Tate asks if everything else is okay since she seems pretty shaken up. Marlena guesses it was just a bad dream. Tate asks what it was about but Marlena claims not to remember. Tate promises she won’t get any more visits from the snake and says to let him know if she needs anything as he exits.

Brady goes back to Steve and shows him the photo that Sophia claimed to be of the adoptive parents along with the photo from the picture frame Marlena bought. Steve uses it to do a reverse image search and confirms that Sophia got the image online from a stock website. Brady questions why Sophia would give Tate a fake picture which Steve calls a damn good question.

Sophia complains that Melinda is the one who told her to lie about the baby being a girl. Melinda asks how she was supposed to know that her doctor and Tate’s dad were best friends. Sophia panics while Melinda tells her to calm down. Sophia worries that Brady won’t stop until he finds out the truth and then her mom will force her to take the baby back which she can’t. Melinda encourages her to stop and breathe but Sophia declares it’s over because when Tate finds out what she did, he’s going to hate her forever.

Cat guesses she has her answer. Chad doesn’t think she understands. Cat says she asked if Chad regretted kissing her and he couldn’t even respond which means he does. Chad clarifies that if he regrets anything, it’s not admitting how he felt about her sooner. Chad says after he found out she was pretending to be Abigail, he thought his feelings were just residual confusion because he wanted to believe she was his wife. Chad talks about finding out she did what she did because she was under enormous pressure to save her mother. Chad talks about forgiving her, becoming friends with her, and admits he started caring about her as more than a friend. Chad jokes that now she’s not saying anything. Cat admits she felt the same way he did and she thought after pretending to be Abigail, her feelings would go away but they didn’t and only got stronger. They comment on their hearts both beating fast. Cat asks where they go from here and if he’s able to get past everything to give this a try.

Rachel joins Marlena in her room. Rachel tells her that Tate told her about her snake getting out and waking her up.

Melinda assures Sophia that Tate and Brady don’t know anything and aren’t going to as long as they continue to cover their tracks. Sophia cries that she’s scared and doesn’t think she can do this anymore. Melinda reminds her that she’s not alone and they are still in this together. Sophia apologizes for blaming her when she’s done nothing but help her. Melinda tells Sophia that she can show her gratitude by living her best life. Melinda talks about people trying to make decisions for her and take away her rights to control her future, but she didn’t let them. Melinda encourages Sophia for staying strong and making the right decision for her and her baby. Melinda says she will never stop supporting that and tells her not to stop believing that she did the right thing. Sophia admits she needed to hear that. Melinda tells her that everything will be okay as she will start college and her baby will be placed for adoption where there are a lot of interested families. Sophia asks if she doesn’t get to know who gets the baby which Melinda confirms. Sophia admits it’s been nice knowing where he is and that he’s been with a loving family. Melinda reminds Sophia of how panicked and worried she gets when running in to Leo and Javi while now her mother and Tate have also seen him. Sophia knows adoption is for the best, but cries that it’s really hard. There’s a knock at the office door so Sophia asks who that is. Melinda responds that it’s just a delivery she’s expecting. Melinda answers the door and it’s Javi with Tesoro, leaving Sophia shocked.

Brady complains to Steve that this is his grandchild they are talking about. Steve assures they are not giving up. Brady hopes Tate can get Sophia to hand over the adoption papers. Steve says she’s obviously hiding something so she’ll probably turn him down. Brady asks what to do next. Steve tells him about running all this by Kayla since she treated Sophia early in her pregnancy and she couldn’t break confidentiality but she did review Sophia’s records and when he asked if they should stop looking in to this, Kayla didn’t say no, so that makes him think they are right to look in to it. Brady concludes that Sophia not only lied about who she gave the baby to but also the sex of the baby and questions why she wouldn’t want Tate to know that. Steve guesses she was trying to throw him off the scent in case the baby stayed local. Steve mentions running in to Javi, who came in with the baby that was brought in to the fire house. Brady questions what he’s thinking.

Marlena asks Rachel how things are going in therapy. Rachel says pretty good and they’ve talked a lot about her mom. Rachel adds that kids at school might say stuff about Kristen shooting EJ and her therapist told her to say that her mom made a mistake, broke the law, but they still love each other. Marlena calls that taking the high road and praises Rachel having courage and strength which Rachel says is just like her as Marlena hugs her.

Javi comes in and greets Sophia. Sophia thanks Melinda for the advice and says she has to run as she quickly hurries out of the office. Javi introduces himself to Melinda, who says they must have ran in to each other when they both worked at DiMera. Javi jokes that he’s trying to block that out. Melinda asks how she can help him. Javi apologizes for showing up without an appointment but says he really needs an adoption attorney and when he looked online, her name came up first. Javi introduces Melinda to Tesoro, explaining that his family has been fostering him since her mother gave him up at the fire station. Melinda mentions reading about that and seeing his picture. Melinda comments that Javi’s really been giving him a gift. Javi responds that he’s the one that has been given a gift and he’s not ready to part with that gift. Melinda asks what he means. Javi explains that he’s exploring an idea and wants to know if it’s even possible. Javi asks Melinda what the chances are that he and Leo could adopt Tesoro and raise him right here in Salem.

Brady tells Steve that Sophia was panicked when Johnny and Chanel backed out of the adoption and she was very afraid that her mother would force her to keep the baby if they didn’t find adoptive parents before the birth. Steve wonders if it’s possible that Sophia gave birth in Salem and not Chicago. Brady says they know it wasn’t at University Hospital. Steve points out that there are several clinics. Brady asks when the baby was born and found at the firehouse. Steve recalls it was the night before the 4th of July because he was at the hospital with Kayla when Javi brought him in. Brady declares that couldn’t have been his grandchild then because he saw Sophia around that time and she was still pregnant.

Sophia runs in to Tate in the town square. Tate says they need to talk but Sophia says she doesn’t have time right now. Tate tells her to make time so Sophia asks what he wants. Tate responds that he wants a copy of their baby’s adoption papers.

Cat asks Chad if they are taking turns now. Chad says he keeps telling himself that he shouldn’t consider how Abigail’s family would react to them becoming more than friends, but admits it really weighs on him since he cares about them a lot and they’ve been through hell from losing their daughter in such a horrible way. Chad is struggling with how he could ever make them understand. Cat knows they will never see her as anything other than the woman who conned him in to believing his wife had returned. Cat declares that she understands it’s not in the cards for them.

Marlena asks Rachel how mini golf was. Rachel guesses it was okay except for Thomas bragging about how much better he is at it than her. Rachel then reveals she did see something she wasn’t supposed to and admits she saw Chad kissing Cat.

Melinda questions Javi wanting to adopt a baby with Leo, bringing up Leo’s rap sheet. Javi insists that Leo has changed and worked so hard to be a better person, adding that he’s amazing with Tesoro. Melinda questions if they are legally partners. Javi says they haven’t made it official yet but they are living together and everyone adores Tesoro. Javi adds that Rafe is the foster parent on record but he and Leo have been his primary caretakers. Melinda wishes she could be more optimistic but says the odds of he and Leo getting approved are slim to none. Melinda suggests Javi could adopt as a single father where he’d be subjected to a thorough background check, so she assumes that wouldn’t be a problem but Javi informs her that it might be. Melinda asks why that is. Javi then reveals that he had a child who died.

Sophia tells Tate that she’ll get him a copy of the adoption papers which surprises him as he expected her to argue against it. Sophia declares that she’s done fighting so if giving him the papers will put an end to all the questions, she’s glad to do that. Tate thanks her and says he really appreciates it. Sophia says she’ll bring it to work tomorrow so they agree to see each other then as Tate walks away.

Melinda tells Javi that she is so sorry as she lost a child too so her heart goes out to him. Melinda says she didn’t mean to pry. Javi asks if that would be a dealbreaker in terms of him adopting Tesoro. Melinda responds that it shouldn’t be, but they will do a thorough investigation in to the child’s death which upsets Javi, who thanks Melinda for her time and quickly exits with Tesoro.

Steve tells Brady that now that they’ve ruled out that the baby is with Javi and Leo, they need to get a copy of the adoption papers to get all the answers they need about the adoptive parents and the sex of the baby. Brady adds that there’s one more thing he should mention as a couple weeks ago, he sent a gift to the baby and Tate included a letter, asking to visit his baby, to a PO box in Chicago that the adoption attorney set up because the parents were not willing to disclose their home address. Steve asks if Tate heard back. Brady says they e-mailed and turned him down. Steve decides he’ll check out the e-mail. Brady feels bad for Tate as that e-mail hit him hard. Brady says Tate was handling the whole thing with compassion and maturity but then he finds out Sophia has been lying to him this whole time. Brady argues that Tate deserves to know what happened to his child. Steve assures that he will. Brady feels he should’ve done more as he feels like he failed his son. Steve encourages that Brady is doing everything he can to get to the truth. Steve assures that he’s got his back and he’s here for him, just like John would be.

Marlena tells Rachel that it’s really none of their business who Chad decides to spend his time with, so if she happens to notice Chad having a private moment with somebody, they need to stay quiet about it which Rachel promises to do. Rachel gives her word that no one will hear from her about Chad and Cat kissing.

Cat thanks Chad for the golf outing and imagines he needs to be getting home now, so she opens the door for him to leave but Chad shuts the door and says he has more to say. Chad tells her that after he lost his wife, he swore he would never fall for anyone else ever again because he convinced himself it would be a betrayal or cheating on Abigail. Chad thought he would never feel a strong connection with anyone else ever again. Cat asks why he’s telling her all of this. Chad says because he feels a strong connection with her. Chad admits he comes with a lot of baggage and he’ll have to be really cautious because of his kids, his in-laws, and Julie, so he just wants her to know that’s something they will have to think about. Chad declares that right now in this moment, he doesn’t want to think about anything as he kisses Cat.

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Days Update Monday, September 1, 2025

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Cat returns home with Felicity and Aaron from getting their mom in an assisted living facility near Salem. They talk about being glad Aaron is back since they missed each other and being happy that their mom was well enough to come back to Salem.

Chad walks through the town square with Thomas and asks if they are all set for school. Thomas says if they forget something, they can always come back. Thomas brings up how Abigail used to buy him an eraser and tell him to erase his fears as it’s going to be a great year. Thomas then tells Chad that he’s worried about something.

Marlena brings Rachel to the Brady Pub where Tate greets them and asks if they had fun at the pool. Marlena informs him that Rachel was feeling too tired to go in the pool. Tate says he has just the thing to wake her up.

Patsy tells Brady that she just got his voicemail and was about to return his call. Brady says he’s sorry for his impatience but he had some pressing questions about an adoption she recently handled because it was his son’s baby. Patsy asks what his son’s name is. Brady tells her Tate Black and Patsy responds by asking who? Brady explains that Tate gave his baby up for adoption about a month ago and says Patsy was the attorney that handled it, but guesses that isn’t true.

Aaron says he’s happy to be home even if it’s not for long since he will be moving in to the Salem U dorms for college tomorrow. Cat tells them their secret fun plan is going to play mini golf and get pizza. They bring up their brother Mark and talk about how much they miss him. Cat notes that Mark’s lawyer called a few days ago and his parole hearing is coming up soon, so he could be back with them sooner than later. They then exit for mini golf.

Chad asks Thomas what’s going on. Thomas says it’s nothing but Chad insists. Thomas talks about thinking it would be cool to have class with Rachel but they got in a big fight today. Chad says he’s sorry to hear and asks what happened. Thomas explains that he told her he’s sorry her mom is going away but that it’s not forever, so he thought he was helping but she got really mad at him instead. Chad he’s sorry and that Rachel is just going through a lot right now. Chad suggests he just be patient with her. Chad says a lot of people in Rachel’s life will be able to help her with her feelings, so he thinks Thomas should keep doing what he’s been doing and being a good friend. Thomas agrees to do his best. Chad then presents him with an eraser and tells him to erase that fear and have a great year. Thomas thanks him and hugs him.

Tate brings Rachel a fudge sundae. Rachel tries some but remains unenthusiastic. Tate says he’s about to get off work and go on a really fun adventure he has planned which Rachel asks about. Tate jokes that she’s probably too tired to go. Rachel says she’s not that tired and excitedly asks Marlena if she can go. Marlena sends her to go wash her hands and says then she can go on the adventure. Marlena tells Tate that he was so good with Rachel. Tate says he loves Rachel and hates that she’s going through this, but he can unfortunately relate to having a parent in prison. Marlena says she’s been worried about Tate since he’s gone through a lot with Sophia’s pregnancy and the adoption, but she’s been watching him and she’s very proud of the way he’s been handling it.

Brady explains to Patsy that Tate never got a chance to meet the attorney that handled the adoption but Sophia told him it was her, so he was wondering if that was the case or not since some things have raised some questions for him. Patsy gets a call and says it isn’t the best time as she’s in a meeting. She says she will call them back when she’s free and hangs up. Brady then tells Patsy that Sophia had told Tate that they went to Chicago because she had lined up adoptive parents there. Patsy responds that she thinks she can explain.

Cat, Aaron, and Felicity go to play mini golf. Cat sends them to get started as Chad and Thomas then arrive.

Tate tells Marlena that he’s not really proud of himself as he feels he really made a mess out of everything but he’s trying hard to get back on the right track. Marlena says he supported Sophia through the pregnancy and did what he could for the baby, so she thinks he should give himself credit. Tate says it’s not about him and says he told the adoptive parents he’d give up on seeing his kid but admits he thinks about his kid all the time. Tate says he keeps telling himself that she’s where she needs to be, being taken care of with a good life. Marlena agrees and says what he’s going through is completely normal. Marlena encourages that one day, he will be a magnificent father.

Patsy tells Brady that she didn’t recognize Tate’s name earlier since he’s not her client and she never actually met him, but it’s coming back to her now as she identifies Sophia Choi as the mother. Patsy confirms that she was able to connect Sophia to the adoptive parents who are lovely people and have been waiting years to have a baby. Brady notes that Tate was very upset that he was unable to meet the parents or the baby. Patsy asks if Tate reached out to the parents since she did give Sophia an address. Brady responds that they unfortunately refused Tate’s request to visit the baby. Patsy calls that not unusual and says she’s sure Tate has good intentions, but there’s always the fear he could change his mind about the adoption. Brady understands the worry but calls it very disappointing. Patsy says these situations are very fraught and often heartbreaking. Patsy adds that she has a meeting in a few minutes and asks if there’s something else she can help him with. Brady then asks Patsy if the baby was a boy or a girl. Patsy responds that the baby was a girl as she’s sure he was told. Brady says he just wanted to verify and make sure the facts were clear. Brady adds that Tate didn’t get a copy of the adoption papers, so he hoped maybe that was something she could give him. Patsy says she’s afraid not as she would need her client’s permission before sharing any legal documents with him. Brady guesses that’s it and thanks her for her time. Patsy tells him to feel free to contact her office if he has any more questions as Brady then exits.

Cat greets Chad and Thomas. They talk about mini golf being their back to school tradition. Thomas adds that they invited Charlotte but she had a play date. Cat tells them that she’s with Felicity and Aaron to celebrate Aaron’s homecoming. Chad sends Thomas to find Aaron and Felicity while he stays behind to help Cat find a pencil to keep score.

Brady runs in to Marlena in the town square and sees she’s doing some shopping. Marlena tells him that she got Rachel the glow in the dark sneakers she wanted. Brady thanks her for taking Rachel to the pool and asks how it went and where she is. Marlena tells him that Rachel is at the Pub with Tate. Marlena adds that it didn’t go too well at the pool as Rachel got in to an argument with Thomas and got her feelings hurt, but then Tate swept in to save the day by taking her on an adventure. Brady questions what kind of adventure but Marlena says she doesn’t know as they wouldn’t say. Marlena tells Brady that Tate is so good with Rachel, like Brady. Brady responds that he thinks Tate takes after his grandpa John.

Cat jokes about Chad not having a pencil since he’s a newspaper guy. They talk about how they keep bumping in to each other. Chad says there’s something he wanted to say but Tate and Rachel arrive. Rachel excitedly greets Chad. Chad tells her that Thomas will be so excited to see her. Rachel isn’t so sure since she was mean to him at the pool. Chad says they talked about it and encourages that Thomas is her friend and family sticks together. Rachel says she is going to go tell Thomas that she’s sorry so Tate takes her to go find him. Cat then asks Chad what he wanted to tell her before. Chad says he wanted to apologize for being a jerk about her taking the job with EJ. Cat understands he was worried about her and says it’s fine. Chad says she can take care of herself and if anyone can handle EJ, it’s her.

Melinda Trask meets Patsy in her office. Patsy says she just missed Brady and it was a close call as she didn’t expect him to waltz in so quickly after calling her, but at least they had a chance to get their stories straight. Patsy tells Melinda that Brady seemed to buy it. Melinda thanks her and says she owes her one. Patsy says that Melinda saved her life and she was happy to help Sophia. Melinda says she’ll be relieved to put it all behind her but Patsy worries that they may have another problem

Marlena gives the sneakers for Rachel to Brady along with a picture frame, suggesting putting a picture of Rachel and Kristen in it on her nightstand. Brady agrees that she would love that and calls it extremely thoughtful of her. Brady states that Rachel is lucky to have Marlena in her life, calling her a wonderful Grandmother. Brady says he doesn’t know how they would get through this without her as he hugs her.

Tate and Rachel run into Aaron on the golf course. Tate says he didn’t know Aaron was back in town as they send Rachel to join Thomas and Felicity. Aaron says he was going to call Tate to see if he wanted to meet up. Tate mentions that he’s looking after Rachel today. Aaron says he would ask how his summer was, but he heard it’s been rough. Tate guesses he heard Sophia gave the baby up for adoption and he didn’t even get to see her. Aaron confirms he heard that and he’s not going to pretend he knows what it’s like to have a kid, but not being able to see them is next level rough. Aaron encourages that they are so young and have so much to look forward to in their future. They talk about rooming in the dorms at Salem U, so they are going to enjoy their last day before that.

Cat appreciates Chad’s faith in her. Chad knows she will stand up to EJ if she needs to. Chad says that him snapping earlier was more about him than her as he’s been a little on edge lately because his in-laws are coming in to town for JJ’s birthday and the last time he saw them, they were upset about he and Cat, especially Jennifer. Chad is not sure how he’s going to deal with that. Cat suggests not mentioning her name at any cost and not coming anywhere near him and he’ll be golden. Chad responds that he’s not sure he’d be able to stay away since the universe keeps throwing them in each others’ paths. Chad feels like the universe is trying to tell them something. Aaron comes over and says they are waiting on them, so Cat and Chad go join them on the golf course.

Brady and Marlena go home where Brady looks at the photos of John on the mantle. Marlena notes it’s early but she’s going to pack it in. Brady points out that she didn’t eat dinner and argues that a big lunch wasn’t enough. Brady offers to go to the Pub or get something from the freezer. Marlena complains about frozen rodents being in the freezer. Brady knows she doesn’t like having snakes but appreciates her letting Rachel have him there. Marlena thanks Brady for his concern about her skipping supper but assures she’s fine. Marlena tells Brady that she’s very grateful to have him and Rachel there as it’s a tremendous comfort to her and she loves them both so much. Brady says they love her too and are very grateful for her. Marlena then heads to her bedroom.

Chad and Cat play mini golf. Chad keeps score on his phone but Cat says he doesn’t have to. Chad says Aaron insisted so it’s too late. Cat asks how she’s doing. Chad says that Rachel is the only person not beating him while Cat is beating absolutely everyone. They joke about that, so Cat offers to help Chad with his stance as they get close.

Melinda asks Patsy what the other problem is. Patsy says there’s two problems, first Brady asking for a copy of the adoption papers but she told them that wouldn’t be possible, however he might still try to get it another way. Patsy adds that Brady also asked about the baby’s gender, but she stuck with the story Melinda gave that the baby was a girl. They talk about Brady being suspicious. Melinda thanks her for the heads up and says she’ll figure it out. Melinda adds that she really thought Brady and Tate would’ve let this go by now.

Tate goes home where Brady asks where Rachel is. Tate explains that she was having so much fun with Thomas at mini golf that she basically told him to leave, so Chad will give her a ride home. Brady is glad she’s having fun and appreciates Tate looking after her. Brady then hands Tate the picture frame that Marlena bought. Tate thanks Brady and calls it thoughtful of him. Brady explains that Marlena actually bought it. Tate is touched and calls it sweet, remarking that he didn’t even know she had the picture, confusing Brady, as the frame came with a generic stock photo that happens to be the picture Sophia claimed was the adoptive parents with their baby.

Marlena goes to sleep and has nightmares about her time as Stefano’s Queen of the Night.

Chad tells Cat that the other day, she asked if she kissed him but he said she was dreaming and he thought she should know it wasn’t a dream. Cat can’t believe it and says she’s so sorry as she was delirious and sick. Chad says it just wasn’t how he imagined kissing her for the first time for real as they then kiss. Chad says that was as they continue kissing.

Melinda walks through the town square and calls Sophia, leaving a message that she has to see her right away as it’s important.

Tate reveals to Brady that the picture in the frame is a photo of his baby with the adoptive parents. Brady is shocked as he reveals to Tate that it’s just the picture that came with the frame, leaving Tate confused.

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Days Short Recap Tuesday, September 2, 2025

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Javi was with Tesoro and gushed about how happy he was to be one of his foster parents. He admitted he wouldn’t be ready to let him go when he gets adopted. Steve suggested that might mean he should adopt him. Sophia rushed to Melinda’s office to let her know that Brady questioned the adoption lawyer. Melinda planned on creating adoption papers for her to give to Tate that state that the baby was a girl and that she was in semi-adoption mode. It protects the identity of the parents. Communication would go through a third party. Melinda assured a scared Sophia that Brady and Tate wouldn’t know anything as long as they covered their tracks. Sophia knew she had to give the baby up for adoption, but it was hard for her since she kept running into him. Javi knocked on Melinda’s door while they were talking. Sophia panicked while Javi and the baby were in Melinda’s office so she made an exit. He talked to Melinda about exploring his options because he and Leo were ready to take on adopting Tesoro. Melinda told him that he would be better off adopting the baby as a single parent. He would have to have a background test, but he didn’t do anything wrong so it wouldn’t be a problem. He admitted to Melinda that he had a child, but the baby died. Melinda was empathetic about it. She didn’t think his secret should be a problem. Melinda warned him that the investigators would check into how the baby died. Javi was afraid of that. With tears in his eyes, Javi left her office.

Tate was upset to find out that the picture of the couple that were going to adopt his came from a casting company. The picture came with the frame and weren’t his daughter’s adoptive parents. Brady told him that he didn’t think his baby was a girl. He advised Tate to ask Sophia to see the adoption papers while he wanted to go to Steve with the fake photos. While he was at the private investigation office, Steve told him that the picture Sophia had was from a website. He also told Brady that Kayla couldn’t reveal much about Sophia, but she warned him to keep investigating. Steve talked to Brady about running into Javi and Tesoro at the pub. Brady wondered if it was possible that Javi could have had Tate’s baby. The timeline didn’t match up so Brady felt like he let his son down. Steve told him that he had his back. He was there for him like his father would have. Tate ran into Sophia, and he asked to see a copy of the adoption papers. She agreed to let him see them. Marlena had another nightmare about being the Queen of the Night. She screamed when she woke up and saw Rachel’s snake in her bed. After getting the snake out of her room, Rachel wanted to talk to her. Rachel told Marlena about the kids bullying her because of her mother. She was excited to tell her some gossip. Rachel saw her Uncle Chad kissing the blonde woman who pretended to be Abby. Marlena said it wasn’t their business, and Rachel agreed not to say anything.

 

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Days Update Friday, August 29, 2025

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

At the hospital, Cat goes to Kayla and says she’s applying for a job at the hospital cafeteria, so she asks if she can use Kayla as a reference. Kayla acknowledges that Cat did excellent work for Marlena and the hospital fundraiser, so she agrees to put in a good word for her. Cat thanks her but Kayla thinks she’s overqualified for that job and asks why she wouldn’t apply for another administrative assistant position. Cat says she would but there aren’t any available. Kayla asks if it has to be at the hospital.

At the Spectator office, Leo complains to Chad about his time on the jury and not even getting to deliver the verdict, saying Kristen stole that moment from him. Chad mocks it being a horrible ordeal for him to sit through his innocent nephew’s trial, but he’s sure Leo is relieved to be home which he confirms. Leo never thought he’d miss being at work so much. Chad says they are happy to have him back as they missed him. Chad then asks Leo to cover Kristen’s sentencing hearing tomorrow. Leo responds that he wouldn’t miss that for the world.

EJ enters the living room of the DiMera Mansion where Gwen comments to him that she’s more shocked by Kristen confessing than her shooting him. Gwen calls Kristen her friend but admits she’s not exactly ethically driven. EJ suggests she just didn’t want her nephew to take the fall for something she did as no one is immune to having a moral breaking point. Gwen brings up Leo saying that the jury’s verdict was going to be not guilty so Kristen confessed in vain for no reason and now she’ll probably spend decades away from her daughter. Gwen says her heart goes out to Rachel.

Brady reads the article on Kristen on his tablet at home until Tate returns home from a run. Tate asks if the trip to the pet store lifted Rachel’s spirits. Brady says no and that she perked up a little when she saw Sarah but other than that, she’s been subdued. Brady adds that Rachel is now at the pool with Marlena, hoping time with her will lift her spirits. Tate wishes there was something he could do to help and mentions offering her his Playstation but she barely reacted. Brady calls him a good brother. Tate asks if he shouldn’t live at the dorms in case Rachel needs him but Brady wants him to have the full college experience and come home on weekends and holidays. Tate agrees and says he’ll bring Holly over since she and Rachel got close while living at the DiMera Mansion. Tate then tells Brady about what happened earlier and that Holly doesn’t like snakes.

Holly goes to the Brady Pub where Sophia is working. Sophia asks where Tate is, but Holly says it’s just her this time and she wants a word with her in private. Sophia tells her that she’s working here which Holly says is a problem. Sophia sits with her and questions why she has a problem with her working here. Holly argues that she’s only working there to get closer to Tate. Sophia insists that her mom saw the help wanted sign and made her apply but Holly doesn’t buy it. Sophia calls her paranoid and suggests she cool it with the Dawson’s Creek reruns and meditate. Holly suggests Sophia cool it with the sarcasm and with confiding in Sarah. Sophia questions what Sarah said about her. Holly says just that she got the impression Sophia still has feelings for Tate. Sophia denies it and says Tate is the father of her child so she cares about him. Holly argues that she knows that’s not what she meant, so Sophia asks what she does mean. Holly warns Sophia that if she thinks she’s going to steal her boyfriend, she better think again.

Tate tells Brady that he’s going to shower so he’s not late for his first day back at the Pub. Brady wishes him luck. Tate thanks him and says he’s going to need it as he admits he’s a little worried about working with Sophia which Brady is surprised to learn. Tate says he and Holly just ran in to Sophia in the middle of her shift. Brady calls that interesting as he knows things have been tense between them since giving up the baby. Tate decides he’s not worried as Sophia seems to appreciate him moving on from trying to meet the baby and he thinks Sophia just wants to move on with her life and put it all behind her.

Leo tells Chad that he’s thinking about writing a tell-all book about being on the jury. Leo talks about the trial and feels it all wrapped up a little too neatly. Leo believes Kristen’s confession was too convenient. Chad asks if he’s saying that he doesn’t think Kristen did it. Leo talks about having admiration for Kristen but he doesn’t buy Kristen suddenly feeling guilty enough to confess. Chad questions why she would confess then since Kristen wouldn’t voluntarily go to prison and be separated from her daughter.

Cat tells Kayla that she’d like to stay at the hospital if she can since she likes working there and the benefits are amazing when it comes to health care for Felicity. Kayla agrees to do what she can to help her get the job, so Cat thanks her and steps aside. EJ then arrives and asks Kayla when his new office will be ready. Kayla says tomorrow and she’s glad she could help. EJ then walks away, so Cat follows after him. Chad then arrives and has Kayla sign a form for his daughter Charlotte’s physical. Kayla can’t believe Charlotte is starting Kindergarten. Chad talks about being glad he didn’t get his kids sick and thanks her for sending antibiotics. Kayla is sorry they had to be quarantined and says she’s sure it was miserable for Chad and Cat. Chad thinks back to Cat kissing him, but tells Kayla that it was miserable.

Cat catches up with EJ in the town square and says she couldn’t help but hear him talking to Kayla at the hospital, so it got her thinking to ask if he needed an administrative assistant. EJ asks if she knows someone who would be interested. Cat says she would be.

Sophia reminds Holly that she just gave birth to a baby and gave it up for adoption, so maybe her main focus isn’t on stealing her boyfriend. Holly knows she’s been through a lot recently and says she’s not trying to be a bitch about this, but she’s tried and succeeding at coming between her and Tate before so she just wants to make it clear that’s not happening again. Sophia calls her insecure and asks if she actually wants to order something or if she’s just going to sit around harassing her all day. Tate then arrives and asks what Holly’s doing there.

Brady goes to see Steve in his office and says he knows it’s only been a couple hours but he hoped he would have something on the adoption. Steve says not yet and without a court order, all the documents are sealed. Steve asks if Brady has anything else they can go on, pointing out that there are hundreds of hospitals in Chicago to try and narrow down where Sophia gave birth at. Brady says the problem is that he literally has no information or even the names of the adoptive parents. Brady notes that he did see a picture of them and that Tate probably has it on his phone. Steve says with that, he can do a reverse image search and maybe they can start getting some answers. Brady confirms he doesn’t have a copy of the adoption papers since Tate signed them and Sophia took them with her. Brady explains that they were both in shock when Sophia showed up without the baby and had already given her away. Steve suggest asking for a copy of the papers now but Brady doesn’t want Tate and Sophia to know he’s looking in to this. Brady realizes there might be another way to get a copy of those papers.

Holly claims that she just came to wish Tate luck on his first day back at the Pub which Tate calls so sweet. Tate says he has to go clock in while Holly says she’ll stick around to be his first customer. Holly then grabs Tate before he goes and kisses him right in front of Sophia.

Leo walks past the Brady Pub and runs in to Gwen. Leo asks about the shopping bags in her hands and asks if she’s out spending Dimitri’s inheritance. Gwen mocks Leo’s comedy and says she’s not in the mood for his clever tangents. Leo declares that he’s met an amazing man who loves him and that’s all he needs. Leo decides he’s grateful to Dimitri because if not for his letter, he never would’ve met the man he’s meant to be with and the same could be true for Gwen. Gwen asks if he’s saying she should be thankful that Dimitri cheated on her with him. Gwen tells Leo that he and Dimitri are both backstabbing lowlives, so she hopes they both rot in Hell.

Chad tells Kayla that when he offered to bring Felicity’s prescription, he never imagined he’d be stuck there for a few days and adds that they helped him too when he came down with strep throat too. Kayla guesses they caught it while stuck in the elevator together and tells Chad that he can blame EJ for getting him sick.

EJ thought Cat was Marlena’s assistant. Cat explains that Marlena has decided to take an open ended absence, so she’s without a job and was hoping to stay at the hospital. EJ points out that he already has an assistant but admits that Rita is more of his right hand while he could use someone to organize his calendar and files. Cat says that would be perfect. EJ responds that there would be one problem and that’s that he can’t hire her.

Chad tells Kayla that he had a talk with EJ about the elevator incident but he seemed more concerned with him being with Cat. Kayla says it does seem EJ finally realized he can’t cut corners with hospital maintenance and hoped he would have a similar epiphany when it comes to patient care. Kayla questions why EJ wanted to buy the hospital in the first place. Chad thought at first it was to get the rights to Versavix while Kayla argues that the trials on the drug aren’t even done and it could be years before that makes a profit, so it just makes her think there’s something else. Chad says he can try to find out but they both know that EJ plays his cards close to the vest.

Cat asks why EJ can’t hire her. EJ responds that he doesn’t think Chad would approve. Cat knows she did a terrible thing by impersonating Abigail. EJ says that’s not what he meant and brings up that Chad didn’t like the idea of him going on a date with her and felt the need to protect her from his devious older brother. Cat asks if he’s devious. EJ supposes there’s some truth to that which is why he’s guessing Chad would have an issue with them working together. Cat tells him not to worry about Chad as she’s sure she can get him to come around since it’s not like they are dating. Cat says she needs a job with two siblings at home and no income. EJ asks for her resume’ which she shows. EJ calls it impressive but notes there’s a large gap in her work history. Cat says she had family dealings and then her car accident. EJ acknowledges that she’s been through the ringer. Cat says she could really use a break and asks EJ to give her a chance.

Gwen tells Leo that he has some nerve acting like he did a favor for her by having an affair with her husband. Gwen calls him a narcissist, gaslighter, and a lying wanker. Leo admits what he said was a little self serving, but he genuinely hopes Gwen could get past this at some point and find somebody who makes her happy. Gwen questions what makes him think she’s not happy. Leo points out the look on her face and her tone. Gwen argues that she’s only like this around him. Leo says despite her seething hatred for him, he’s still sad that she’s stuck in a loveless marriage with a man who is missing. Gwen doesn’t care as long as she has his money. Leo points out that she’s also living where people despise her. Gwen mocks Leo while Leo says he knows her and she seems miserable. Gwen asks why that’s any of his concern. Leo responds that he cares about her and he knows the funny, brilliant, and charming human she is, so he wishes they could be friends again. Gwen states that anyone who could do what he did to her was never her friend to begin with.

Tate brings Holly her chocolate milkshake. Holly says she can’t finish it on her own and invites him to sit down so they can share. Tate says he probably shouldn’t on the clock as he wouldn’t want to get canned on his first day. Holly argues that Roman would never do that to him. Tate says Roman actually has high standards. Holly questions him hiring Sophia then. Tate points out Sophia’s experience from the Bistro and since Doug III and Kate left, he had spots to fill. Holly jokes that she should’ve applied since she could use the cash. Tate jokes that Holly could babysit Rachel’s snake. Sophia comes over and says she’s sorry to interrupt but she could use Tate’s help with the tables so Tate goes back to work.

Steve and Brady research the adoption attorney that Sophia used named Patsy McGowan. Steve reads that it seems like she’s up and up. Brady decides to give her a call and leaves a voicemail that he’s looking for information on an adoption she handled a month ago.

EJ hires Cat and tells her that she starts tomorrow at 8 AM. Cat thanks him and says he has no idea how much she needed this. EJ says he’ll see her at the office and walks away. Cat then pulls out her phone and calls Rafe, saying she has some good news. Cat informs him that she got a job at the hospital, but starting tomorrow, she will be working directly for EJ.

Leo comments on how bad he feels. Gwen tells Leo that their friendship is over. Leo thought since she’s back in Salem, they could put their hurtful past behind them and start fresh. Gwen calls that not possible and says he’s dead wrong if he thought she was back in Salem to smooth things over. Leo questions why she is back then, since her initial reason was to flaunt Alice’s necklace. Leo asks why she’s still in Salem now that Julie has it back. Gwen responds that he’ll find out soon enough and warns Leo to enjoy his happiness while it lasts as she walks away.

Tate tells Sophia that it looks like it’s finally slowed down. Sophia tells Tate that he got pie filling on his face and wipes it off for him until Holly comes over and comments on registering for classes. Tate tells that her if she takes introduction to film, she can be in the same class as him. Sophia points out that she is also taking that class as they talk about the professor suddenly quitting. Tate acknowledges that if Holly takes that class, they will all be in it together.

Steve goes to the hospital and greets Kayla. Steve says he needs to talk to her about a case. Kayla asks what he needs her to do. Steve asks if she ever treated Sophia while she was pregnant. Kayla confirms she did early in her pregnancy but she can’t divulge more than that. Steve explains that Brady has a suspicion that Sophia isn’t being totally upfront with Tate about the adoption and what actually happened with the baby. Kayla asks how. Steve says she’s being cagey and recently referred to the baby as “he”. Steve adds that Sarah was there too and Brady got the impression that she wasn’t saying all she knew. Steve says he’s just trying to help Brady figure out if it’s nothing or something they should look in to. Steve asks if there’s anything Kayla can do.

Brady goes to see Patsy McGowan and says he hopes she can help him.

EJ returns to the living room of the DiMera Mansion and comments on Gwen keeping busy by shopping. EJ offers her a drink which Gwen accepts. Gwen asks how work was. EJ says he finally got his office at the hospital and hired an assistant, Cat Green. Gwen calls Cat her new kind of friend or perhaps her only friend now that Kristen will be sent off to prison. EJ jokingly asks what about him. Gwen says she doesn’t think so.

Cat tells Rafe that they really lucked out as now she’s in the position to watch EJ’s every move and figure out who helped him buy the hospital and why. Cat declares that this job could be the key to solving everything as Chad walks up and asks what job. Cat pretends to be on the phone with her mom and hangs up. Chad apologizes for interrupting but asks about her getting a new job. Cat reveals that she’s going to be working as EJ’s assistant but Chad tells her that she can’t do that. Cat says that EJ said he might react like this but it’s fine. Chad argues that EJ has a way of hurting people even when he doesn’t mean to, so Cat needs to call him right away and change her mind. Cat refuses, saying she needs this job. Chad offers to get her another job and says he’s trying to protect her. Cat says she understands that but she can take care of herself. Chad says he tried to warn her and walks away.

Holly talks about her and Arianna being stoked to move in to their dorm. Tate asks if Sophia is going to live on campus. Sophia says she doesn’t know as she hasn’t really made up her mind yet. Leo then enters the Pub with Tesoro. Holly comments on how cute Tesoro is while Sophia turns away. Tate notices and tells Leo to grab a table and he’ll be with him. Tate tells Sophia to take a break and he’ll handle it. Sophia thanks him and says it’s just hard for her to be around babies right now. Tate says he understands and hugs her as she cries while Holly looks on.

Steve asks Kayla if she found something in Sophia’s records that’s unusual and if he should keep investigating. Kayla responds that she can’t tell him what to do, but he’s always been a man with very good instincts.

Patsy tells Brady that she just got his voicemail and was about to return his call. Brady says he’s sorry for his impatience but he had some pressing questions about an adoption she recently handled because it was his son’s baby. Patsy asks what his son’s name is. Brady tells her Tate Black and Patsy responds by asking who?

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Days Short Recap Monday, September 1, 2025

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Marlena and Rachel went to the pub. Rachel was upset. Tate tried to make her smile but it didn’t do any good. When he suggested that they go on an adventure, she was happy. When Rachel left to wash her hands, Marlena said he was good with Rachel. Tate said he could relate to Rachel’s situation since he had a parent in prison. Marlena said he has gone through a lot and was proud of him. Tate said he wasn’t proud of the mess he made with Sophia. He said he thought about his baby all the time and wished he could hold her. Marlena said his feelings were normal and that he would make a great father one day. Brady met with Patsy to talk about his grandchild’s adoption. Patsy said she didn’t recognize Tate’s name. Brady told her everything Tate and Sophia told him about the baby. A phone call interrupted their conversation, Patsy said she would call the person back. After she got off the phone, Patsy said she could explain. She said Tate wasn’t her client and she never met him, but she connected Sophia to the adoptive parents. Brady asked if the child was a boy or a girl. Patsy said the baby was a girl as he was told. Brady said he was verifying the facts since Tate didn’t have a copy of the adoption papers. He asked if he could see a copy of the adoption papers, but she said Sophia had to give permission first.

After Brady was finished with Patsy, he ran into Marlena at the town square. He thanked her for taking Rachel shopping. Marlena showed him a picture frame she got for Rachel and said they could put a picture of Kristen and Rachel together. Brady thought Rachel would love that. He thanked her for being there for them. Cat, Felicity, and Aaron went to play miniature golf. Chad and Thomas showed up. Tate also showed up with Rachel. When Thomas and Rachel went off together, Tate and Aaron reunited with each other. They talked about being roommates at Salem U. Chad and Cat talked about the way he reacted to her taking the job with EJ. He said he was on edge because Jack and Jennifer were coming to town and they weren’t happy about them being friends. Cat suggested they stay away from each other, but Chad thought the universe was pushing them together. Melinda went to see Patsy. Patsy said Brady left her office. Melinda said she was glad that they got their stories straight, Patsy said she was always happy to help someone who saved her life, but she was afraid that they might have another problem, She told Melinda that Brady wanted a copy of the adoption papers and questioned the baby’s gender. Melinda thanked Patsy for letting her know. She said she thought Brady and Tate would have dropped it by now. When Brady and Marlena went home, she told him she was glad that he and Rachel were there with her. While they were talking, she said she wanted to lay down. Brady was concerned about her. When Tate came home, Brady showed him the picture frame Marlena got for Rachel. Tate said he didn’t know that Marlena had that picture. Brady didn’t know what Tate was talking about and looked at the picture. Marlena had a nightmare. She was dressed like the Queen of the Night. Marlena told Stefano that she couldn’t turn her back on her family because they needed her. Brady asked what picture Tate was talking about. Tate said the picture in the frame was a picture of the adoptive parents. Brady said it was the picture that came with the frame.

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Days Update Thursday, August 28, 2025

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Xander finishes a call at the Titan-DiMera office, demanding something gets done as Alex arrives. Alex apologizes for being late but mentions that he ran in to Sarah and they got to talking about Xander.

Sarah and Marlena sit together in the town square. Sarah brings up Marlena having so much going on and says she can’t imagine how hard Kristen’s arrest has to be for her, Brady, and Rachel. Marlena says she’s so relieved that Johnny was acquitted and calls Marlena confessing unexpected and so difficult for Rachel.

Johnny and Chanel sit together at home. Chanel talks about being so relieved that the truth is finally out and feeling like she can breathe. Johnny says he feels so bad for Rachel that her mom is going to prison. Chanel agrees that it’s sad. Chanel asks what Johnny plans to do with his new found freedom. Johnny wants to get things back to normal and says he’s actually looking forward to work tomorrow. Chanel says that’s tomorrow while today is about them as they kiss.

Gabi is at home, recording herself saying that she doesn’t need Steve’s help on a recorder pen. Javi walks in and questions who she is talking to. Gabi says just herself.

Belle and Philip go to the Kiriakis Mansion after riding horses. Belle talks about not realizing how much she needed that while Philip comments that he’s out of practice with a lot of things.

Chanel and Johnny decide to head to the bedroom but get interrupted by Susan Banks arriving at the door. Susan says she doesn’t want to interrupt Johnny’s freedom celebration but she is his Grandma as she hugs him. Chanel greets her, so Susan feels she really is interrupting them.

Xander is not sure he’s thrilled that Alex and Sarah were chatting about him. Alex says Sarah asked how he was doing, so he told her that he missed her. Xander questions why he said that. Alex says it’s the truth.

Sarah still can’t believe Kristen put Johnny and Rachel through that, questioning what kind of person lets their nephew and daughter suffer for something they did. Marlena says that in fairness, Kristen did confess so she ended up doing the right thing in the end. Sarah argues that was only after she exhausted all other options and that Kristen only thinks about herself. Sarah calls Kristen a homicidal maniac and feels she was doing the right thing when she kept Rachel from her initially. Marlena points out that she would’ve also been keeping Rachel from Brady and questions if she would’ve wanted that.

Belle asks what exactly Philip is out of practice with. Philip guesses life in general and talks about rebuilding when he lost his leg. Philip says most people would’ve taken lessons from rehab and applied them to life but he didn’t do that. Belle thinks he’s being too hard on himself since he was dealing with mental illness, pointing out how far he’s come. Philip feels not far enough as he still has a lot of emotional baggage to sort out which Belle questions. Philip states that he’s pathologically jealous of everyone and everything so it’s no wonder he could never handle being in a relationship. Belle asks what about he and Gabi.

Javi remarks that Gabi only talks to herself when things are about to hit the fan. He asks if things are about to blow up at work. Gabi says he could say that. Javi questions how many assistants she’s gone through since he quit. Gabi says it’s not her fault that no one lives up to the standards he set as her assistant. Gabi asks if Javi would consider coming back which Javi laughs off and declines. Gabi asks what if she told him that he could be very rich in a few months and asks if that would change his mind.

Philip tells Belle that what she saw between he and Gabi was far from a relationship and just two adults enjoying their company. Philip adds that even if he wanted to pursue something with Gabi, he couldn’t because he’s her boss so Xander and the board would never allow it. Belle argues that there are things HR can do to keep him safe. Philip responds that he doesn’t trust himself to be in a relationship right now and he would never want to hurt Gabi, just like he’d never want to hurt Belle again either.

Gabi assures Javi that he could be very rich in a few months and asks what he says. Javi questions how could he be very rich in a few months. Gabi says she can’t get in to specifics right now, but it’s likely that she will be in a more powerful position at work soon. Gabi pleads with Javi to just come back to Gabi Chic. Javi says he’ll pass as he likes the life he has now and doesn’t want to give that up. Gabi admits she admired him choosing his well being over money and she’s not sure she could ever be that noble. Javi says he just likes the life he’s built and he loves being a firefighter/paramedic and coming home to Leo every night while feeling good about what he does. Gabi remarks that she’s happy for him even if he’s building a life with someone she can’t stand.

Chanel and Johnny sit with Susan as Chanel mentions being so excited to get back to work without the worry of the trial. Susan talks about feeling the same but she doesn’t understand because she never got the vibe that Kristen was the one who shot EJ.

Sarah apologizes to Marlena for being thoughtless when Brady is like a son to Marlena and is an amazing father. Sarah admits she can’t help but think how much easier Rachel’s life would’ve been without Kristen in it. Marlena acknowledges that Kristen has done terrible things to her and hurt a lot of people, but she does have a maternal side and is a wonderful mother to Rachel. Sarah remarks that she never thought she’d see the day that Marlena is defending Kristen. Sarah asks if Kristen was a wonderful mother when she had Rachel take the stand during the trial, knowing she was the one who shot EJ. Sarah talks about seeing what it did to Rachel when she came to the hospital with stomachaches and it was like no one was putting her first. Marlena says she knows how much Sarah cares about Rachel and that she does too. Sarah apologizes for getting on her soapbox when she’s lucky to have Brady and Marlena. Marlena tells her not to apologize for caring and assures she will do anything she can to take care of Rachel. Sarah tells her to just say the word if there is anything she can do.

Xander tells Alex that he does miss Sarah but he doesn’t want her to know that. Alex guesses he doesn’t care what her response was then but Xander stops him to ask what she said. Alex tells him that Sarah said she still loves him and misses him. Alex declares he will stay out of it now, but he thinks they should get together and talk. Xander says now that Alex is finally in a stable relationship, he doesn’t have to go around to everyone else’s. Xander brings up Stephanie’s advice to permanently install Philip as co-CEO and admits he’s thinking about it. Alex encourages that doing so could save Titan and they would all be out of harm’s way, so it sounds like a double victory to him.

Javi tells Gabi that he’s not taking the bait about Leo and will change the subject instead. Javi says Gabi must be thrilled that Arianna is staying in town and going to Salem U. Gabi says he has no idea and is glad that Will and Sonny gave their blessing. Javi comments that it seems like everything is working out for her, then questions what’s wrong based on her response. Gabi explains that she feels like she’s gotten most of her life back since getting out of prison as she got her career and her daughter but one thing is still missing and that’s love.

Belle tells Philip that what happened between them was a long time ago and they are in a good place now. Philip says that means a lot to him as he likes that he has a friend he can be fully honest with without judgment. Belle remarks that relationships are more trouble than they are worth which is why she’s swearing off relationships now that she and EJ are through. Belle wonders why she even got involved with EJ, talking about knowing all the horrible things EJ did to her family but she still jumped in. Philip says he can relate. Belle adds that even after they broke up, EJ still suggested that she could’ve been the one that shot him. Philip questions that and says she could never do something like that. Belle admits part of her wonders if they’d all be better off now if she had the guts to off that son of a bitch.

Marlena encourages that Sarah has done so much for her family. Sarah says she’s always had her back too. Sarah just wishes she could feel better and that she could figure out a physical cause for Marlena’s symptoms. Marlena jokes about Susan’s last warning but admits her premonitions bother her. Marlena adds that Susan did say she was sick in body, mind, and soul which did concern her. Sarah encourages not focusing on that too much but says it did give her an idea.

Johnny tells Susan that Kristen confessed, so it’s over and he wants to move on with his life. Susan argues that things don’t add up. Susan knows Johnny is out of the hot seat but that doesn’t mean the matter is resolved. Chanel argues that it is over for them.

Xander tells Alex that the Titan-DiMera merger was approved because of Philip being an heir and him saying he approves won’t do much. Alex thinks it will appease the shareholders and drive home the fact that Victor would’ve named Philip and Bo in his will if he knew they would recover. Xander complains that he’d still have to give up half of what was left to him and have Philip as an equal. Alex argues that half of everything is still better than nothing and questions if undoing everything he’s accomplished thus far would feel right. Alex feels it’s better to be safe than sorry. Xander questions why he feels like he’ll be sorry either way.

Javi asks if Gabi is lonely. Gabi admits that she is and she misses having someone to share her life with. Javi feels Gabi is cooking up something big and asks if she believes she has time for a partner. Gabi responds that she’ll make time. Javi asks if she means when the right man comes along or if somebody already has. Gabi admits that there is one guy and she never meant for it to be real or for it to go anywhere, but it could be a dead end just like the other guy. Javi questions there being another guy and accuses Gabi of holding out on him. Gabi explains that she doesn’t know where she stands with either guy as with one guy there’s an emotional connection while the other one is the reason she didn’t come home last night.

Philip tells Belle about trying to practice gratitude lately and he’s feeling a lot of it having Belle as his friend. Belle says she’s grateful too. Belle guesses since they failed as husband and wife, they’ll have to settle as life long friends. Philip points out that they still made great memories and brings up when they went camping on Smith Island which they laugh about.

Sarah asks how Marlena would feel about one more blood test just to rule out the possibility of a tick borne illness. Marlena guesses they haven’t tested for that. Sarah says that Susan’s crazy comment got her thinking so Marlena agrees they should do the test.

Johnny tells Susan that he’d really appreciate it if she let whatever vibe go because Kristen confessed and they’re sad for Rachel but it’s over. Susan guesses whatever she was feeling was nothing. Susan decides she’s taken enough of their time and she’s just happy that Johnny is back home with Chanel, so she then exits.

Marlena says that’s enough about her and asks how Sarah has been holding up. Sarah admits she feels like she’s in purgatory since she and Xander aren’t together, but she can’t move forward. Marlena asks if she’s holding out for a reconciliation. Sarah admits she still loves Xander but she can’t go back to the man he has become. Sarah knows Marlena can’t tell her anything about his sessions, but she hopes that Marlena is helping him get to the source of his rage for his sake and Victoria’s.

Alex gets that Xander doesn’t want to reward Philip for lying to him and he doesn’t blame him, but he’s already working with him to preserve the takeover so it won’t make any practical difference. Xander worries that Philip could stab him in the back when he’s not holding anything over him anymore. Xander believes Victor would be laughing at their misfortune. Alex thinks the only misfortune would be for Philip’s fraud to come to light, so they can either wait for the other shoe to drop or do something about it. Alex believes the only other option besides naming Philip as his partner is to undo the entire takeover, then Xander would be done with Philip and the DiMeras once and for all.

Gabi questions how Javi knew she didn’t come home last night. Javi admits Arianna told him. Gabi remarks that these two guys didn’t just fall out of the sky and they are both very different. Javi comments on variety while Gabi says she’s already shared too much. Javi says he won’t let this go and reminds her that they live with a former gossip columnist, so he will get Leo to get all the details on this. Gabi tells him not to dare. Javi agrees to back off but says he only wants the best for her as they hug and Javi then exits the room as Gabi goes back to her recorder pen.

Johnny and Chanel resume kissing until Johnny’s phone rings. Johnny wants to ignore it but Chanel worries that it could be work or important. Johnny points out that he doesn’t even recognize the number but decides to answer. The call is from a Ms. Collins, who Johnny says he remembers. Johnny says he did apply for that position over a year ago and is surprised they still have his resume. Johnny says he’s flattered but he already has a job. Johnny tells her to send over the details and promises to look it over as he hangs up. Chanel asks what that was about. Johnny says she won’t believe this but reveals he was just offered an adjunct professorship job at Salem U as apparently a professor just quit, the next semester starts next week and they’re willing to work around his Titan-DiMera job. Chanel excitedly says they must really want him and asks if he’s interested. Johnny responds that he’s not sure. Johnny says a year ago, he’d take it without hesitating but he feels like so much has changed since then and he’s on a different career path. Chanel points out that he wanted to get back to some normalcy and she can’t think of anything more normal than Johnny DiMera doing something with his love of film for work, so she thinks he should consider it. Chanel adds that Professor DiMera has a nice ring to it.

Belle wishes they could do this every day while Philip says he’s dreading going back to work because of the ever present misery. Philip says all he wanted was to be CEO but working with Xander as a nightmare. Belle encourages him to just quit. Philip responds that he can’t do that. Belle questions why not and suggests he figure out what he really wants out of life.

Alex gets that the idea of Xander giving everything up as CEO is not appealing but if he’s not going to shield Philip, the only other thing he can do is solidify his position in the company. Xander agrees to think about it. Xander says it’s getting late so he needs to get Victoria and drop her off to Sarah. They decide this is to be continued as Xander then exits the office.

Marlena goes home and then Susan shows up at her door. Marlena asks what brings her by. Susan says she wanted to apologize for upsetting her the last time she was there. Susan says she meant what she said about her troubled body, mind, and soul. Susan then gets startled and says she doesn’t want to upset her again but warns that whatever is going on with her has gotten even worse.

Johnny agrees that Chanel may have a point since his first passion was filmmaking and not corporate communications, so it would be fun to talk about what he loves with college students. Chanel encourages him as they talk about being each others’ cheerleader and they kiss.

Marlena tells Susan that she’s putting her foot down and doesn’t want to hear any more about her vibrations because her doctor tells her that she’s just fine. Susan suggests seeing another doctor but Marlena says that’s enough and shuts the door on her.

Xander brings Victoria to Sarah in the town square and asks her what’s up since she asked to do the handover in person instead of through the nanny, so he thought maybe there was something she wanted to talk about. Sarah says nothing in particular. Xander asks if she’s sure there’s nothing else. Sarah says it seems like there’s something he wants to talk about. Xander informs her that he spoke to Alex, who said she asked him about him and said she missed him and still loved him. Xander thought maybe that had changed and she didn’t feel that way anymore but guesses it doesn’t matter since there’s no way they can smooth over their differences. Sarah doesn’t know the point of this conversation then, so she walks off with Victoria.

Philip tells Belle that he doesn’t know what he wants out of life, but thanks to Belle making him see that there might be an alternative. Belle is glad he sees there are other possibilitys and encourages him to look at his future. Philip complains that he doesn’t know what his future looks like as he always thought he would follow in his father’s footsteps. Belle says maybe that’s not good for him and encourages him to think about what matters most to him and maybe that’s not some supposed birthright. Philip thanks Belle for being honest, caring, and giving him a lot to think about.

Gabi goes to the Titan-DiMera office where Alex tells her that she just missed Xander and asks if he can help her. Gabi says Xander wanted to see a cost projection so she will just leave a note and leave it on his desk. Gabi uses the recorder pen and plants it on the desk, then walks out of the office with a smile.

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Days Update Wednesday, August 27, 2025

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Update written by Joseph

Alex and Stephanie get up in the morning as Alex questions if Kayla always makes breakfast plans this early, joking that he wouldn’t have minded staying in bed a bit longer. Stephanie assures him it will still be there tonight. Alex then gets a text from Kate, sending him a summary of reviews and social media buzz surrounding Stephanie’s One Stormy Night. Stephanie asks what people are saying, but then decides she doesn’t want to know. Stephanie then suggests Alex reads the worst review first but Alex says there are no bad reviews, the critics love her, and her novel is putting Titan Publishing back on the map. Stephanie doesn’t know what to say and asks if this means she’ll get a bonus. Alex says they’ll do a lot better than that as he has a surprise for her.

Steve and Kayla go to the Brady Pub for breakfast. Steve mentions that he’s starving. Kayla figured he would be since he ran out of the house without eating. Steve says he had a case to solve and that he solved it right before she called, adding that he couldn’t have done it without her. Kayla asks if it’s about the Titan-DiMera case which Steve confirms. Kayla asks what he found out, but Steve says he can’t tell her that. Kayla brings up Steve saying that Stephanie might be in the middle of it and asks if she should be worried. Steve assures there’s nothing to worry about and that his early meeting was with Stephanie where they settled things out. Steve adds that he would tell her if Stephanie was in danger. Kayla talks about being curious with the tidbits of information without the answer. Steve says that’s why his work is so addicting. Kayla jokes that he can just give her a cut for her detective work.

Holly sits in the living room of the Kiriakis Mansion as Sarah comes in and comments on all the bags from Holly’s back to school shopping. Holly talks about Maggie wanting her to get everything she needs. Holly informs Sarah that Arianna has decided to stay and go to Salem U so they are going to be roommates. Sarah is glad they reconnected. Holly talks about wanting a fresh start in Paris before but says it will be nice going to school with people she knows. Sarah says for selfish reasons, she’s glad Holly is staying in town. Holly says it would’ve been nice to be with Nicole but she understood her wanting to stay in Salem where her family and friends are, including Tate.

Brady and Tate go home to Rachel, who is upset on the couch and they bring her pet snake with them. Brady tells Rachel that now that they have her stuff there, she can redecorate however she wants. Tate offers Rachel his Playstation but Rachel remains uninterested and says she just wants her mom.

Kayla asks if Stephanie asked Steve to stop pursuing the case. Steve confirms that they agreed it was best for him to leave it alone. Kayla worries that it doesn’t sound like Stephanie to be up to something shady and questions Steve being so cryptic. Steve responds that his daughter asked him to keep a secret so he has to. Kayla questions how long Stephanie has been keeping this secret since she mentioned something awhile back but then she said the secret got out and was a reason her and Philip broke up. Steve shrugs but Kayla says that much is obvious. Kayla argues that Steve said she helped him solve the case and that was the only information she gave him. Steve pleads the fifth but acknowledges that Kayla is worried about Stephanie and won’t stop until she knows. Kayla responds that it’s her job to worry about her daughter. Steve assures her that Stephanie has the whole thing under control.

Alex surprises Stephanie with a new phone that she can use to portray Anastasia Sands. Alex explains that he talked to the Titan PR department and they are to only communicate with her via text and they are in the process of setting her up on a blog tour. Alex declares that Stephanie has her own secret identity which excites her as they kiss.

Sarah tells Holly that she’s glad she and Tate worked it out. Holly guesses things are still bad between Sarah and Xander. Sarah says they have had their issues over the years but when they got married again last year, she really thought they would make it work this time. Sarah brings up how just a couple months ago, they were talking about having a second baby. Holly calls it crazy how quickly things can change. Sarah says that as happy as she is for Holly and Tate, she wants Holly to be prepared in case anything does change because she doesn’t want her to get hurt. Holly asks what this is about.

Brady tells Rachel that he knows she wants her mom and that it’s hard to be away from her but she has a lot of people here that love her very much. Rachel complains that her snake wants to stay at her mom’s house. Brady encourages that her snake will come to like living here and sends her to her room to find the snake a spot. Tate asks Brady how long he thinks Kristen will be in prison. Brady says they won’t know until the sentencing hearing but says that she plead guilty and is refusing to get a lawyer to represent her which shocks Tate. Brady says he’s tried to understand Kristen for years so he’s not going down that hole and is just going to concentrate on his daughter because there’s a good chance that she’s not going to see her mom for a long time.

Sophia begins working at the Brady Pub as a waitress and greets Kayla, who introduces her to Steve. Kayla talks to Sophia about all she’s been through and says she’s there for her. Sophia says she’s doing fine and that now that she and Tate gave the baby up for adoption, she’s ready to move on with her life.

Brady tells Tate that their family has had a lot of hard goodbyes and difficult choices lately. Brady assures that he hasn’t forgotten how rough it’s been for him and that he’s there for him. Tate thanks him but says he’s okay now. Brady knows how hard it was for him to have to give away his baby without even meeting her and that the adoptive parents won’t let him meet her. Tate questions why they are rehashing this. Brady says he just wants him to know that it’s okay to feel upset about it. Tate assures that he and Sophia are moving on with their life. Brady understands if he doesn’t want to talk about it. Brady asks Tate for the name of Sophia’s adoption attorney. Tate questions why he’s asking him this. Brady thinks back to his conversation with Sarah about Sophia accidentally referring to the baby as “he” and Sarah reminding him that she couldn’t reveal private medical information. Brady then claims to Tate that someone at Basic Black wanted a recommendation for a good adoption attorney. Tate agrees to text the information to Brady.

Sarah tells Holly that she doesn’t want to interfere while Holly says she obviously knows something. Sarah wasn’t sure if she should say anything but she was talking to Sophia yesterday and got the distinct impression that she wants Tate back. Holly acknowledges that Sophia clearly still has a thing for him and hasn’t been subtle about it, but it doesn’t matter because Tate loves her. Holly adds that it’s not like Tate ever really had feelings for Sophia as they only hooked up. Sarah clarifies that she’s not saying Tate would ever cheat on her, but having a baby with someone bonds you in a way you wouldn’t expect. Holly relates it to Sarah and Xander. Sarah says she’s just trying to share her wisdom so that Holly doesn’t end up getting burned. Holly calls it a completely different situation since Sarah and Xander were married while Tate and Sophia were barely together. Holly adds that it’s not like Tate and Sophia have to raise the kid together and remarks that the baby isn’t even in Salem so it’s not like they’ll ever see her again.

Alex and Stephanie join Kayla and Steve at the Brady Pub for breakfast. They laugh together about Alex’s toga story. Kayla congratulates Alex on “One Stormy Night”, noting that Titan published a book that is climbing the best seller list. Kayla reminds him that she told him it would be a hit when she found the manuscript at the hospital and says that at least three patients were reading it. Kayla calls the book dangerously steamy and says it’s beautifully written. Steve jokes that it sounds like a book he’d like to read. Stephanie says it’s not his type of book but Kayla disagrees and Alex states that if he can enjoy it, Steve can too. Alex adds that he’ll speak to the author about getting Steve a signed copy which Kayla says would be amazing while Stephanie gives Alex a look.

Holly goes to see Tate for breakfast and asks where everyone is. Tate explains that Brady took Rachel to the pet store to get her snake food and that Marlena and Belle are out. Holly realizes that means they have the whole place to themselves.

Brady and Rachel walk through the town square where they run in to Sarah. Sarah asks how Rachel is doing. Rachel cries that she misses her mom as Sarah hugs her. Sarah assures that Kristen misses her too and is thinking about her now. Sarah invites them to join her at the bookstore. Brady says they were actually headed to the pet store. Brady brings up that they talked about having dinner some time. Sarah suggests going to the Bistro since Xander is banned there. Sarah adds that she’s been missing her daughter so spending time with Rachel would cheer her up. Rachel feels the same. Brady then takes Rachel on to the pet store.

Tate confirms to Holly that they do have the place to themselves but decides they shouldn’t tempt fate after last time. Holly jokes that she would die of shame if Belle or anyone walked in on them again. Tate and Holly kiss until Holly gets frightened by Rachel’s snake.

Steve and Alex both say they need to get back to work. Kayla says this was great and they should do it more often. Alex wants to treat them to dinner some time. Alex offers Steve a ride but Steve says he has a short walk. Kayla and Stephanie decide they will stay a little longer. Alex tells Stephanie that he will see her later. Steve says goodbye as he and Alex exit the Pub. Kayla then guesses Stephanie wanted some mom and daughter time as she asks what’s going on at work. Stephanie says not to get her started.

Tate gets Rachel’s snake back in it’s tank. Holly talks about how she was in to Legos and dolls at that age. Tate jokes with her as Holly suggests they go somewhere that’s snake free, so they decide to head to the Brady Pub and exit.

Brady goes to see Steve in his office. Steve mentions hearing that Kristen confessed to shooting EJ. Brady calls it a weird 24 hours. Steve asks how Rachel is doing. Brady guesses she’s the best she can be with the circumstances but it will take some time for her to adjust. Steve says it’s good that she has Brady, Marlena, and the rest of the family to get her through it. Brady talks about wishing John was still around since if anyone could comfort Rachel and lift her spirits, it’s him. Steve agrees that no one was better at that than John. Brady tells Steve that he came by because he needs his help with something.

Sarah runs in to Alex in the town square. Alex asks how she’s doing with everything that’s happened with her and Xander. Sarah says she’s hanging in there. Alex says that’s good and he’s really sorry about how it all worked out.

Stephanie tells Kayla that Alex asked her to step in for Titan-DiMera on top of all her work at the hospital, so she will be running on coffee. Kayla asks about what EJ is having her do. Stephanie says she’s just overseeing their social media but brings up EJ slashing the budget and how complaints have gone up from staff and patients. Kayla complains about what EJ has done at the hospital. Stephanie says normally her job is to listen and make people heard but EJ just wants the complaints handled and not fix anything. Kayla states that EJ can’t take any criticism. Stephanie notes that it’s not making her very popular either and mentions that yesterday, a nurse called her EJ’s personal cheerleader. Kayla feels she doesn’t sound very happy. Stephanie admits it’s been a challenge between two jobs and writing press releases for other clients, she feels like she’s constantly putting out fires. Kayla suggests a solution is to quit the hospital job.

Holly and Tate walk to the Brady Pub and run in to Sophia outside where they are surprised to learn that Sophia now works there along with Tate.

Sarah asks Alex how it’s going at the office, assuming there’s tension between Philip and Xander. Alex thinks everyone is just trying to move forward and make the best of the situation. Sarah guesses they should be thankful for no more fireworks and asks how Xander is. Alex says he seems okay which Sarah says is good. Alex thinks he’d be a lot better if he knew Sarah was asking about him. Alex says it’s not his place but he knows Xander misses Sarah badly. Sarah admits she misses Xander too and still loves him, but with everything that has happened. Alex knows it’s not his business and tells Sarah to take care of herself as he walks away.

Stephanie tells Kayla that she can’t quit her job at the hospital and that she was just venting. Stephanie declares that she’s no quitter and she’s not abandoning her. Kayla assures that she can handle EJ and says his public relations are a complete and total loss. Kayla doesn’t think Stephanie can fix the hospital’s image as long as EJ’s name is attached to it. Stephanie thinks she’s underestimating her. Kayla reminds Stephanie that there’s no shame in reversing course if EJ makes her do anything crazy. Stephanie promises she would run the other way at the first sign of Dr. Rolf. Stephanie then says she has an odd medical question and asks what Kayla knows about ricin poisoning. Kayla questions her wanting to know and if she should be worried. Stephanie claims it’s for a client who is a mystery novelist and came to her for advice on a creative way to kill a character. Kayla responds that with the right dose, ricin can be extremely deadly. Kayla calls it interesting because it mimics a heart attack so it can go undetected if a coroner doesn’t know to look for it. Stephanie calls that good to know. Kayla comments that she didn’t know that Stephanie had any author clients. Stephanie says it’s just one. Kayla suggests Stephanie should see if she could work with Anastasia Sands. Stephanie says she doesn’t know. Kayla asks why not since she already works for Titan and she’s sure Alex could arrange a meeting. Kayla adds that she knows Stephanie’s plate is full but if Anastasia was her client, maybe she could meet her too.

Tate questions if Sophia only applied to work at the Pub because she knew that he did. Sophia responds that not everything is about him and says she applied because her mom said she couldn’t lay around the house feeling sorry for herself anymore. Holly brings up the Bistro. Sophia says with college around the corner, she quit instead of going on maternity leave and then her mom saw the help wanted sign here so she applied. Sophia declares that it looks like she and Tate will both be working at the legendary Brady Pub while Holly looks annoyed.

Brady tells Steve that he’s had a lot of weird interactions lately regarding Sophia and the adoption, so he realized some things aren’t adding up which Steve questions. Brady responds that he’s not quite sure but he has a gut feeling that Sophia isn’t telling them everything that happened. Steve says he’s a big believer in gut feelings and John was too. Brady says that’s why he hoped Steve could point him in the direction of what to do next. Steve says he’s happy to help and asks Brady to start from the beginning with everything he knows.

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Days Short Recap Friday, August 29, 2025

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Leo talked to Chad about his time being wasted on the trial. He didn’t like how Kristen confessed to shooting EJ. Leo was relieved that he was free of jury duty. Chad wanted him to cover the story about Kristen’s sentencing. Leo wanted to do the story. He admitted that he thought Kristen’s confession was a little too convenient. It wasn’t like Kristen to confess to anything out of guilt. Chad wondered why Kristen would want to confess and risk losing her daughter if she didn’t do it. Gwen told EJ that she was surprised that Kristen confessed to shooting him. It’s not like her to sacrifice her freedom for someone else. She mentioned that the jury was going to find Johnny not guilty so she didn’t have to confess. Gwen felt bad for Rachel since she had to grow up without her mother. Tate talked to Brady about Rachel. He was willing to stay at the townhouse because of everything that’s been happening lately. Brady wanted him to have the full college experience. Tate had to get ready for work. He let Brady know that Sophia got hired at the pub too. Brady knew things were tense between them because of the baby. Tate thought she wanted to move on with her life. Holly arrived at the pub and wasn’t happy to see Sophia working there. She thought Sophia was there to get closer to Tate. Holly let her know that she wouldn’t let her come between her and Tate again. Tate arrived at the pub, and Holly pulled him into a kiss while staring at Sophia.

Brady went to Steve’s office to find out if he had any information about the adoption. Steve didn’t have any information for him yet. He wanted to know which hospital Sophia went to when she gave birth. Brady didn’t know, but he had a picture of the adoptive parents. Steve believed he could do a search on them. He wanted to use a copy of the baby’s birth certificate. Brady thought it would look suspicious if he asked Tate or Sophia for the birth certificate. They checked on the lawyer that was used for the adoption. Brady called her, and it went to voicemail. He left a message for the lawyer. Steve went to the hospital to see Kayla. He wanted to know if she treated Sophia while she was pregnant. Kayla said she did, but she couldn’t talk it. Steve told her about Brady’s suspicions about Sophia’s pregnancy. Brady believed that Sarah was suspicious about the pregnancy too. Steve wondered if Kayla could do anything. Brady went to the family lawyer. She said she got his message. He said he had questions about the adoption she handled for his son, Tate Black. The lawyer didn’t know who Tate was.

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Days Short Recap Thursday, August 28, 2025

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Alex told Xander that he talked to Sarah, and she admitted that she still loved him and missed him. Xander was affected by what Alex told him, but he changed the subject. He admitted that Stephanie’s idea officially announcing Philip as co-CEO. Alex thought it would get them out of harm’s way. He thought it would be better for Xander to have half of something instead of all of nothing. Sarah told Marlena that Kristen should have come forward sooner than she did. Marlena tried to defend Kristen which surprised Sarah. After they talked about Kristen and Rachel, they moved onto Marlena’s health issues. Marlena confided in Sarah that Susan thought she was sick mind, body and soul. Sarah didn’t take Susan’s theories seriously. Susan’s theory gave her an idea. She remembered that Marlena was just in Estonia and it’s a high-risk area for tick-borne illnesses. Sarah wanted to run tests for that. Marlena asked her about Xander. Sarah admitted that she still loved him, but she couldn’t go back to the man he’s become. She hoped that Marlena could help him get to the source of his anger for the sake of their daughter. Susan interrupted Johnny and Chanel’s private celebration. They talked about the trial. Susan never got the feeling that Kristen was the one who shot EJ. Johnny and Chanel told her that Kristen confessed to the crime. Susan backed down and allowed them to go back to their celebration. She left their apartment and had a grim look on her face.

Susan went to see Marlena to apologize to her for what she told her. She felt another chill down her spine. Susan warned Marlena that whatever happened to her has gotten worse. Marlena was interested in hearing her theories. She slammed the door on her. Sarah ran into Xander. He wanted her to admit to what Alex said to him, but she didn’t. Sarah didn’t see a point in discussing it and left with Victoria. Gabi had a fountain pen and didn’t need Steve’s help. Javi arrived, and she begged him to be her assistant again. He didn’t want to do it because he liked his new job. They talked about her life. Javi told her that the only thing missing in her life was love. Gabi confided in Javi that there were two guys that she might be interested in. She admitted that she felt a connection to one of them, and the other was the reason why she didn’t come home last night. After she talked with Javi, she went to Xander’s office. She left a report, and the pen on his desk.

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Days Update Tuesday, August 26, 2025

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Update written by Joseph

Belle gets out of bed and calls Paulina, who is in the town square with Abe. Belle says she knows they have a meeting later this afternoon but asks if they can push it so she can take a personal day. Paulina says it would be no problem at all. Paulina says the trial is over and Kristen has been arrested, so maybe Belle can finally get her life back to normal. Belle responds that she doesn’t know if that’s possible.

Jada comes home to her and Stephanie’s apartment where she’s surprised to find Alex in a towel.

Stephanie joins Xander at the Titan-DiMera office. Xander assumes Alex filled her in on why they were bringing her in. Stephanie confirms that it’s about coming up with a strategy in case Philip’s fraud comes out. Xander says they are hoping that doesn’t happen but want to be prepared if it does. Stephanie tells him that she has a plan but she’s not sure Xander is going to like it.

Steve is in his office, on the phone with Paul. Steve thanks him for getting back to him so soon and says it gave him exactly what he needed to crack this case. Steve says he owes him as they hang up. Steve then declares that Philip is a bad, bad boy.

Philip wakes up in bed with Gabi. Philip admits he thought he was dreaming for a second. They agree this was unexpected. Philip didn’t think agreeing to lunch would turn in to dinner which turned in to this. Philip comments on his history of jumping in to bed without thinking. Gabi asks who says she wasn’t thinking as she then kisses Philip.

Abe and Paulina look through books in the town square in front of the bookstore. Abe notes Paulina becoming distracted as she reads through Stephanie’s “One Stormy Night” novel. They laugh together as Paulina jokes that reading any more of that will make her sweaty. Paulina remembers she has a meeting with Jada and tells Abe that she’ll come back after so they can grab a bite to eat. Paulina then exits and Abe then picks up One Stormy Night.

Alex apologizes to Jada as he thought she already left for work. Jada explains that she did but forgot a file she needed. Alex asks if she has seen Stephanie since she was gone when he woke up. Jada says she was gone when she left this morning too. Alex wonders where she went.

Stephanie suggests to Xander that they have to prevent the truth from coming out. Xander asks what if they can’t. Stephanie says she will get on the case and see what she can do. Stephanie talks about Philip’s fraud being able to undercut the deal because he was never a legit CEO but says there is something Xander can do to help and possibly salvage the deal which Xander questions. Stephanie tells him that he can draw up legal papers, officially naming Philip as co-CEO and putting Victor’s wishes to paper, putting this issue to bed once and for all. Xander questions rewarding Philip by signing over half of everything to him. Stephanie figured he wouldn’t like it. Xander confirms that he hates it.

Philip tells Gabi that maybe they can do this again sometime which Gabi says she would like. Gabi brings up that they almost slept together just a few years ago. Philip remembers but says it would’ve been a mistake then since she was hung up on Jake. Gabi says that this time felt right. Gabi kisses Philip and then goes to leave his room right as Belle arrives at the door.

Paulina meets Jada in her office at the police station. Paulina tells Jada that she wanted to talk to her about AI since it was used to doctor the footage of Chanel and EJ. Paulina is convinced that EJ had something to do with it and that he must have paid someone off in the forensics department. Jada says she thought that too so she got a warrant to check the bank accounts of everyone who had a copy of the video to see if there were any unusual deposits but nothing came up and forensics insist it was an honest mistake.

Gabi goes home where Arianna confronts her and questions where she has been. Gabi questions her being up before noon while Arianna talks about being worried sick when Gabi didn’t come home or answer any of her text messages. Gabi apologizes and claims her phone died. Arianna questions her not having a charger. Gabi says she forgets things from time to time. Gabi says she has work to do but Arianna says she doesn’t get to go anywhere until she tells her why she didn’t come home last night.

Philip is sure Belle has questions about he and Gabi but Belle says it’s fine as she didn’t come to gather detail about his salacious sex life. Philip asks why she is here then. Belle responds that she came to warn him that she knows who is looking in to Titan-DiMera and they are getting very close to uncovering his secret. Philip questions how she knows this and who the hell it is.

Steve texts Stephanie that he needs to see her and asks her to come to his office right away.

Xander tells Stephanie that even if he went along with this, it doesn’t mean the deal can’t go belly up. Stephanie feels it might help bolster his defense of the takeover. Xander feels it doesn’t guarantee the deal won’t get nullified somehow and he’d still lose half of everything so he feels it’s not worth the risk. Stephanie points out that if the secret does come out and he does nothing to secure Philip’s position. Stephanie tells him to imagine being in Philip’s shoes and asks what’s to stop Philip from turning Xander over to the police if he did assault him and he’d end up losing everything.

Paulina tells Jada that from here on out, she will make sure the police get caught up with AI technology. Paulina says on a happier note, she’s glad that Chanel is no longer wrongfully accused. Paulina asks if the judge set a date for Kristen’s sentencing. Jada says not yet. Paulina hopes that the judge throws the book at Kristen. Jada says it still boggles her mind that Kristen almost let her own nephew take the fall for a crime she committed. Paulina says that’s just how the DiMeras are and remarks that you’d have to be out of your mind to even trust someone with the last name DiMera, apart from Johnny and Chanel.

Gabi apologizes to Arianna for making her worry but says she doesn’t have to explain herself, reminding her that she’s an adult. Arianna argues against how Gabi reacted and treated her in the same situation, then comes to the realization that Gabi had sex last night. Gabi argues that she’s allowed to have a love life and says there’s a big difference in Arianna being 18 and scaring her family. Arianna says she doesn’t want a lecture. Arianna didn’t realize Gabi was seeing someone. Gabi responds that she’s not and that it just sort of happened. Arianna hopes for this chill vibe the next time it just sort of happens for her. Gabi remarks that as long as it’s not with a sketchy bad boy who owes money to loan sharks. Arianna asks if she wants her to go back to dating boring normal guys. Gabi confirms she would prefer that and so would Will and Sonny. Gabi remarks that Will and Sonny are going to have their hands full when Arianna goes back home. Arianna then reveals that she wants to stay in Salem to go to school which surprises Gabi, who says she would love that. Arianna admits she already enrolled. Gabi calls it the best news ever as they hug.

Philip demands names from Belle as to who has been snooping around Titan-DiMera. Belle thinks back to talking to Steve about his investigation, but tells Philip that she’s sorry but she can’t tell him. Philip questions the point of warning him then. Belle thinks it’s important for Philip to just come forward and admit he forged the letter from Victor if it’s going to come out anyway. Philip argues that it won’t come out if she just tells him who is coming after his company. Belle repeats that she’s sorry but she can’t help him. Philip complains about her not being a friend after all the favors he’s done for her. Belle argues that she was trying to help him. Philip then stops and apologizes for being a jerk, saying he’s obviously under a lot of stress and he feels terrible. Belle says it’s not just about him, it’s everything.

Alex joins Xander in the Titan-DiMera office. Xander informs Alex that he just had a meeting with Stephanie, who said she would see if she could stop the truth about Philip’s fraud coming out and she also said that he should sign over half of the company to Philip because Stephanie is convinced he could defend his role in the takeover. Alex thinks it might be worth a shot while Xander thinks hiring Stephanie was a waste of time and money. Alex argues that Stephanie didn’t want the job in the first place and only took it because he asked her which only happened because Xander forced his hand, so he thinks Xander should show some gratitude. Xander responds that he’ll show gratitude when Stephanie delivers him something other than a half baked idea. Alex argues that Stephanie is amazing at her job and warns Xander about disrespecting her. Xander asks if it’s going to make him quit.

Stephanie goes to see Steve in his office and says she actually wanted to talk to him too. Steve asks if it has to do with Philip. Stephanie assumes he’s continued his investigation. Steve confirms he has and he’s come across some very interesting information. Steve reveals that it turns out that Philip has no legitimate claim to his inheritance or to the co-CEO position at Titan-DiMera, but guesses Stephanie already knew that which she confirms.

Paulina rejoins Abe in the town square and says her meeting was productive. Paulina suggests they get a table at the Bistro but Abe gets a call from his son, Theo. Abe tells him to slow down and tell him what’s wrong.

Arianna finishes a call with Will and Sonny, thanking them for being so cool about her decision to stay in Salem. Arianna hangs up and tells Gabi that they are totally on board. Gabi says she’s so excited that she’s staying. Gabi suggests having weekly girls nights and promises to give her plenty of space. Arianna then reveals that she plans on living in the dorms. Gabi questions her moving out. Arianna says it’s just across town and jokes that Gabi won’t have to worry about sneaking back in. Arianna says she’s going to grab breakfast so they hug as Arianna then exits.

Philip asks Belle to sit down and talk to him. He asks if she’s still upset about her break up with EJ, arguing that he’s not worth a single tear drop. Belle admits she misses EJ even though most of her wants to hate him but part of her still loves him. Philip asks if she’s thinking about getting back together. Belle assures that she’s not and talks about having the trial as distraction from her break up and her father’s death. Philip praises Belle and promises it will get better in time. Philip tells Belle that he will be there to help her through if she needs him as they hug.

Stephanie questions how Steve figured it out. Steve explains that now that Paul is with the ISA, he asked him for access to the original records from Xander and Philip’s court case concerning Philip’s claim on the Titan fortune. Steve says once he had that, he had Paul analyze Victor’s letter and their handwriting expert said if it was a forgery, it was a very good one but the ISA studied the ink formulation and learned that the ink used to write the letter wasn’t commercially available until January of last year, well after Victor died, so he couldn’t have written the letter. Stephanie calls that impressive detective work. Steve states that he’s shared what he knows, so he asks Stephanie to return the favor.

Alex tells Xander that he’s not going to quit, but if he keeps running his mouth about Stephanie like that, they are going to have a big problem. Xander decides they’ll just drop the subject. Alex asks about Xander starting his anger management sessions with Marlena because he hopes that a happier boss could mean a happier work place.

Steve tells Stephanie that considering how many people know about Philip’s forgery, he’s surprised the truth hasn’t come out already. Stephanie says that’s because there’s a lot on the line and if the truth comes out, the entire Titan-DiMera deal could unravel which is why Xander kept a lid on it. Stephanie adds that she’s now asking Steve to do the same. Stephanie asks if Steve even cares if the DiMeras get their company back. Steve admits he doesn’t, so Stephanie asks him to just let this one go. Stephanie points out that besides the DiMeras, no one gets hurt if they keep this on the DL. Steve says that’s not entirely true. Stephanie pleads with him to do it as a favor to her. Stephanie knows it’s asking a lot but says it’s really important to her, so Steve agrees to let it go. Steve calls it a choice between some client and his daughter, so he will choose her every time. Steve knows from experience that a secret like this doesn’t stay under wraps in the long run, so he warns her to prepare Alex for the inevitable.

Abe tells Theo that he loves him and to hang in there as he hangs up. Paulina asks what is up with Theo. Abe says he’s still having a rough time after his break up with Claire. Paulina wishes she could give him a big hug so it’s too bad he lives in South Africa. Abe admits he misses him so much along with Brandon, Eli, Lani, and the kids. Paulina suggests they visit their children soon. Abe responds that if he’s learned one thing from John’s passing, it’s that time is precious. Paulina agrees that they should make a point to spend as much time with their family as they can.

Xander takes Victoria on a walk past the Brady Pub, saying he’s glad to spend time with her and get away from the office. Xander remarks that everyone there thinks he should be nicer to Philip, but he doesn’t think cheating and swindling should be rewarded with kindness.

Belle apologizes to Philip for being such a downer and says it’s good she took a personal day because going in to the office, she would just make everyone miserable. Philip asks what she’s going to do with her day off. Belle thought she would just go home and crawl back in bed but Philip says she can’t do that. Belle suggests drowning her sorrows in ice cream but Philip decides they should play hooky together.

Stephanie goes home and says she didn’t think Alex would still be there as she thought he had a meeting with Xander. Alex responds that he did but thought it’d be nice to work from home today. Stephanie tells him that her home is his. Alex thanks her but doesn’t know if Jada would agree, joking that he accidentally put on a little show for her this morning. Alex guesses they just missed each other at the office as he didn’t know she had a meeting with Xander too. Stephanie says he called her at the last minute and guesses he wasn’t too pleased with the advice she gave him. Alex confirms he wasn’t completely on board but he’s sure eventually Xander will see the wisdom of her plan. Stephanie says as it turns out, she doesn’t think Xander has to worry about Philip’s secret coming out anytime soon. Alex asks what makes her say that. Stephanie reveals that she knows who was looking in to the Titan-DiMera deal and they’ve agreed to drop it.

Steve goes to see Gabi at home. Gabi asks if he found dirt on Xander and Philip. Steve reveals that he came to return her retainer because he’s decided he can’t work on this case any longer, leaving Gabi shocked.

Abe reveals to Paulina that he bought her a copy of “One Stormy Night”. Paulina excitedly says she can’t wait to read it. Abe says he skimmed through it a little bit and jokes that he might have to borrow it when she’s done. Paulina suggests they read it together in bed which Abe agrees to.

Philip clears his work schedule and asks Belle what she wants to do on their day off. Belle reminds him of the time he talked her in to cutting class in high school. Philip jokes that he still can’t believe she went along with it. Philip suggests riding horses again like they did then, so they exit together.

Xander gets a text from Marlena, wanting to confirm his appointment for tomorrow. Xander tells Victoria that if he doesn’t want to lose custody of her, he doesn’t have a choice.

At the Brady Pub, Jada runs in to Arianna, who is reading One Stormy Night. Jada comments that it seems like everywhere she goes, someone is reading that book. Arianna notes that it’s all over social media too and asks if Jada has read it. Jada confirms she has and that it’s pretty racy. Arianna calls the writing amazing and they laugh together about it. Arianna mentions trying to look up the author but she couldn’t find anything on Anastasia Sands. Jada says she understands it’s her first novel. Arianna wonders if it’s her real name.

Alex questions Stephanie as to who has agreed to drop it, who was looking in to the takeover, and how she even figured this out. Stephanie responds that she can’t say. Alex asks if she knows why they were sniffing around in the first place. Stephanie asks him not to interrogate her. Alex argues that this kind of affects him and asks what she can say. Stephanie says that it’s all over, so Xander can rest easy for now. Stephanie asks Alex to just trust her. Alex guesses he doesn’t have much choice and tells her good work.

Gabi questions why Steve is quitting. Steve says he can’t explain and apologizes. Steve advises Gabi to leave well enough alone and then exits. Gabi says like hell she will.

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Days Update Monday, August 25, 2025

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Update written by Joseph

Cat runs in to Gwen at the hospital. Gwen mentions being there to donate blood while Cat mentions being scatterbrained since this is her last day working at the hospital as she lost her job. Gwen asks if that has anything to do with the new owner since she lives with EJ and knows how he can be. Cat then realizes Gwen looks familiar and asks how she knows her.

Javi cooks at home and comments to Rafe that it’s not like Leo will be there to eat with him. Leo then comes home, surprising Javi and Rafe. Javi runs up and hugs Leo, asking what he’s doing there. Leo announces that the trial is over, Johnny is a free man, and so is he as his stint in jury duty is over as he and Javi kiss.

Chad goes to the DiMera Mansion and tells EJ that he just heard what happened at Johnny’s trial, hoping that Kristen didn’t actually come in to confess to shooting him. Chad can’t believe it. EJ says he can’t either.

Marlena goes home with Rachel. Marlena notes that Rachel was pretty quiet on the way home and asks if something is on her mind. Rachel responds that she’s thinking about her uncle EJ. Rachel points out that Johnny won’t be going to jail for shooting EJ but that means the person that did it is still out there. Marlena informs Rachel that there’s something she needs to tell her. Marlena reveals the reason that Johnny wasn’t convicted in court is because somebody else confessed. Rachel asks who it was, so Marlena informs her that it was her mom as Kristen told the court that she shot EJ which shocks Rachel.

Brady goes to see Kristen in her holding cell and questions how she could let their little girl suffer for months because she saw Johnny pointing the gun at his father. Brady complains that Rachel has been terrified and she let her get on the witness stand to testify. Kristen asks him to let her explain. Brady calls this classic Kristen DiMera, arguing that he knew she could be sadistic and cruel but he never thought she would hurt their daughter. Brady declares that Kristen is the monster that everyone warned him to stay away from.

Gwen tells Cat that they haven’t met and tries to leave but Cat identifies her. Gwen guesses she read about her in The Intruder about how she’s a cold-hearted gold digger. Cat reveals that she knos Gwen’s husband. Gwen questions if she’s friends with Dimitri. Cat responds that she can’t stand the son of a bitch.

Leo tells Rafe and Javi about Kristen confessing to shooting EJ and Johnny being off the hook. Rafe says that Sami must be so relieved. Javi is relieved that Leo is back home as they kiss. Rafe tells them that he’s off to work and exits. Javi cannot believe that Leo went through the whole trial without getting to deliver a verdict. Leo complains about what he went through and having to be away from Javi and Tesoro. They joke about Leo learning Spanish as they kiss.

Chad asks EJ if he can’t remember who shot him because his brain doesn’t want him to see his own sister gunning him down in cold blood. EJ responds that it was an accident. Chad asks if Marlena’s hypnosis worked and he remembers what happened that night. EJ says no and that’s just how Kristen described it. Chad questions how he can be sure that Kristen is telling the truth.

Brady says that he thought Kristen stooped as low as she could go but she finds a new level. Brady complains about Kristen letting Johnny suffer for months. Kristen says she’s sorry. Brady questions her having no excuses or explanations. Kristen asks if it would make a difference. Brady says it might make her more human since she shot her brother and let her nephew take the fall for it. Brady then declares that what she did to their daughter is unforgivable. Kristen thinks back to EJ warning her to come up with a way to free Johnny or he would reveal that Rachel shot him. Kristen then tells Brady there is so much he doesn’t understand, so Brady asks her to make him understand by telling him why she did what she did.

Rachel tells Marlena that it isn’t true and she’s lying because Kristen loves EJ and would never shoot him so it must have been someone else. Marlena flashes back to EJ remembering it was Rachel. Marlena tells Rachel that she’s sorry as she knows it’s upsetting .Rachel insists that she knows her mom didn’t do this. Marlena asks how she knows that.

Cat tells Gwen that she shouldn’t have said that about her husband but Gwen says it’s perfectly fine because she hates the son of a bitch too. Gwen talks about Dimitri pretending to be straight and cheating on her with her best friend. Cat says she’s sorry to hear that but Gwen tells her not to be because his money proved to be quite the consolation prize. Gwen asks what Cat’s gripe with Dimitri is. Cat says he didn’t do anything to her personally, but he and his mother hurt a lot of people that she’s come to care about in Salem. Cat then introduces herself to Gwen. Gwen realizes that she’s the person who impersonated her late sister Abigail.

EJ asks Chad what kind of question that is when Kristen raced in to court and publicly confessed to shooting him. Chad argues that it doesn’t add up and questions why Kristen would let Johnny go through the whole ordeal of a trial, just to come in and confess at the last minute as it doesn’t make any sense.

Marlena questions why Rachel is so sure that her mother didn’t shoot EJ. Rachel responds that she just is. Rachel knows Kristen has done bad things before but insists that she wouldn’t do this. Rachel asks if Marlena believes that. Marlena responds that she believes Kristen must have had a very good reason to confess.

Brady asks Kristen why she shot EJ. Kristen brings up finding her mother was alive after all these years. Brady questions what the hell that has to do with any of this. Kristen says that just when they were starting to rebuild their relationship, EJ made her disappear. Brady questions if she shot her brother out of revenge for her mom. Kristen says she was desperate to find out where EJ had hidden her. Brady argues that if Kristen would’ve killed him, she would never have gotten the answers she wanted.

Cat tells Gwen that she has every right to be angry at her for what she did to Chad and the Hortons but she can explain the circumstances. Gwen tells her there’s no explanation necessary and that she’s actually quite impressed which Cat questions. Gwen comments on Cat pulling off impersonating someone she never met and says she couldn’t care less about the disrespect because there’s no one she detests more than Abigail. Cat doesn’t know what to say. Gwen knows it’s considered blasphemous to talk bad about Abigail. Cat admits she’s the first person to do it around her. Gwen is sure the Hortons raked her over the coals when the truth came out. Cat is pretty sure she deserved it. Gwen asks what that even means. Cat says she hurt a lot of people who were still mourning and she really does regret it. Cat adds that she wouldn’t have done it but her mother’s life was on the line. Gwen senses they are a lot alike as they both do what they have to do to survive and get what they want. Gwen suggests they get lunch sometime soon since she doesn’t have any friends and could really use a gal pal. Cat accepts and says she would like that. Gwen hands Cat her phone to put her number in. Gwen says they will be in touch and exits the hospital.

Brady brings up Kristen saying on the stand that if EJ died, she may have never found her mother. Kristen calls it an accident and says she wanted to frighten EJ in to telling her where he hid her mother but the gun went off, she was stunned, and ran out of there. Brady questions why she didn’t come clean earlier then. Kristen claims she was frightened that she would be separated from their daughter again. Brady asks what made her finally change her mind. Kristen says it was the trial as she hoped EJ would do such a great job defending Johnny that it would be a clear acquittal but then Johnny fired EJ and it got so dicey that in the end, she couldn’t let their nephew go to prison for something she did. Brady responds that he’s not buying it.

Cat goes to see Rafe in his office as Rafe is finishing a call with Johnny, telling him how happy he is for him. Rafe tells Cat that it looks like she’s feeling better. Cat thanks him for the soup and mentions that they did have a close call, so she’s glad he used his alias on the note. Rafe responds that he knows because he’s a special agent. Cat explains that Chad was helping her and Felicity as they got sick and then they got him sick. Rafe says she doesn’t have to explain to him but Cat feels like she does. Rafe says it’s fine and brings up how she and Chad were thrown together for the hospital fundraiser, stuck in the elevator together, and now convalescing together. Cat calls it a series of coincidences but she’s sure Julie won’t believe that. Rafe asks if the Horton family is still giving her a hard time. Cat says it’s nothing she can’t handle and decides they’ve talked enough about Chad and the Hortons as she has something important to discuss with him about EJ.

Chad argues that Kristen does things for selfish reasons while EJ claims she felt remorse over Johnny going to prison. Chad questions EJ saying that Kristen is capable of remorse. EJ asks what other explanation there could be. Chad questions EJ being so calm about this. EJ feels there’s no point in being hysterical. Chad points out that Kristen almost let Johnny take the fall. EJ responds that right now, all he cares about is that Johnny is free and the legal system can take care of the rest. Chad points out that EJ is free to be with his son while their sister is being taken away from her daughter.

Kristen claims she’s telling Brady the truth which Brady says would be a first. Kristen questions what he wants from her. Brady responds that something just isn’t sitting well with him. Brady says that if Kristen shooting EJ was truly an accident, she never would’ve let it go this far and she knows how easily she could skate since she’s done it before. Kristen argues against trusting Belle, Jada, and the rest of the police to treat her fairly. Brady argues that she’s hiding something and he’s going to find out what it is. Kristen tells him to stop and just let it go. Kristen tells him to go be with Rachel because she needs him since she’s going to lose her mother again. Brady asks whose fault that is.

Rachel cries to Marlena that Kristen can’t go to prison. Marlena knows it will be very sad for her but encourages that she has her, Brady, and her family to be there for her. Rachel argues that Kristen is supposed to be there with them. Rachel cries that she lost her Grandma Rachel and Grandpa John, so she can’t lose her mom too. Marlena hugs her as she cries.

Javi and Leo take Tesoro for a walk through the town square. Leo talks about being so glad to be out of the jury room and tells Javi how much he missed them as they kiss. Javi brings up that Leo hasn’t said what the verdict would’ve been. Leo says he can’t tell him that. Javi asks why it matters since the case is over. Leo jokes that he was going to save it for his tell-all book but guesses he can tell him. Javi swears not to tell a soul. Leo reveals that they were going to find Johnny not guilty, right as Gwen appears. Leo accuses Gwen of eavesdropping. Javi says they should get going. Gwen tells them not to go on her account. Leo complains that she’s ruining a perfectly good afternoon. Gwen asks Leo how it feels to know his time on the jury was entirely inconsequential, just like his time with Dimitri and his entire existence. Javi tells her that’s enough, noting that he knows they have their issues but she doesn’t get to talk to Leo like that. Gwen remarks that they must be in their honeymoon phase but warns Javi that he won’t be defending Leo when he screws him over like he did to her.

EJ tells Chad that Johnny may be free but he wants nothing more to do with him. Chad asks if he can blame him after he tried to frame Chanel and was willing to send her to prison. EJ disagrees and says he never would’ve let it get that far. EJ suggests not talking about the trial anymore as he wants to move forward. Chad questions move forward to what. EJ brings up Chad and Cat spending quite a bit of time together and asks when Chad is going to admit that he was right that he needs to move on from Abigail.

Cat tells Rafe about Marlena taking a break from the hospital. Rafe can’t imagine what she’s going through. Cat says their entire family is going through it right now because of John’s death and because of EJ. Cat adds that this whole ISA investigation got a lot more complicated now that she won’t be working at EJ’s hospital which will make it a lot harder to dig for dirt on his purchase. Rafe guesses they will just have to find another way in for her. Cat responds that she may already have one.

Rachel asks Marlena what is going to happen now. Marlena responds that Kristen is going to have to talk to the judge. Rachel asks if she’s going to jail. Marlena says they don’t know that. Rachel points out that Kristen confessed and can’t take that back.

Leo tells Gwen that he used to wish he could take back what he did to her, so they could be BFFs again, but he has let go of all his regrets because all of his mistakes led him to Javi and Tesoro, so he’s the happiest he’s ever been. Gwen remarks that everyone is so happy, except her friend Kristen and she doesn’t know why she confessed. Javi calls it the right thing to do. Gwen questions the point if Johnny was just going to get off anyway and thanks them for that tidbit. Leo calls that a private conversation while Gwen says they shouldn’t have been having it in public then. Gwen remarks that Tesoro needs to be changed and walks off. Javi asks Leo if this is going to happen every time they run in to Gwen. Leo says until she finds a new target for her wrath. Leo says they have to get Tesoro home for a change and a nap while they are due for a proper reunion, so they walk off together.

Kristen tells Brady that she’s well aware of what her actions have cost their daughter. Brady asks if she would’ve kept on lying otherwise. Kristen cries that she feels awful as it is. Brady tells her that she should. Brady calls Rachel the only good thing to come out of his time with her. Brady says after everything, he thought Kristen loved Rachel but if she did, she would’ve never let Rachel go on the stand, knowing that she shot EJ. Brady declares that he’s done with Kristen. Brady calls Kristen a terrible mother and parent and shouts that she’s not seeing their daughter ever again. Brady storms out as Kristen breaks down crying.

Javi and Leo go home with candles lit in their bedroom. Leo admits he’s still thinking about the trial. Javi asks if he’s not setting the mood, then wonders if Leo is already planning the first chapter of his book. Leo says he loves a good surprise ending but something about this doesn’t feel quite right as he believes there is something off about Kristen’s confession.

Chad repeats to EJ that he and Cat are just good friends as Gwen comes in and asks if he’s talking about Cat Green. Chad calls it a private conversation. Gwen remarks that she’s been hearing that and it’s not her fault that people keep talking where she can hear them. Gwen mentions having the pleasure of meeting Cat today. Gwen knows Cat tricked Chad in to thinking she was Abigail and she gets why he believed her and forgave her as he could do a lot worse. Chad tells Gwen to beat it but Gwen says she lives there. They tell each other to go away. Chad turns to EJ, who says he has enough to deal with without getting in the middle of whatever this is, so Chad then walks out of the mansion. Gwen asks if it was something she said.

Cat tells Rafe about running in to Gwen at the hospital, telling her that she hated Dimitri and she instantly wanted to be her friend. Cat reveals that she knows Gwen is living at the DiMera Mansion which is why she cozied up to her. Rafe advises Cat to be careful since he knows she says that she and Chad are just friends, but Chad and Gwen have history and none of it is good.

Brady goes home to Marlena and Rachel. Marlena confirms to him that she told Rachel the news. Brady says he just came from seeing Kristen. Rachel asks if she’s okay. Brady encourages that she’s strong and is going to be okay. Rachel cries that she won’t be okay and is going away for a long time. Brady says they don’t know that. Rachel calls this a horrible nightmare as she hugs him.

Leo tells Javi that they are meant to believe Kristen DiMera decided to do the right thing out of the goodness of her heart. Javi suggests she cares about her nephew. Leo questions her caring about him more than herself. Javi jokes about Leo spending the night talking about her instead of holding his body as they then kiss.

Cat runs in to Chad in the town square. They both mention stopping at the Bakery. Cat guesses Thomas and Charlotte must be so happy to have him home. Chad confirms they are and adds that Julie was surprisingly zen about the whole thing which Cat calls out of character. Cat repeats that she really is sorry that she got Chad sick. Chad says it’s nothing to worry about and it happens. Cat talks about being out of it that first night and asks if Chad would tell her if she did something embarrassing. Chad flashes back to Cat kisses him, but tells Cat that she has nothing to feel bad about.

Rafe talks to Sami on the phone about Johnny being home safe where he belongs. Rafe understands how Sami feels but advises she not openly threaten Kristen’s life on a phone call. Rafe feels that if the justice system doesn’t deal with Kristen, EJ will.

EJ tells Gwen that he has to get to the hospital for a budget meeting. Gwen says she thought he would want to know how the jury planned to vote, revealing that she overheard Leo talking to Javi. Gwen informs EJ that apparently before Kristen confessed, the jury was going to find Johnny not guilty.

Brady encourages Rachel that they are going to get through this as a family and he loves her. Brady sends Rachel to go get washed up for dinner. Brady thanks Marlena for breaking the news to Rachel and asks how she seemed to her. Marlena says it will obviously be very difficult for her. Marlena asks how Kristen is holding up. Brady responds that he doesn’t care and questions how she could do something like this to EJ, Johnny, and Rachel. Marlena assures they will all be there for Rachel because they are family as they hug.

EJ questions that Johnny was going to be acquitted after all of that. Gwen guesses EJ must have done a very good job defending his son. Gwen decides she’s going upstairs to take a nap and exits. EJ pours a drink and declares that he’s sorry to Kristen, but what’s done is done.

Kristen lays in the bed of her cell, crying.

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Days Short Recap Wednesday, August 27, 2025

Daytime Soap Opera Short Recaps

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

At the pub, Steve told Kayla that he solved the case but couldn’t tell her anything about it. Kayla asked him about Stephanie. Steve said Stephanie had things under control. Sophia came over to take their order. Kayla took her outside to ask her how she was doing. Sophia said she was ready to move on with her life. Stephanie and Alex showed up at the pub. When they got their food, Kayla brought up Alex’s success with One Stormy Night. Stephanie almost choked on  her food when Steve said he wanted to read the book. Alex said he would talk to the author and get a copy. When Steve and Alex left, Stephanie talked to Kayla how hard it was working for EJ. Kayla suggested that she quit working at the hospital, but Stephanie said she didn’t want to abandon her. Brady and Tate tried to comfort Rachel over Kristen but it didn’t work. When Rachel left, Brady talked about how upset he was about Kristen. After they talked about Kristen, Brady mentioned how Tate wasn’t able to meet his child. Tate said he and Sophia were moving on with their lives. Brady wanted to know the name of the lawyer Sophia used. A frustrated Tate wanted to know why he was asking about it. Brady said someone at Basic Black needed an attorney. Tate gave him the information.

Sarah and Holly talked about her staying in Salem. Holly said she wanted to stay because of Tate. Sarah said Sophia wanted Tate back and warned her that babies bonded people. Holly said she wasn’t worried because Tate loved her and barely dated Sophia. She said the baby didn’t live in Salem so they wouldn’t see her again. Later on, Holly and Tate went to the pub and saw that Sophia was working there. They wondered if Sophia was working there because Tate was. Sophia lied and said the Bistro hired someone else after she quit for college. She said her mother didn’t want her laying around the house feeling sorry for herself. When Sarah saw Brady and Rachel in the square, she comforted Rachel. They made dinner plans for the future. Sarah ended up running into Alex who told her that Xander missed her. Sarah said she missed him too but too much has happened. Alex suggested that she take care of herself. Brady went to Steve’s office. Steve asked how Rachel was holding up. Brady said John would have known how to comfort Rachel. He told Steve that he had a feeling that Sophia wasn’t telling them everything about the baby. Steve was more than willing to help. He asked Brady to tell him everything he knew.

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Days Short Recap Tuesday, August 26, 2025

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Paul gave Steve interesting information about Philip. He called Stephanie and told her to come to his office. She told him that she was with Xander to talk about a PR strategy in case Philip’s fraud was made public. Stephanie was going to do her best to keep it from getting revealed. She advised Xander to get paperwork drawn up to make Philip his co-CEO. Xander hated the idea, but Stephanie thought it would help bolster his defense of a takeover. She thought it would cover him in case Philip went to the police about him attacking him. He would lose everything if Philip went to the police.

After Stephanie left, Alex went to Xander’s office. Xander told him about Stephanie’s plan. Alex thought it was a good idea, but Xander felt like hiring her was a waste. He defended Stephanie to Xander. Alex felt like Xander should go to anger management. Xander was at town square with Victoria. He didn’t feel like Philip should be rewarded for his actions. Xander received a message from Marlena confirming their appointment. Stephanie went to see her father. She found out that Steve discovered Philip’s fraud. Steve figured out that Stephanie knew about it and wanted to know what she knew. She told him what she knew about the fraud. Stephanie pleaded with him to keep quiet about it. He agreed to keep quiet about it. Steve warned her that secrets don’t stay hidden forever. Philip woke up with Gabi next to him in the Salem Inn. They talked about how they ended up in bed together. She enjoyed the time they spent together and kissed him passionately. Gabi was about to leave when Belle showed up at his door. Belle was shocked to see her there. Gabi left so Philip got dressed. He was going to explain himself, but she didn’t want the details about his sex life. Belle just wanted to warn him that someone was investigating the DiMera/Kiriakis merger, but she couldn’t say who it was. Philip was upset about it. Belle opened up to him needing a distraction from her breakup and her father’s death. He promised her that he would help her get through it.

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Days Opinions For The Week Of August 18, 2025

Opinion Article

 

by Michele & Cheryl

We wonder what the writers are trying to do with Sophia. They had her be strong when she broke up with Tate before she got pregnant and now she has changed. Sophia has become obsessed with being with being with him. She was willing to change schools and jobs to be near him. If she really wanted to hold onto Tate, she should have kept the baby. She would have had a link that he didn’t have with Holly. Sophia shouldn’t take the risk and get closer to Tate because she’s keeping the truth about the baby from him. He would be upset with her if he found out that she gave up their baby. We know the writers are trying to make Sophia the villain in the story to make Tate and Holly a tortured couple.

Speaking of the baby, is it possible that someone may be onto Sophia? Sophia let it slip that she had a boy when she let Tate believe she had a girl. Brady caught on to her slip up. He had the Salem brain and questioned Sarah about Sophia. Sarah couldn’t tell him the truth because of HIPPA law. He realized that something was up with Sophia. We are hoping that Brady doesn’t drop the ball with his suspicions. He should be more invested in his son’s problems. Brady was only focused on Rachel so it’s about time that he worries about Tate too.

The truth was finally revealed. It’s the world’s worst kept secret, but the truth is out. EJ’s shooter was revealed. It turned out that the shooter was Rachel. EJ had a memory when Rachel dropped something from the mantle. His memory came flooding back. He realized Rachel was the shooter. We knew Rachel was the shooter, but it was good to see a secret revealed. The writers tend to let stories drop so it was good to see one move along. EJ told Kristen that Rachel was the person who shot him. She couldn’t believe it. He wanted her to do what she could to make sure that Johnny didn’t get convicted. Kristen had to come up with a plan and that’s what she did.

It was different to see EJ wanting to do whatever it took to save Johnny’s life. Johnny fired him as his attorney since he threw Chanel under the bus to try to get Johnny off. Despite being fired, he wanted to help Johnny. EJ was stuck between a rock and a hard place since he had to do whatever it took to keep Johnny out of prison. In the end, he wanted to win more than he wanted to honor Johnny’s wishes. Unfortunately, it looks like he lost his son again. We’re surprised that he wanted Kristen to save his son since he’s mad at him again.

Leo was about to read the verdict in Johnny’s trial, but he was interrupted by Kristen. She confessed to shooting EJ. It felt like cliffhanger moments from back in the day. She took the fall to save her daughter’s life. Kristen doesn’t do things like that for just anyone. She had to really care about the person to sacrifice her freedom. Kristen ended up going to the police station. She showed the side we used to see before she became a villain. Marlena begged her not to lie for Rachel. She had to protect her daughter. We like seeing Kristen’s vulnerable side because we don’t get to see it too often.

 

 

 

 

The opinions in these articles are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of TVMEG.COM or its other volunteers.

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Days Short Recap Monday, August 25, 2025

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

At the town square, Leo told Javi that the jury would have found Johnny not guilty. Gwen showed up and was surprised by the verdict. While Leo and Gwen were talking, they got in an argument. Gwen warned Javi that Leo would screw him over the way he did her. Leo said he used to wish that he didn’t do what he did to her but it led to him being with Javi and Tesoro. He said he was the happiest he has ever been. Gwen walked away from them. Cat went to Rafe’s office to let him know that she was out of a job. She said she wouldn’t be able to get information on EJ since she wouldn’t be working at the hospital anymore. Cat said she might have a new lead in Gwen. Rafe told her that Chad and Gwen had a history with each other and it wasn’t good.

Chad went to the DiMera mansion after he heard that Kristen shot EJ. He told EJ that it didn’t make sense. EJ defended Kristen to Chad. Chad wondered why EJ was so calm about what happened. EJ said the only thing he cared about was Johnny’s freedom. Chad said Kristen was going to be separated from Rachel. When Chad mentioned that EJ was trying to frame Chanel, EJ brought up Chad’s feelings for Cat. Chad said they were just friends. Gwen walked in and started an argument with Chad. When Chad left, Gwen told EJ that the jury found Johnny not guilty. After Gwen left, EJ apologized to Kristen and said what was done was done. Marlena brought Rachel to the penthouse and told her that Kristen confessed to shooting EJ. Rachel didn’t believe Kristen would shoot EJ. She said she lost her grandparents and didn’t want to lose her mother too. Brady ripped into Kristen for letting Johnny take the fall for shooting EJ as well as having Rachel testify against Johnny. Kristen told him what happened, but Brady thought she wouldn’t have let things get that far if It was an accident. Brady said he was going to find out what happened. Kristen begged him to let it go and be with their daughter. Brady continued to yell at her and called her a terrible mother who would never see her daughter again. When Brady went home, he told Rachel that everything was going to be okay. After Rachel left the room, Marlena asked how Kristen was. Brady said he didn’t care how she was. He wondered how Kristen could do that to their daughter. Marlena said they would all be there for her.

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Days Update Friday, August 22, 2025

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Belle runs in to Shawn in the town square. Shawn talks about just getting back from visiting Claire. Belle says she wants to hear all about it but she’s on her way to court as the verdict is in for Johnny’s trial. They talk about hoping for a not guilty which Belle calls unusual for the prosecutor and admits she’s never been this nervous about a verdict.

Johnny and Chanel sit outside the courtroom as Johnny calls it the moment of truth. Chanel says she’s read that the jury coming back with a quick decision is usually a good sign. Johnny agrees that it can be and he’s heard EJ say that quick verdicts can mean not guilty but he’s also heard him call it foolish to try to predict. Paulina joins them and says she hates to agree with EJ but thinks he’s right on that. Paulina declares that they will all know the verdict soon enough as they head on in to court. EJ and Marlena then arrive behind them. EJ wonders where the hell Kristen is. Marlena suggests that she could already be inside. EJ says she better be and reveals that Kristen told him that she has a fool proof plan to make sure Johnny is not convicted. Marlena wonders what it could be. EJ says it better work or else he will have no choice but to tell the court that he remembered it was Rachel who shot him.

Brady brings Rachel to the Brady Pub and thanks Sarah for waiting, saying he had to pick up his favorite girl. Rachel hugs Sarah and says it’s always good to see her. Rachel tells Sarah about her snake. Brady brings up that they are about to deliver the verdict in Johnny’s case. Sarah says she’s praying Rachel’s family gets the result they are hoping for. Kristen looks through the window of the door before slowly walking away.

Marlena tells EJ that he can’t reveal it was Rachel who shot him. EJ says he would take no pleasure in it but if his only other option is letting Johnny go to prison for a crime he didn’t commit, he cannot take that risk with his son’s life. EJ then heads in to court, followed by Marlena as court resumes and the bailiff goes to bring in the jury. EJ sits wondering where Kristen is. The judge calls for Johnny to stand and asks if the jury has reached a verdict. Leo stands and announces they have.

Brady sends Rachel to go wash her hands before they order. Sarah notes that Rachel seems to be in a good mood and guesses that getting her testimony out of the way was a relief. Brady worries that if Johnny gets convicted, Rachel will blame herself. Sarah encourages that Brady will be there for her either way. Sarah talks about parents intuition. Brady reminds Sarah how they were talking about Sophia before and how she accidentally referred to the baby as a he. Sarah repeats that Sophia has a lot on her mind. Brady says something struck him as strange as he recalls Sarah looking surprised when he first told her that the baby was a girl. Brady felt she seemed uncomfortable then, just like she does now. Brady asks if there’s something about Tate and Sophia’s baby that she needs to tell him.

Leo begins to announce the jury’s verdict but EJ interrupts. The judge warns that he no longer has standing in the case and orders him to take his seat but Kristen bursts in, yelling for them to stop. The judge calls for order as Kristen argues. The judge says she already had her chance to speak and orders for her to be removed but Kristen screams that she is here to confess. Kristen shouts that Johnny is innocent because she is the one who shot her brother, shocking everyone in the court room.

Sarah tells Brady that she can’t reveal any private medical information about Sophia’s baby as she would be violating regulations. Brady feels that means she knows something that she can’t say. Shawn comes over and greets them, mentioning getting back from South Africa last night. Shawn adds that he ran in to Belle, who said the verdict in Johnny’s case is about to come in but guesses they already heard. Rachel runs up and hugs Shawn, saying she’s glad he’s back. Rachel tells Shawn about staying with Brady lately which she thought was because EJ was mad at her for what she had to say on the witness stand. Brady assures that no one is mad at her and they just want what’s best for her. Rachel says she loves him as they hug.

The judge calls for order in the court and calls a recess, saying they will reconvene when she determines the veracity of Kristen’s confession. The judge orders the bailiff to take Kristen in to custody and for Belle to enter her chambers. Chanel excitedly tells Johnny that she can’t believe this. Johnny responds that he honestly has no idea what just happened as Chanel hugs him.

EJ and Marlena exit the court room. EJ says he’s glad that Kristen held up her end of the bargain, but he didn’t expect her to go to such an extreme. Marlena questions thinking this outcome will be any better for Rachel because now she’ll have to deal with the trauma of knowing it was her mother that tried to kill him.

Johnny tells Chanel and Paulina that he still can’t believe that Kristen put a bullet in her own brother. Chanel can’t believe she would let her own nephew go through this nightmare when she knew all along that he was innocent. Paulina talks about Kristen letting Johnny stand trial for a crime she committed and remarks that only a heartless sociopath would do something like that.

EJ argues that this wouldn’t be the first time that Rachel has been through her mother going to prison and she survived those times. Marlena questions the psychological damage this could do for Rachel to see her mother going to prison for a crime that she, herself, committed. EJ argues that it’s entirely possible that Rachel won’t remember what she did and she won’t be hearing the details from either of them. EJ heads back in to the court room. Leo joins Marlena and talks about how he can’t believe what just happened. Marlena says she’s still trying to process it. Leo thought she might be happier since her grandson gets to go home to his beautiful wife while her sworn enemy is about to get hauled off to prison. Marlena responds that she’s worried about her granddaughter as this will be a lot for her to deal with. Leo says it was foolish of him not to realize that, but points out that at least Rachel has Marlena to help her through it, so he knows she will be okay.

Rachel asks Shawn about his time in South Africa and Shawn shows her some pictures of baboons they saw there. Brady asks how Claire is doing. Shawn says her breakup with Theo was tough but she’s doing well now and has a lot of good friends while enjoying her job. Sarah knows they must have been worried being so far away. Brady remarks that no matter how old they get, they don’t stop worrying about their kids.

Kristen questions why they need to go over this as she tells Belle that she shot EJ and asks what else there is to say. Belle questions how she could let her nephew stand trial if she really shot EJ. Kristen says she feels awful about that but never thought he would be held accountable. Belle argues that Kristen testified. Kristen claims she was trying to help him. Kristen pleads with the judge to forget what she said on the stand and listen to what she’s saying now. Kristen asks her to let her explain what happened that night, so she tells her to go ahead. Kristen tells a story that she took a shower, checked on Rachel one more time, and then went to talk to EJ. Kristen claims they argued, she got very angry, saw the gun on the table, and something came over her. Kristen tells them that she pointed the gun at EJ and demanded he tell her where her mother was, then EJ reached for the gun but she pulled away and the gun went off. Kristen calls it an accident and swears that she didn’t mean to shoot EJ, but once she realized what she had done, she wiped the prints off the gun, hid it in a planter outside, and went upstairs until the police came. Belle questions Kristen just letting EJ lay there, bleeding out and asks why she didn’t call for help if it was an accident. Kristen claims she was in shock and then she heard Chad come in. Kristen says she feels terribly ashamed but she is now ready to take full responsibility for what she has done. Kristen offers to write out a full confession and sign it here and now. The judge instructs the bailiff to call Jada and tell her that they need Kristen arrested for attempted murder.

Shawn gets a call from the police station and tells Jada that he’s on his way. Shawn says he has to go as something is going on at the courthouse, so he then exits the Pub.

Marlena hugs Johnny and says she’s so happy for him. Johnny still wonders what happens now. Paulina says the judge will have to dismiss the case. Chanel wonders why Kristen didn’t confess sooner since she swore on the stand that she didn’t shoot EJ. Chanel questions going through all that, just to tell the truth in the end. Marlena guesses she must have had a reason but they’ll never know. Leo comes in, so Chanel tells him that he has to tell them what the verdict was going to be, but Leo says he can’t say until the trial is over.

Kristen writes out and signs her confession, then hands it over to the judge, claiming that it’s the whole truth of what happened that night. Shawn comes in and says he just talked to Jada, so he’s here to arrest Kristen for attempted murder. Shawn reads Kristen her rights and handcuffs her. Shawn escorts Kristen out of the room where they pass by EJ. EJ then returns to the court room as the judge calls upon Belle and officially dismisses the case against Johnny, leading to applause and cheers from Marlena, Paulina, and Chanel. Johnny looks relieved as EJ watches on. The judge calls for order and demands they remain silent. The judge thanks the jury and dismisses them. She then tells Johnny that he is free to go. Johnny goes to Chanel and says he told her everything would be okay. Chanel says she loves him as they embrace and Johnny exchanges a look with EJ.

Rachel asks how much longer they have to wait until they hear about Johnny. Brady tells her that these things take time. Rachel says she’s just praying that Johnny doesn’t go to jail. Brady says that’s what they are all praying for.

EJ tells Johnny how happy he is for him. Chanel calls Johnny over to go home, so they exit together. Paulina and Marlena then follow them out. EJ tells Belle that she must be so relieved. Belle admits she’s never been so happy to lose a case in her entire life. EJ guarantees he won’t gloat about this one. Belle says she’s thrilled for Johnny but she’s sorry it all happened this way. EJ says he is as well, more than she will ever know. Belle then exits the court.

Outside the court room, Paulina says this calls for a celebration and says she’ll call Abe to meet at the Bistro but Chanel says they are tired and just want to go home. Paulina understands they will have a wonderful celebration with just the two of them.

Belle goes to the Brady Pub and announces to Brady, Rachel, and Sarah that Johnny is not going to jail. Rachel is thankful and hugs Belle. Belle asks to speak with Brady for a moment alone outside, so they exit the Pub. Rachel sits back down with Sarah and says now she has her appetite back.

Brady tells Belle that this is good news that Johnny was found not guilty. Belle clarifies that the jury never read the verdict as the case was dismissed because Kristen confessed to shooting EJ, leaving Brady shocked.

Shawn brings Kristen to the interrogation room and asks if she wants to use her phone call but she declines. Marlena comes in and asks for a minute alone with Kristen. Kristen suggests thinking of Marlena as her attorney so Shawn agrees to a few minutes and exits. Marlena tells Kristen that she can’t do this. Kristen responds that she can’t take it back or else it could ruin Rachel’s life, Johnny’s life, or both. Kristen declares that as long as no one knows what she did or didn’t do, it will keep them both safe. Kristen adds that she knows EJ won’t say a word to anyone and tells Marlena that she can’t either to another living soul.

Paulina and Leo walk through the town square, talking about how nobody saw this coming. Paulina is relieved that Chanel gets to take Johnny home and neither of them have to worry about going to prison. Leo talks about going home to his boyfriend and says sequestered living did not work for him, so he’s thrilled to be free. Paulina says that Leo can finally start that book on the case now that it’s finally over but Leo feels it might not be over.

EJ goes home and calls Sami, saying no matter how angry they are at Kristen, they can be happy for Johnny. EJ tells her that he is thrilled, but he’s afraid that he’s lost his son for good.

Johnny and Chanel return home to their apartment. Chanel calls him a truly free man with no more lawyers, court, and fear of going to prison. Johnny kisses her and talks about thinking this day would never come. Johnny calls her his shining light that’s been there for him every step of the way and says he doesn’t know how to thank her. Chanel says she can think of a few ways and offers to show him as they head to the bedroom.

Kristen tells Marlena that she has to promise that no one will ever find out she lied to the judge or else the truth will come out before Rachel is ready or able to make sense of what she’s done. Marlena doesn’t like being in this position but agrees to stay quiet. Kristen thanks her. Kristen says she doesn’t have the right to ask her this, but asks her to please take care of Rachel. Kristen cries that she can’t go away unless she knows Rachel is alright and she knows Marlena will be loving and kind to her along with Brady. Kristen asks Marlena to make sure Rachel gets the help she needs. Marlena agrees to take care of her and get her whatever treatment she needs. Kristen asks if Marlena thinks Rachel will ever remember what happened. Marlena doesn’t know but says if she does, she’ll make sure she gets the help she needs psychologically. Marlena reminds Kristen that everyone is going to think she committed this crime and that she forced her daughter to take the stand and testify just to save her skin. Kristen knows that’s what they will think, including Brady who will hate her for this. Kristen cries that if she can help her daughter, then it’s a sacrifice she’s willing to make. Marlena remarks that she’s never seen her be so selfless. Kristen responds that her daughter means more to her than anything in the world. Marlena admits she knows that and sees that now. Marlena warns Kristen that it’s going to be traumatic for Rachel to learn that she’s the one who shot EJ. Kristen says not as traumatic as the truth.

Belle goes back in to the Pub and rejoins Sarah and Rachel. Rachel questions when Brady is coming back. Belle says he just had to go run an errand. Rachel says she’s just happy that Johnny’s not going to jail, but questions if they’ll ever find out who really shot EJ. Belle claims she doesn’t know and that they will just have to wait and see.

Shawn brings Kristen to her holding cell and says he will have the guard bring her something to eat in a few minutes. After Shawn exits, Brady enters to see Kristen.

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Days Update Thursday, August 21, 2025

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Tate is at home on the phone with Holly. He tells her to hit him up after she has lunch with Maggie. Tate doesn’t think they should hang out at his place because it would be too tempting and jokes that they don’t want someone walking in on them again. Tate tells Holly he loves her and hangs up as Brady comes home. Brady hugs him and says he feels like he’s barely seen him the last couple of days. Tate explains that he’s been trying to spend as much time with Holly as he can before school starts. Brady assumes he’s excited about it though which Tate says he is. Tate then informs Brady that the adoptive parents won’t let him see his daughter.

Sarah runs in to Sophia at the Brady Pub and says she was hoping they could talk about her and her baby.

Leo stands in front of Adam and the rest of the jury. Leo states that they are at 11 saying not guilty but 1 saying guilty and the jury must be unanimous. Leo complains that they are just one vote away from getting back to their normal lives and that’s Adam. A woman on the jury questions what Adam’s problem is. Adam responds that he’s not the problem and it’s the rest of them who won’t accept the truth that Johnny shot his own father.

Marlena tells Rachel about how the jury must all agree on whether Johnny is guilty or not. Rachel says she’s really worried about Johnny and wishes she could help him. Marlena encourages that she already helped by telling the truth on the stand. Rachel remarks that it would’ve been better if she knew who really shot EJ.

EJ declares that he loves Rachel but he will not let his son go down for something she did, so unless Kristen can come up with a way for Johnny to walk out of court a free man, he will have no other choice but to reveal that Rachel is the one who shot him. Kristen pleads with EJ to be reasonable, asking how she is supposed to keep the jury from convicting Johnny. EJ responds that it’s not his problem and it’s all on her.

Brady tells Tate that he’s sorry as he knows how much he wanted to meet his daughter. Brady adds that if he really wants to pursue it further, there may be some things they can do but Tate says he doesn’t after yesterday when he and Sophia ran in to Arianna with the baby that Rafe is fostering and Sophia got really upset being around another baby. Tate says that all of this has been really hard on him but it’s been way harder on Sophia, so he decided that it’s best if he stops obsessing about meeting his daughter and just let it go.

Sophia sits with Sarah and asks why she wants to talk about her and her baby, worrying that she decided not to keep her secret. Sarah responds that it’s not her secret to tell so if Sophia doesn’t want Tate and her family to know that she left her baby at the fire station, she is ethically bound not to say anything. Sarah tells Sophia that she is very good friends with Brady and she knows Tate is having a really hard time that he hasn’t gotten to meet his child. Sophia wishes she could tell them the truth, so Sarah questions why doesn’t she. Sophia worries that Tate will hate her. Sarah suggests Tate could be grateful and compassionate because he will have known what she went through by giving birth all alone and she will be giving him the closure that he needs.

Rachel states that Marlena looks sad and guesses she’s missing John. Marlena confirms that she is and wishes he was there right now. Rachel says that John always knew how to make things better. Rachel reminds Marlena of them reading 1001 Arabian Nights and they hug.

Kristen tells EJ that there’s nothing anyone can do as the jury is already deliberating. EJ argues that they haven’t come back with a verdict yet so there’s still time. Kristen says it’s not like she can bribe the judge at this point, so the best thing to do is sit back and wait to see what the jury decides. Kristen points out that EJ already tossed blame on everyone with a pulse in Salem, so there’s no way they will convict Johnny. EJ wishes he shared her confidence but he feels Johnny threw the case away when he fired him and decided to represent himself. Kristen says worst case scenario if Johnny gets convicted, he can file an appeal while they figure out what to do about Rachel. EJ refuses to risk letting Johnny rot away in a prison cell. EJ declares that he’s sorry but he’s not willing to take that chance.

Sophia tells Sarah that she’s wrong and that Tate won’t be grateful that she lied to him about when and where their baby was born. Sophia worries that Tate would think she’s a terrible heartless person and so will the rest of his family. Sarah argues that she left her baby in a perfectly safe place which is why the drop off program exists. Sophia argues that she’d still have to worry about her mom forcing her to take the baby back. Sarah reminds her that she is 18 now so she doesn’t get a vote. Sophia argues that she lives with her mom and is dependent on her, so if she doesn’t do what her parents want, she could risk screwing up her future even more. Sarah knows this is incredibly difficult. Sophia states that she wants what’s best for her son, but the fact that she keeps seeing him all over town is like torture. Sophia explains that she saw him with her mom, who said the baby looked just like her brother did when he was born. Sophia hopes that when her baby does get adopted, it’s by someone who lives far away from Salem.

Brady tells Tate that he’s proud of him for considering Sophia’s feelings, but if he wants to fight to see his daughter, he wouldn’t necessarily need to involve Sophia in that. Tate says he’s starting to think that Sophia was right all along that meeting his daughter would’ve made it much more difficult to let go and move on with his life. Tate decides no more fixating on the baby or finding a way to see her because it’s not good for Sophia or him. Brady says he’s so proud of him and calls it a tough situation for him to be in, so he respects that he made a thoughtful and mature decision about it. Tate thanks him and calls it the right decision. Tate says he will message the adoptive parents back to ask for pictures and occasional updates, then he will let them know he will stop pressing them to meet his daughter in person. Tate declares he will just let go and move forward with his life.

Marlena tells Rachel that her hug made her feel better. Rachel brings up that John always gave good hugs and she misses him so much. Marlena calls it a comfort to talk about John and tell stories about him. Marlena thinks it’s really important to talk about memories even if they might make them feel sad or they might be scary. Rachel responds that she doesn’t like to remember sad or scary things because they always make her stomach hurt.

Kristen tells EJ that both of their children’s lives are at risk which is why they shouldn’t rush in to anything. Kristen says they should take time to figure out a plan to save both of them. EJ says not to pretend that they trust each other and bets Kristen is already coming up with ways to run off with Rachel and leave Johnny holding the bag. Kristen says she would never do that. EJ says even if he could trust her, Johnny’s been through enough and he will not leave him carrying the weight of this accusation. Kristen argues that Rachel is just a little girl who happens to be EJ’s niece and a fragile child. Kristen begs EJ to give her time but EJ complains that they don’t have time. EJ warns Kristen to take action before the jury comes back with a verdict which could happen at any moment.

Leo argues that Adam must not be paying attention to see that there is no proof that Johnny shot EJ. Adam goes over Johnny pointing a gun at his father and questions everyone just believing him. Adam remarks that it’s not so unusual for a son to want his father to fall off the perch. Adam says he won’t muffle himself just because everyone else wants to get out of here. Adam calls this doing their civic duty as a citizen of their beloved nation. Leo acknowledges that Adam has a point that they have all been tasked with this enormous responsibility so they can’t rush through the process just because they want to get out of here. Leo states that a man’s life is on the line so they have got to make sure justice is served. Adam declares that the only way to serve justice is to vote to convict Johnny DiMera and send him to prison.

Sarah knows Sophia just wants this all to be over, but she’s concerned with her living with this secret. Sophia assures that she can handle it and now that Tate is accepting it, they can both move on with their futures. Sarah asks Sophia what her plans are for the future. Sophia responds that next is college and she had her heart set on going to the University of Chicago but the pregnancy messed everything up, so she was able to get in to Salem U. Sophia adds that with Tate going there too, it will give them a chance to get closer. Sarah reminds Sophia that she is Holly’s aunt. Sophia admits she forgot they were related. Sarah points out that Tate and Holly are still involved. Sophia remarks that’s for now as they are always on and off, so it won’t be long before they are off again.

Brady states that Tate has had to make more big decisions in a year than most people do in a lifetime. Brady hopes he will now get a fresh start to be young after all he’s been through. Tate says he’s not wanting to go back to being completely without responsibility, so he was thinking about getting a job. Brady asks what kind of job he wants. Tate admits he hasn’t gotten that far. Brady points out he will need something flexible with his college classes. Brady reminds Tate that he liked working at the Brady Pub before. Tate is sure that Roman could use the help now that Doug III is gone. Brady mentions having lunch there with Sarah and invites Tate to come with, so he can talk to Roman about it and fill out an application. Tate accepts and they leave together.

Leo calls for the jury to take a quick break, adding that they need to put in their lunch orders. Leo stops Adam and says they need to have a little chat. Leo reminds him of the conversation they had about personal space. Adam tells Leo that he likes him but he’s not going to let him bully him in to changing his vote. Leo argues that he just wants to be practical about this so they can reach a verdict. Leo asks if he doesn’t want to get back to his wife and kids. Adam argues that they understand he has a job to do and that’s putting a criminal behind bars. Leo argues that isn’t going to happen and all that will happen is they’ll have a hung jury which means they will have all wasted an entire month of their lives. Adam says it won’t come to that because he can convince the rest of them, comparing it to Law & Order. Leo argues that’s a TV show and this is real life. Adam brings up an episode where a cop was killed by his own son and says it’s not so far fetched. Leo gets upset and yells at him to shut up. Leo then apologizes for losing his temper. Adam remarks that he knows showbiz people have short fuses so he won’t take it personally, but he’s not changing his vote and declares he will convince the rest of the jury to see things his way if it’s the last thing he does.

Rachel wonders what’s taking Kristen so long. Marlena thinks she’s still talking to EJ. Rachel is tired of waiting and wants to go downstairs to tell them they’ve talked long enough. Marlena says no and thinks they should stay here. Rachel asks why and questions if something is going on.

Kristen argues that what EJ is asking her is impossible. EJ asks how, saying if they come forward with the truth that Rachel shot him on accident, she’s a child and won’t do hard time. Kristen argues that Rachel has blocked the memory because it’s too traumatic and could scar her for the rest of her life. EJ orders Kristen to figure something else out then. EJ remarks that she’s been scheming her whole life and could put that talent to good use for once. EJ tells her to find a way for both of their children to not have to suffer. Kristen questions how she’s supposed to do that exactly, asking if she’s supposed to find an innocent person to pin the crime on. EJ asks why not since it’s already pinned on an innocent person in Johnny.

Adam speaks to the jury, bringing up how Rachel saw Johnny pointing the gun at EJ and later heard the gunshot. Leo argues that she never saw Johnny shoot the gun and brings up that Marlena is sure that EJ remembered the shooter being a woman. Adam speaks about not believing in hypnosis while another woman on the jury admits that she doesn’t buy in to it either. Adam argues that even if they did, EJ could easily be lying to protect his son while Marlena would go along with it to protect her grandson. Leo gets offended and defends Marlena while Adam insists that Marlena could be part of the conspiracy that ties back to EJ. Adam remarks that EJ probably remembers Johnny shooting him and is covering it up with the whole family in on it. Adam complains about the rich and powerful in Salem thinking they are above the law and declares they can’t let them get away with it.

Kristen asks EJ who she can possibly say shot him. EJ suggests Ava Vitali. Kristen points out that she’s been missing for months. EJ says she won’t be there and won’t have to do any time. Kristen asks if that means he will come forward and claim he remembers Ava shooting him. EJ responds that he won’t risk committing perjury. Kristen questions how it’s any worse than what he’s asking her to do. EJ admits it’s not but calls it her problem not his and that he’s just trying to help her brainstorm out of the kindness of his heart. Kristen asks if she’s supposed to say she was sitting on evidence the whole time that Ava shot him and how she’s supposed to explain to the judge why she hadn’t come forward until now. EJ tells her that she’s clever so he’s sure she’ll think of something.

Sarah thinks Sophia needs a fresh start and maybe that means moving on from Tate. Sophia appreciates her advice but says after everything she’s sacrificed this year, she’s not willing to give up on Tate. Brady and Tate then arrive and greet them. Brady apologizes for keeping Sarah waiting while Sophia asks if Tate is grabbing lunch too. Tate says he’s actually there to apply for a job and goes to do that. Brady mentions to Sophia that the adoptive parents refused to let Tate see his daughter. Sophia says that’s too bad and slips up suggesting that maybe one day they will let Tate meet “him”, which Brady questions. Sophia tries to cover by saying she just misspoke and meant to say let Tate meet her. Sophia then goes to get her takeout order. Brady tells Sarah that was weird. Sarah says that Sophia just has a lot on her mind. Sarah goes to get them some menus. Brady flashes back to when he and Rachel told Sarah about Sophia’s baby being born where Sarah seemed surprised when he told her it was a girl.

Leo reads the votes of the jury and they are now 50/50 with six picking to convict Johnny and six saying not to. Adam remarks that if Leo wants to get back to his boyfriend, he could just change his vote so they could get out. Leo brings up reasonable doubt and talks about hearing from other people throughout the trial. Adam argues that Johnny went out of his way to prove the video was fake because he knows it wasn’t Chanel since it was him. Another member of the jury agrees with him.

Marlena tells Rachel that she thought they could just spend a few more minutes together but Rachel accuses her of hiding something. Marlena questions why she would think that. Rachel asks if she’s in trouble. Marlena says of course not. Rachel brings up EJ being so upset when she broke his glass paper weight and asks if he’s mad at her. Marlena says he’s not, so Rachel questions what the problem is. Marlena claims there’s no problem so Rachel asks to go downstairs. Marlena asks her to give it ten more minutes which Rachel agrees to. Rachel decides she will feed her snake, but claims the snake got out and asks Marlena to get it. When Marlena turns her back, Rachel runs out of her room so Marlena goes after her.

Kristen tells EJ that even if she agreed to frame someone, it can’t be Ava since she hates her because of what happened with Rachel Blake and if she finds out she’s trying to pin the murder on her, she’ll be on the first flight back to expose her lie. EJ admits he sees her point, so she needs to come up with a better idea where both of their kids come out unscathed. Rachel then bursts in and asks if they are keeping a secret from her.

Tate turns in his job application at the Pub as Sophia rejoins him. Sophia points out that it’s his family’s Pub while Tate says he wanted to do things by the book. Sophia wishes him luck and invites him to join her for lunch but Tate says he can’t since he’s going to hang out with Holly. Tate says he’ll see her and exits. Sophia then approaches the counter and also asks for a job application. Brady sits with Sarah and tells her that he can’t stop thinking about Sophia’s slip of the tongue. Brady finds it odd that she would just mistakenly refer to the baby as a boy.

Leo reminds the jury that this is not an episode of Law and Order, so what they decide has real life consequences so they owe it to not end up in a hung jury. Leo suggests approaching the next vote with an open mind. Adam promises to consider everyone’s arguments.

Kristen asks why Rachel would think they were keeping a secret from her. Rachel explains that Marlena was trying to keep her from coming downstairs and she had to trick her to escape. EJ explains that he and Kristen were just talking about how to help Johnny. Rachel asks if he’s mad at her for telling the truth in court. EJ says no and that she did the right thing as he shouldn’t have asked her to lie. Rachel says she really wanted to help Johnny and she hopes he believes her. EJ says that he does. Marlena then comes in with a text from Belle that the jury has reached a verdict.

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Days Short Recap Friday, August 22, 2025

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Kristen saw Brady and Rachel together at the pub. Brady sent Rachel to wash her hands while he talked to Sarah. He wanted to know about the way Sarah reacted when she found out Sophia’s baby was a girl. He told her that she was uncomfortable. Brady wondered if Sarah had something to tell him. Sarah reminded him that she couldn’t violate HIPPA regulations. Brady thought her answer meant she was hiding something. Shawn interrupted Sarah and Brady to let them know that the jury reached a verdict. They already knew the verdict was in. Rachel ran into Shawn’s arms. EJ let Marlena know that Kristen was on her way to the courthouse with a foolproof way of getting Johnny off. He warned her that he would tell the judge the truth about who really shot him if she didn’t show up. Court began, and the judge wanted Leo to read the verdict. Leo stood up and puffed out his chest before he began to talk. EJ interrupted Leo which upset the judge. She reprimanded EJ for his interruption. Kristen burst into the courtroom to interrupt the proceedings. She demanded to be heard. Kristen was there to confess. She said she was the one who shot her brother. Everyone in the court let out big gasps. The judge wanted a recess and demanded that Kristen be taken into custody. Marlena told EJ that she didn’t think Rachel would fare any better with her mother in prison for a crime she didn’t commit. EJ told her that Rachel didn’t remember that, and he didn’t plan on telling her. He went back to the courtroom.

In the judge’s chambers, Kristen tried to convince Belle and the judge that she snapped and grabbed the gun. She demanded that EJ tell her where to find her mother. Kristen said that he reached for the gun, and it went off. She didn’t mean to do it, but she wiped the gun clean and hid it. Kristen didn’t call for help because she was in shock, but now she wants to take responsibility for her actions. The judge wanted Sean to arrest Kristen for attempted murder. As Kristen walked out of the room, she looked at EJ. EJ went to the courtroom where Johnny’s case was dismissed. After the court was adjourned, Johnny and Chanel shared a tender moment. Johnny ignored EJ’s attempts to congratulate him on the dismissal. EJ left to allow Johnny to celebrate his victory. Belle told EJ that she was happy for Johnny. She was sorry it happened that way, and EJ agreed with her. Belle left him alone in the courtroom. Rachel asked Sarah and Brady how long it would take for the verdict would come in. She prayed that Johnny wouldn’t be found guilty. Belle arrived at the pub to tell them the good news about Johnny. Belle pulled Brady aside to let him know that Kristen confessed to shooting EJ. Shawn cuffed Kristen to the chair at the police station. Marlena arrived so Shawn left the room. She told Kristen that she couldn’t confess. Kristen thought it was the only way to keep Rachel and Johnny safe. Marlena promised not to say anything to take care of Rachel. She wasn’t sure if Rachel would remember what she did, but she would be there for her. Kristen knew Brady would hate her for what she did. She had to make the sacrifice. Marlena was impressed with her selflessness.

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Days Short Recap Thursday, August 21, 2025

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Tate told Brady that the adoptive parents wouldn’t let him see the baby. He didn’t want to make a big deal about it because of Sophia. Brady told him that he could find a way to see his daughter without involving Sophia. Tate knew he could do it, but it would make it hard to move on from her. Brady respected his decision. Tate told him that he wanted a job. Brady invited him to go to the pub with him since he was meeting Sarah there. He thought he could talk to Roman about getting his job back at the pub. Sarah ran into Sophia at the pub. She advised her to tell Tate the truth about their baby so he could get the closure he needed. Sophia didn’t want him to hate her. She thought her mother could ruin her life by making her raise the baby. Sophia looked forward to her future at Salem University with Tate. Sarah reminded her that Tate was with Holly. Sophia thought it was only for now. Sarah advised her to make a fresh start and move on from Tate. Sophia didn’t plan on doing that. Brady and Tate arrived at the pub. Sarah stood by Brady’s side and brought up the baby to Sophia. Sophia slipped and called the baby a boy, and Brady heard it. She walked away to check on her food. Brady thought her actions were weird, but Sarah dismissed his concerns. Brady flashed back to Sarah questioning him when he told her that Sophia had a girl. Leo couldn’t believe the jury couldn’t come to an agreement because Adam was the hold out. Adam believed that Johnny was guilty and was determined to convince the other jurors to side with him. Leo called for another vote. The vote turned out to be split.

EJ wanted Kristen to make sure that Johnny was found innocent, or he would turn Rachel into the police. The siblings started arguing. Kristen wanted more to, but EJ said the jury was deliberating so she didn’t have any more time. Kristen couldn’t bribe the judge so she wondered what she was supposed to do. Did he expect her to frame an innocent person? EJ thought it was fine since an innocent person was being accused now. He demanded that she find someone to pin the crime on. EJ suggested that she frame Ava, but she didn’t think that would work. Marlena tried to keep Rachel in her bedroom. She tried to keep her distracted, but Rachel lied about her snake escaping its cage. Rachel slipped out the room and went downstairs. Marlena went after her while she went downstairs. Rachel wanted to know if her mother and uncle were keeping something from her. She wanted to know if EJ was upset with her for testifying at Johnny’s trial. EJ assured her that she didn’t do anything wrong. Marlena got a text from Belle. The jury reached a verdict.

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Days Update Wednesday, August 20, 2025

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Update written by Joseph

Gabi goes to see Steve at his Black Patch office and tells him that the freedom of information act he requested as her bosses at Titan-DiMera freaking out, to which Steve replies “good.”

Stephanie types on her laptop until Alex comes home.

Belle runs in to Philip in the town square. Philip says he’s heading to the office while Belle informs him that the case is with the jury now. Philip asks how soon she thinks before they have a verdict. Belle says it could be hours or it could be days. Philip is sure she did great. Belle hopes not too great since her job was to prove that Johnny shot his father, but she’s hoping she fell short and her nephew will be found not guilty.

Marlena brings Rachel to the DiMera Mansion where EJ is pouring a drink in the living room. Marlena asks EJ how it went in court as she heard Johnny fired him. EJ tells her the case is with the jury now. Rachel begins playing with a glass ornament from the table. Marlena tells her to put it down because it’s glass, triggering a flashback for EJ that reveals Rachel holding the gun on him as he questioned what she was doing. Marlena repeats for Rachel to put that down, triggering a further flashback for EJ as Rachel held the gun on him, demanding he tell her where her Grandma Rachel is. Rachel ends up dropping the glass ornament, shattering it, and the sound triggers EJ to remember that it was Rachel who shot him, leaving EJ shocked by the realization. Marlena tells Rachel not to worry as Rachel says she’s really sorry. Marlena tells Rachel to go upstairs and let Kristen know she’s home as she will be so excited to see her. Rachel tells EJ that she’s sorry as she then heads upstairs. Marlena then guesses that EJ remembers, which he confirms. EJ is in shock as he declares that it was his niece Rachel who shot him.

Stephanie tells Alex that she was just figuring out the logistics of a scene she was working on. Stephanie talks about writing a murder mystery being hard. Alex jokes that he personally preferred when she was working on a romance novel as he kisses her but acknowledges that this will test her range. Stephanie says the real test will be when Kate gets it, assuming she ever gets it done. Alex guesses this isn’t the best time to distract her then but Stephanie says she’s always up for a certain type of distraction as they kiss. Alex stops and says he first needs to ask her for a favor.

Gabi questions Steve as to how this good since if the request gets traced back to him and then her, she’s toast. Steve assures that won’t happen and says it’s already handled. Gabi remains nervous that anyone is asking questions. Steve reminds her that she hired him to look in to Titan-DiMera. Steve says he finished the documents and learned a lot. Gabi asks what dirty deeds Xander and Philip did. Steve reveals they did nothing and that everything he read was completely fine. Steve adds that he even had Austin double check it. Gabi guesses they have nothing on them then but Steve says he didn’t say that.

Philip tells Belle that he still can’t believe she had to prosecute her own nephew. Belle remarks that they both know who put her there. Philip admits he heard what EJ did to her. Belle states that EJ revealing their relationship to the entire court in an attempt to force a mistrial was the most embarrassing moment of her career. Philip says he’s really sorry that happened and that she and EJ broke up, but then admits that he’s not.

Kristen joins Rachel in her room and hugs her, asking how her morning with Marlena was. Rachel says it was amazing and she can’t wait to read her new book. Rachel thanks her for getting a snake. Kristen responds that she would do anything for her.

EJ guesses that Marlena knew. Marlena says no, but she suspected it. EJ asks why and when. Marlena says when EJ was under hypnosis, it was his tone when trying to talk down the shooter. EJ says it could’ve been anyone he cared about. Marlena points out that EJ was seated and looking the shooter in the eye, while if it would’ve been an adult, he would’ve been looking up. EJ can’t believe it was a child. Marlena talks about Rachel struggling so much ever since the shooting. Marlena says they knew she was in the house and in the room. Marlena declares that now her worst fears are confirmed.

Philip admits that EJ isn’t the only one who put Belle in a bad position. Belle assures that they are in a good place now as friends. Philip recalls giving her his support even though he knew EJ was bad for her in every way. Philip tells her that he’s there for her if she needs someone to lean on. Belle thanks him as Philip says it’s onward and upwards.

Gabi tells Steve that she’s confused. Steve says that these requests are common and questions why Xander and Philip would be freaking out about like she said. Gabi says they are hiding something and asks what is the next step. Steve says he’s gone through everything but there must be something else about the takeover that has him worried.

Alex tells Stephanie that he hates to ask her this but Xander asked him to figure out who is looking in to the takeover and he’s had zero luck figuring out who this Daniel Lucas guy is. Stephanie flashes back to confronting Steve over it. Alex informs Stephanie that Xander asked him to hire her to do PR as a precaution since someone is digging in to the merger, so Xander is worried that sooner or later, everyone is going to figure out that Philip is not an heir to Titan since Victor’s letter was a forgery. Stephanie points out that secret hasn’t come out yet. Alex calls that a miracle considering how many people know about it. Alex says best case scenario is that Philip’s secret stays buried, but if it doesn’t, Xander wanted Stephanie to have a response ready to go, to get in front of any news that might leak and mitigate any damage to the company. Alex knows it’s a huge ask but asks if she thinks she can help him.

Kristen tells Rachel that they could go have lunch and then get flowers in the garden. Rachel asks if she wanted her to go stay with Brady because she thinks EJ is mad at her. Kristen asks why EJ would be mad at her. Rachel responds that maybe he’s not mad yet, but he will be if Johnny goes to prison.

EJ complains that he knew Marlena didn’t want him to remember who the shooter was and that’s why she stopped their hypnosis sessions to protect Rachel. EJ argues that Rachel is turning out just like her mother as she lied this whole time and was perfectly willing to let Johnny take the fall for this heinous crime. Marlena argues that Rachel didn’t lie, she doesn’t remember it. EJ questions how she knows. Marlena explains her belief that Rachel had a form of amnesia, they were both traumatized, and that her subconscious mind is trying to protect her now. Marlena says they have to be so careful with how this comes out because finding out could damage Rachel far beyond repair.

Belle asks Philip how work is. Philip admits it could be better as he and Xander are still struggling to peacefully co-exist and there’s been concern because someone has been poking around for information on the merger with a fear that they are trying to overturn it. Belle suggests starting with the DiMeras and asks who else it would be. Gabi then approaches and greets them, asking the latest on Johnny’s trial. Belle says they are waiting on a verdict and then gets a call so she steps away to answer. Philip says he should get going but Gabi stops him and says she’d like a word about Titan-DiMera first. Belle answers her call from Steve, who asks if she has some time to talk in person. Belle says she’s free now.

Alex understands why Stephanie would be reluctant since she didn’t have a great time doing PR for Titan in the past which he blames himself for. Stephanie thinks it would be better if she recommends someone, arguing there are plenty of people that Xander could hire. Alex disagrees, pointing out that they need someone they can trust, Stephanie already knows about Philip’s secret, and she’s the best at what she does. Alex adds that if she can’t do it, he understands and will tell Xander they have to figure out something else. Stephanie tells Alex that she’ll do it for him, not for Xander.

Kristen tells Rachel that she’s okay with her staying with Brady just because things have been hectic lately, so they thought it would be good for her to stay with Marlena until things calm down. Rachel asks if that’s the only reason. Kristen says being with her makes Marlena less sad since John died. Rachel asks what if she comes back home and Johnny goes to prison. Kristen assures that Johnny is not going to prison and that EJ is not mad that she had to testify that she saw Johnny on that night as he understands she had to tell the truth. Kristen reminds her that they are going to have lunch and then walk in the garden. Kristen asks if she wants to go out or stay in for lunch. Rachel decides on staying in so Kristen says she’ll head to the kitchen and be back in a minute.

EJ angrily pours another drink as Marlena asks if he remembers everything that happened now. EJ confirms he does and says he knows that it was an accident and Rachel didn’t mean to pull the trigger which relieves Marlena. EJ states that Rachel just wanted him to tell her where her Grandmother was and he only has himself to blame. EJ worries about the damage he has caused as Kristen walks in and asks what’s going on. EJ informs Kristen that he has something to tell her that might be very difficult for her to hear. EJ reveals that he just remembered who shot him, so Kristen asks who. EJ responds that it was Rachel.

Alex thanks Stephanie and says he really appreciates it. Stephanie agrees to do her best to make sure Titan is prepared for anything. Alex thanks her again and says there is something else he wants to tell her. Alex says on the topic of digging up information, there’s something she should know that her dad found out about him. Stephanie asks what he found out.

Belle goes to see Steve in his office. Belle looks at his photo of he and John, noting that it’s the first time she’s been to Black Patch since John passed. Steve recalls the photo being right after the first case they solved. Steve tells her that John spent that money on a bracelet for Marlena as there was nothing more important to John than making his family happy. Steve tells Belle that he knows how hard this has been on them to lose him so suddenly. Steve asks Belle to let him know if there’s anything he can do to make it easier on her. Belle thanks him and suggests just saying a prayer that Johnny is found not guilty. Belle asks what he wanted to talk about. Steve responds that he needs some information and he’s hoping he has her complete confidence.

Philip tells Gabi that he’s not sure what they have to talk about since they don’t even work in the same division anymore. Gabi suggests changing that and invites Philip to talk about it over lunch at the Bistro. Philip brings up Gabi being banned from there after kissing Xander and it turning in to a whole scene. Gabi questions who told him that. Philip tells her that it’s Salem and people talk. Philip guesses that Gabi struck out with Xander, so now she’s trying to butter him up but he’s not falling for her act.

Kristen questions EJ saying that Rachel shot him. EJ says he’s afraid so. Kristen argues that she knew he could go low but questions blaming a child and his own niece. Marlena states that EJ is telling the truth. Kristen questions Marlena going along with it. EJ tells her it’s a fact that it wasn’t Johnny, it was Rachel.

Alex finishes telling Stephanie the story about him stealing a parrot and dropping his toga which Stephanie calls epic. Alex says despite the embarrassing details, it made for a nice bonding moment for he and Steve which was huge because they know Steve is not his biggest fan. Stephanie jokes that she’s going to work that story in to her next book. Alex says that’s what he was afraid of.

Belle tells Steve that she won’t say anything and asks what’s going on. Steve explains that he has a new client that is very interested in the Titan-DiMera takeover. Steve says as he’s gotten deeper in to the case, he’s been hearing rumblings about Philip engaging in some unethical behavior, so he thought since Belle represented him not long ago in the lawsuit against Xander, he wondered if she knew anything about Philip doing anything like that with the family business.

Gabi questions what Philip is talking about. Philip argues that Gabi is trying to make him an ally so that she can take Gabi Chic and run. Gabi complains that the thought never crossed her mind since they’ve made it clear they won’t let her go and she’s accepted that she is stuck. Gabi asks if they can’t just grab a bite and talk shop. Philip questions why now when they’ve been working together for months. Gabi decides since Philip is being so cynical, she’ll be on her way then. Philip stops her and brings up that someone is trying to blow up the Titan-DiMera merger. Philip guesses that it’s Gabi.

Marlena tells Kristen that she saw the look on EJ’s face and the horror in his eyes as EJ explains that the glass breaking triggered his memory of the gunshot. EJ goes over how Rachel was wearing pink pajamas and standing in the same spot on the night of his shooting. EJ recalls Kristen going to shower while Rachel said on the witness stand that she snuck back downstairs and went back up to pretend to be asleep. EJ questions what happened in between, pointing out that they never saw her while Johnny was there. EJ states that what actually happened after Rachel claimed to go back upstairs was that Johnny handed him the gun and ran out the doors while he put the gun down on the table before Rachel came in, picked up the gun and pointed it at him while asking where her Grandmother was, then the gun went off. EJ adds that he knows it was an accident but he remembers it clear as day. Marlena says this explains Rachel’s nightmares and upset stomach. Kristen can’t believe it and starts to cry while EJ declares that he can’t sacrifice his son for her daughter. Marlena calls it a very complicated situation that they need to find a solution for. Marlena decides she will go check on Rachel to give EJ and Kristen some time together. Kristen tells her that Cook was making them lunch so Marlena agrees to take it to Rachel and exits. Kristen begs EJ not to go to the police, crying that Rachel is so fragile and it would break her to find out what she did. EJ says he obviously doesn’t want to turn her in, but his son’s freedom is hanging in the balance, so he questions what other option he has but to tell the truth.

Stephanie puts a bed sheet on like a toga and asks if Alex is up for a toga party. Alex decides lunch can wait and follows her to the bedroom.

Gabi tells Philip that is an unfair accusation and that she would never mess with the merger. Philip says he’s going to run it by Xander. Gabi swears on her daughter’s life that she did not file the information request and she wouldn’t say that if she was lying. Philip responds that he almost thinks she’s for real. Gabi insists that she’s telling the truth and he has to believe her. Philip decides he does for now, so Gabi thanks him. Gabi asks what about a non-business lunch as just two old friends hanging out which Philip agrees to.

Belle tells Steve that she would love to help him but she can’t as she is bound by attorney-client privilege. Steve thanks her for coming by anyways and wishes her luck with the trial. Belle apologizes, knowing he’s disappointed but Steve tells her not to worry about it as Belle then exits. Steve then calls Paul and asks how he and Andrew are doing. Steve says he has a big favor to ask, reminding him of the Xander vs Philip court case where Philip ended up with half of Titan. Steve wonders if the ISA can get ahold of the original court records.

Marlena brings Rachel her lunch and they talk about her snake. Rachel mentions missing her mom and asks if Marlena would be sad if she didn’t live with her anymore. Marlena assures that she would miss her but she’d hope to see her a lot. Rachel says she would visit all the time. Rachel asks if Marlena thinks it’s true that Johnny won’t go to prison. Marlena responds that she doesn’t think Johnny will go to prison and she thinks that’s true now more than ever.

Kristen cries that she can’t lose her daughter and asks EJ what she is supposed to do. Kristen remarks on going on the run always working out. EJ tells her to get ahold of herself so she can think straight but warns that she can’t take too much time. Kristen complains that her daughter’s future is on the line while EJ argues that his son’s future is in the hands of a jury as they speak. EJ declares that he loves Rachel but he will not let his son go down for something she did, so unless Kristen can come up with a way for Johnny to walk out of court a free man, he will have no other choice but to reveal that Rachel is the one who shot him.

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Days Update Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Marlena brings Rachel to Foster’s Bookstore where Foster tries to help Rachel find a book she’s interested in. Rachel says she’s not interested in dinosaurs or chickens, just snakes. Marlena then spots Julie inside and greets her. Julie says she’s been thinking about her so much and assures she’s there if she ever needs her. Julie shows Marlena that she’s reading a book called “How to Deal with the Inevitable” which she says is about how to deal with intolerable situations that you have no control over. Marlena asks which intolerable situation she’s trying to control. Julie responds that it’s Chad’s involvement with Cat Green.

Cat makes Chad breakfast and tea, saying it’s the least she could do. Chad says he liked taking care of her and Felicity. They talk about how they are both feeling better and decide to check their temperatures.

Court resumes as the judge announces that Johnny has dismissed his attorney and chosen to represent himself. Belle calls Chanel back to the stand for cross examination. The judge reminds Chanel that she is still under oath. Belle asks if Chanel can tell them why she threatened EJ on the night he was shot. Chanel responds that she didn’t. Belle asks how she explains the video then. Chanel doesn’t know how to explain it, but insists that she did not say those words to EJ that the video showed. Chanel declares that she never threatened EJ DiMera. Belle asks if she’s insinuating that the video was somehow doctored. Chanel responds that is exactly what happened.

Julie knows Marlena is rather fond of Cat Green and assumes that’s because she was not directly affected by her abominable behavior. Marlena is sure that’s part of it but she also finds her contrition to be genuine. Julie calls it too little, too late after all the hurtful things she did. Julie says she could never trust Cat and she hates that she’s digging her claws in to Abigail’s widower.

Chad and Cat both show a temperature of 98.6 and are back to normal. Chad jokes that he can finally leave the apartment, re-engage with society, and go home.

Marlena knows Julie isn’t happy about Cat and Chad spending time together. Julie is especially disappointed in Chad for allowing Cat to worm her way so deeply in his life. Julie decides that is all she has to say because she knows Marlena likes her. Marlena responds that she does like Cat but she also has enormous respect for Julie’s feelings. Marlena knows it’s hard to forgive someone who has hurt you or someone you love.

Belle recalls Johnny to the stand. The judge reminds him that he is still under oath as well. Belle brings up Johnny recently going to work for Titan-DiMera and asks what kind of work he was in prior to that. Johnny responds that he was a director in film and TV. Belle asks if he would be considered an expert. Johnny says he supposes so. Belle brings up what Chanel said about the video and asks if Johnny agrees with the assertion that the video was doctored. Johnny responds that the video is a deep fake and he can prove it.

Marlena tells Julie that she has two very smart and fierce daughters who have both fallen for men she detests, but there’s nothing she can do to change that, so she sympathizes with her. Julie is sure Marlena handled it better than she has. Julie talks about being loudly critical of Chad, especially of the fact that he hasn’t just shown Cat the door. Julie tells Marlena that Chad told her to knock it off, so she said she would but it’s so hard for her to keep her feelings to herself. Marlena says she understands. Julie knows Chad is a grown man with every right to get on with his life and find love again, she just wishes that Chad wouldn’t find it with her. Marlena brings up that Chad and Cat insist they are just friends. Julie reminds Marlena how easy it is for just friends to turn in to lovers.

Chad tells Cat that he didn’t mean that he can’t wait to go home like it was some awful ordeal being here. Cat understands he didn’t plan on getting stuck taking care of her and Felicity, away from his kids. Chad is sure that his kids are having an awesome time with Julie and points out that Cat took care of him too. Cat says she got him sick while Chad says the company was good and he likes spending time with her. Cat agrees that it was really nice for her too.

Belle tells Johnny that claiming the video is a deep fake is quite the allegation, especially since the police authenticated it. Johnny remarks that it wouldn’t be the first time that someone pulled one over on the police, pointing out that Stefano made a sport out of outsmarting the cops and taught his children how to do the same. The judge instructs Johnny to just answer Belle’s questions. Belle asks why the jury should believe Johnny’s allegations of the video being doctored and why they wouldn’t believe he’s not just trying to protect his wife. Johnny argues that he wouldn’t have to protect Chanel if someone wasn’t trying to frame her. Belle calls for the video to be played and tells Johnny to feel free to comment as he sees fit. Johnny points out when the footage starts to pixelate and then there is some blurring along with a shadow in the wrong direction. Johnny reveals that he sent the video on to one of the leading authorities on AI, who agreed to execute a sworn statement that the video has all the hallmarks of AI. Johnny states that someone went to great lengths and expense to make it look like Chanel wanted EJ dead on the night he was shot, but that was not the case. Belle decides there are no further questions so Johnny is allowed to step down. The judge calls for a short recess before returning for closing arguments.

Julie tells Marlena that she can’t imagine how worried Marlena must be for Johnny at his trial as it’s been one bombshell after another. Marlena calls it harrowing. Julie suggests not talking about court drama or duplicitous young women anymore, but something fun, warm and cozy like the bookstore. Marlena brings up Foster putting it up for sale. Julie admits she considered making a bid it on herself. Marlena questions that being past tense. Julie says she realized that she doesn’t want the responsibility or to reinvent herself at this stage of her life, worrying that she could buy it and run the whole business in to the ground. Marlena calls her one of the most successful entrepreneurs the town has ever known, so she can’t believe Julie would turn away from a challenge.

Cat and Chad have orange juice to give their immune systems one last jolt. They mention their appetites coming back. Chad brings up that he still owes her a dinner. Cat says he doesn’t owe her anything at all but admits last night’s dinner was so nice and it was really nice having his company. Cat adds that Felicity is crazy about him. Chad knows it hasn’t been easy on them being separated from family. Cat reveals that she just found out her mom is being transferred to a facility near Salem and that Aaron is moving back to attend Salem U in the fall which Chad calls amazing.

The bailiff checks on Leo outside of the courtroom. Leo says he’s fine. The bailiff remarks that it’s no surprise his head almost exploded with Adam as his roommate. Leo agrees and complains about him. Leo asks if there’s any way to switch roommates but is told that he can’t, so he asks for earplugs and the room to be stocked with aspirin.

Foster brings Rachel a book that is the first in a new series, calling it even more inspiring than Harry Potter. He tells her that it’s about a girl who finds the key to defeat the Destructor. Rachel asks for how it ends, so he tells her that it turns out the key is stuck in her mind.

Chanel hugs Johnny and says she’s so proud of him as he did an amazing job proving the video was fake. Johnny thanks her but says that was the easy part as he was in his element, talking about film making, but now he has to deliver his closing argument. Chanel encourages that he’s going to nail it. Belle tells EJ that she would say he should be ashamed of himself for what he did to Chanel, but they both know he has no shame.

Cat tells Chad that Julie will be happy that he’s home and away from her. Chad jokes that he will get an earful that he will respectfully ignore. Cat asks if he’s not concerned about what Julie might say to Jennifer. Chad responds that Abigail’s family will just have to get used to what’s happening here. Cat asks what is happening here. Chad guesses he never thought they would get to this point, but he really cares about her. Chad calls her a good friend.

Julie tells Marlena that she’s so kind, encouraging, and supportive of her. Julie says she’s supposed to be supporting Marlena since her loss is so fresh while she’s going on about herself and things that are not important. Marlena says her feelings for Chad are very important. Marlena says Julie has always been a loving, deeply giving, and profound friend to her. Marlena brings up the saying that time heals all wounds but says they both know there is no way to ever heal wounds that are this profound. Julie states that it’s been almost a year since losing Doug but every day she misses him more, not less. Julie cries about being lucky to be with Doug for nearly 50 years. They relate over living through the nightmare of losing Doug and John. Julie is thankful they are still living and here for each other.

Belle begins her closing statement, going over how Johnny found out about EJ raping Sami and then going to confront EJ with Roman’s gun, EJ then being shot and Johnny’s response when he found out being disappointment that EJ survived. Belle tells the jury that those are the facts and now they have to decide if they warrant a conviction for Johnny.

Marlena thanks Foster for helping Rachel find a book. Marlena says she will pay for it but Foster says it’s on the house and tells Rachel to let him know how she likes it. Rachel thanks him. Marlena says they have to get Rachel back to Kristen and tells Julie that she will see her again soon. They embrace and say they are grateful for one another. Marlena then exits with Rachel. Julie turns to Foster and jokes that he’s going out of business because he’s giving books away for free.

The judge calls on Johnny for closing arguments. Johnny stands and tells the jury that he’s not a lawyer, but he knows the district attorney had to prove that he shot his father and there’s no way she could have, because he didn’t. Johnny admits he went to EJ’s home that night and pointed a gun at him, but he didn’t pull the trigger because he couldn’t. Johnny recalls EJ reaching out his hands and asking him to give him the gun, so he did and then he left. Johnny brings up EJ talking about all the possible suspects who could have shot him and says that’s because he’s a hard man to love and an easy one to hate. Johnny remarks that just about everyone in Salem had a reason to want EJ dead that night and he is profoundly sorry that someone else used the gun that he left behind to shoot his father. Johnny declares that all he can do now is tell the jury that it was not him and he hopes that’s enough for them to find him not guilty. The judge announces the case will now go to the jury.

Julie tells Foster that giving the book to Rachel was a very lovely gesture. Julie asks Foster if he’s had any more bids from prospective buyers. Foster says he’s afraid not and he knows he could eventually sell to a bank or a burger joint, but he’s determined to find a buyer who is interested in keeping the store going as it is, but independent book stores are a dying breed. Julie tells Foster that in Salem, dying breeds have a miraculous way of resurrecting themselves and she knows the perfect person to buy the store; herself.

EJ tells Johnny that he hopes he realizes he proved absolutely nothing to the jury and should’ve let him finish what he started. Johnny asks if he means manipulating them in to believing that Chanel is the one who shot him. Chanel and Johnny then exit the court room together. Belle comments to EJ that it looks like Johnny and Chanel find him as despicable as she does. EJ warns Belle not to be so smug since her own mother thinks she could be the one who shot him. EJ asks if Marlena is right that Belle tried to kill him that night.

Chad goes to say goodbye to Felicity while Cat gets a call from Marlena, who is sitting in the town square with Rachel. Marlena asks how she is feeling. Cat says she’s much better and is pretty sure she’ll be coming in to the office in the morning. Marlena says she’s sorry to do this to her but she’s going to take more time off. Cat says that’s okay and she can reschedule her appointments with the other psychiatrist at the hospital. Marlena clarifies that she is taking an extended leave of absence, so Cat will need to look for other work which shocks her.

Leo presents the bailiff with the jury’s lunch order.

Belle asks EJ why she would shoot him. EJ clarifies that he only infers that’s what Marlena thinks as she didn’t actually accuse her. Belle calls that ridiculous and argues that unlike EJ, she has never in her life even considered resorting to violence. Belle adds that she had no reason to want him dead, at least back then.

Julie asks Foster what he thinks. Foster exclaims that he’s ecstatic and he couldn’t be happier than to have the bookstore in Julie’s capable hands. Julie decides she’s ecstatic too and swears to do everything in her power to keep the bookstore the wonderful place that it is. Foster says he has no doubt.

Cat informs Chad that she just lost her job, adding that Marlena said she would put feelers out for any other openings at the hospital but it will be tough since EJ slashed the staffing budget. Chad wishes he could find her something at the Spectator. Cat doesn’t think Jack and Jennifer would sign off on that. They agree that something will turn up. Chad decides he should get home to his kids. Cat offers to send home some of the chicken tortilla soup with him but Chad says he’s good and Julie probably won’t have room in the fridge. Chad then exits.

Marlena brings Rachel to the DiMera Mansion where EJ is pouring a drink in the living room. Marlena asks EJ how it went in court as she heard Johnny fired him. EJ tells her the case is with the jury now. Rachel begins playing with a glass ornament from the table. Marlena tells her to put it down because it’s glass, triggering a flashback for EJ that reveals Rachel holding the gun on him as he questioned what she was doing.

Johnny and Chanel sit together in the town square. Chanel asks how he’s feeling. Johnny responds that he’s mostly relieved but also scared and nervous. Belle approaches and says it’s in the jury’s hands now. Chanel asks how she thinks it will go. Belle hopes Johnny is exonerated and they find out who really shot EJ. Belle adds that EJ just said the craziest thing to her before she left the court room as he said that he thought Marlena suspected her. Johnny questions why Marlena would think Belle shot EJ when they were in love when that happened. Belle says they were involved which is why it doesn’t make any sense, except now she knows for sure that whoever did shoot EJ is someone that EJ and Marlena would want to protect.

Marlena repeats for Rachel to put that down, triggering a further flashback for EJ as Rachel held the gun on him, demanding he tell her where her Grandma Rachel is. Rachel ends up dropping the glass ornament, shattering it, and the sound triggers EJ to remember that it was Rachel who shot him, leaving EJ shocked by the realization.

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Days Update Monday, August 18, 2025

Days of Our Lives Update

 

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Update written by Joseph

Gabi goes to see Xander at the Titan-DiMera office and asks if has a minute to chat about them as she claims she can’t stop thinking about their kiss.

Steve and Kayla sit together at the Brady Pub. Kayla is on her tablet as Steve remarks that she forgot he was even here. Kayla argues that he was ignoring her too. Steve asks what she has going on. Kayla tells him it’s EJ’s budget and complains that he’s slashing every department. Steve says at least EJ did one good thing in hiring Stephanie. Kayla says that remains to be seen if that’s a good thing or not. Steve is glad that Kayla and Stephanie are looking out for each other because when it comes to EJ, there’s safety in numbers. Kayla thinks Stephanie is happiest when she’s working hard. Kayla adds that she feels Stephanie is in a good place, professionally and personally. Steve says maybe, so Kayla guesses he’s still not convinced that Alex is the one. Steve responds that he’s been meaning to talk to her about this but she’s been so busy. Steve informs her that he talked to Alex about his police record and she’s not going to believe it.

Alex surprises Stephanie with a cupcake and a candle, telling her to make a wish. Stephanie responds that it’s not her birthday but Alex tells her to make a wish anyway so she does. Alex then wishes her a happy book birthday as he presents her with a copy of her novel One Stormy Night.

Belle is at home, looking at the photos of John on the mantle when Marlena comes in and asks what’s wrong. Belle tells her that John would be so upset with what she’s done and now his namesake might go to prison because of it. Marlena hugs Belle.

Johnny sits at home, analyzing the video of Chanel confronting EJ. Chanel comes home and greets him. Johnny talks about needing to prove the video is a deep fake as he knows she never made any of those threats against EJ. Chanel appreciates him trying to prove that but says he needs to stop right now.

EJ is at home on the phone with the court, arguing that Johnny will not drop him as his attorney and he will have a talk with him, but he is informed that the judge already accepted it. EJ hangs up in frustration as Tony walks in and asks what has him so agitated. EJ declares that he’s made an incredible mess of things and his life is in ruins.

Xander tells Gabi they already discussed that their kiss was a one time only, wine induced occurrence. Gabi explains that she meant that she feels terrible about it and it never should’ve happened. Xander says they both made mistakes that night, so the best thing is to just move on like it never happened. Gabi agrees and says from now on, it’s all business. Xander says hopefully not all business and admits he now considers her a friend, so he hoped he could get her advice on a personal matter.

Steve tells Kayla about Alex’s toga falling off causing his indecent exposure charge along with theft of a fraternity mascot, but that was the extent of his police record. Kayla jokes about that making him a hardened criminal. Kayla admits that she’s relieved that’s all it was. Steve admits his record was way worse. Kayla says she still fell in love with him which Steve says he remains thankful for. Kayla says she has to get back to the hospital before EJ auctions everything off. Steve stops her and asks if he can run one thing by her. Kayla asks what he needs. Steve tells her that a case he’s working on is going nowhere fast but maybe she can help.

Stephanie can’t believe her book is real. Alex says it will soon be every bag and “Anastasia Sands” is about to be the hottest novelist in the country. Alex asks if Stephanie is happy. Stephanie calls it beautiful and says as anxious as she was to have it published, she’s so happy it’s here. Alex says she deserves to be celebrated and calls her amazing. Stephanie acknowledges that none of this would’ve happened without Alex as she kisses him.

Marlena tells Belle that John would be proud of her no matter what and he’d also say she’s being too hard on herself. Belle argues that Marlena knew how things would end up with her and EJ but she refused to see it as she thought she’d be different than all the other people he hurt. Belle worries that she went too far in prosecuting Johnny. Marlena encourages that she’s just doing her job. Belle then gets a call and thanks them for letting her know. Marlena asks if everything is alright. Belle reveals that Johnny just fired EJ as his attorney.

EJ informs Tony that Johnny fired him and intends to represent himself. Tony calls that a terrible idea. EJ says he’s adamant and won’t listen to reason. Tony agrees then that EJ has made a mess of things. EJ says he’s just been desperate to save Johnny that he even sacrificed his relationship with Belle to do it. Tony mentions hearing Belle isn’t the only one he threw under the bus. EJ guesses he heard about the video of Chanel threatening his life. Tony says that’s allegedly and brings up Chanel believing the video is fake which EJ acknowledges that Chanel does believe. Tony remembers the video camera being planted and that a memory card mysteriously disappeared before ending up in Belle’s hands. Tony recalls walking in on EJ and Rita having a hush hush conversation about some package that she delivered. Tony then guesses that EJ had the video doctored.

Johnny doesn’t understand why Chanel wouldn’t want him to do everything he can to clear her name when he knows she didn’t make those threats against EJ and she didn’t shoot him. Chanel responds that she doesn’t care about clearing her own name, only his.

Gabi questions Xander wanting parenting advice from her. Xander brings up Gabi’s relationship with Arianna and explains his agreement with Sarah on a nanny for Victoria but admits he’s not exactly comfortable with it and asks what else he can do. Xander mentions installing the nanny cam so he can monitor from his phone and says he’s done a background check on the nanny and her record is impeccable. Gabi remarks that the only red flag she sees in the scenario is him.

Kayla tells Steve that she’d love to help but she’s no expert in detective work. Steve brings up how many times Kayla has helped with cases over the years. Steve asks her to keep it just between them so Kayla asks what it’s all about. Steve reveals he’s investigating some potentially shady dealings at Titan-DiMera. Kayla feels the case is solved with two words: Xander Kiriakis. Steve says it’s not that simple this time and that’s where Kayla comes in. Steve brings up how Stephanie tells Kayla everything and her history with Philip and now Alex. Kayla questions if he’s asking her to betray their daughter’s trust. Steve says not at all and he’s just asking if she’s mentioned in passing anything about their business dealings. Kayla admits there might have been something as she flashes back to a conversation where Stephanie told Kayla that Philip was less than truthful but it was best if she didn’t know the details and it was a side of Philip that made her sick. Steve says it sounds then like Philip is the one who did something wrong. Kayla wonders if it could be relevant to his case. Steve says it might not be, but whatever it is, Stephanie seems caught right in the middle.

Stephanie and Alex kiss as Alex tells her that nothing makes him happier than seeing her happy. Alex says he can’t wait to celebrate with her later tonight. Stephanie asks why wait as she kisses him. Alex assures that he doesn’t want to but he has to get back to the office since Xander has been texting him all morning about the special project he assigned him to which Stephanie asks about. Alex explains that someone made a freedom of information inquiry about the Titan-DiMera merger and it’s got Xander jumpy since the person behind it used an alias. Alex adds that he went to Steve to try and track the person down but Steve says it would be impossible to figure out who is behind the alias. Stephanie asks what the name was. Alex says it was “Daniel Lucas” and asks if it sounds familiar. Stephanie says she was just expecting something more exotic. Alex tells her to keep her evening open because they have some celebrating to do as he then exits. Stephanie then grabs her phone and calls Steve, telling him that she needs him to come over right now.

Marlena asks Belle if Johnny can start over with a new attorney this late in the game. Belle responds that Johnny actually plans to represent himself instead, probably because he wants to tell his story his way. Marlena guesses EJ went too far this time. Belle states that EJ crossed a line as a father and as a lawyer. Belle adds that if Johnny succeeds, he might just win the case.

Johnny shouts that he’s not going to let Chanel take the heat for something she didn’t do. Chanel argues that he didn’t do it either and even if he could prove it, EJ would never allow him to use that the video was fake. Johnny responds that it won’t be a problem because EJ’s not his lawyer anymore, revealing that he fired him last night.

Tony tells EJ not to deny it, pointing out that EJ just said he would do anything to prove Johnny’s innocence. Tony asks if it didn’t occur to him that Chanel would realize the video was fake. EJ argues that Chanel did admit to confronting him that night while Tony argues that she didn’t threaten to kill him and that even Johnny wouldn’t believe his own wife was the shooter. EJ remarks that it only matters what the jury believes. Tony says not if he wants to keep his son in his life.

Xander asks Gabi how he is the red flag. Gabi points out that as CEO, he’s used to having things his way. Xander asks if she’s calling him a control freak. Gabi says she understands having a little girl but he can’t manage her like he does the company. Xander talks about working his whole life to get to this point and now, outside of Victoria, the company means everything to him. Gabi responds that she cares about it too and she has some ideas that can make it better if he’ll hear her out. Gabi reminds him that she was CEO of DiMera Enterprises before. Alex arrives but apologizes as he didn’t realize Xander was in a meeting. Xander tells him it’s fine and tells Gabi they will finish this later, so Gabi exits. Alex apologizes again for barging in. Xander asks what he’s got for him. Alex informs him that whoever is digging for dirt is using an alias so there’s no way for them to find out who it is. Xander takes that as Alex failed.

Steve goes to see Stephanie and asks what’s going on. Stephanie asks Steve to tell her the truth about why he is investigating her boyfriend’s company.

Belle informs Marlena that Chanel is claiming she didn’t say the things in the video EJ showed and that it’s some kind of deep fake. Belle adds that Johnny thinks EJ is behind it. Marlena admits it sounds like something EJ would do. Belle calls it one more wake up call for her. Belle declares that she’s finally thinking clearly and she will never again get involved with someone she doesn’t respect and who doesn’t respect her. Marlena responds that she’s so proud of her and that John would be too as they hug.

Tony tells EJ that it’s never a good thing to have someone choose between you and the love of their life. EJ states that Chanel basically said the same thing. EJ asks Tony how he can get his son to trust him again. Tony suggests admitting what he did was wrong and beg for forgiveness.

Chanel questions Johnny firing EJ as his attorney. Johnny argues that he left him no choice as he did the one thing that he implored him not to do. Chanel argues that the trial is almost over and questions who Johnny is going to hire that will give a better closing statement than EJ. Johnny agrees that there’s probably not a lawyer out there who could do a better job, so he’s going to do it himself.

Marlena goes to the hospital and informs Kayla that she’s taking a leave of absence. Kayla asks if it’s because of EJ buying the hospital. Marlena says no and that she was thinking about it before she lost John. Marlena adds that she will see a few private patients, but she can’t really heal anybody until she heals herself.

Alex tells Xander that this is outside of his area of expertise and adds that he consulted with a private detective but even he couldn’t find anything. Xander calls that unacceptable. Alex asks if there’s something in the findings they need to worry about. Xander says not at all as the takeover was all above board but their leadership is compromised because of Philip’s fraud. Alex asks if they think the DiMeras are the ones doing the digging. Xander says that or someone working for them.

Steve asks Stephanie if this is about him looking in to Alex’s police record. Stephanie is shocked and questions Alex having a police record, asking why he’s investigating her boyfriend. Steve explains that he wanted to make sure anyone dating his daughter is worthy of her love. Stephanie argues that she’s a grown woman. Steve apologizes and says it’s all water under the bridge as he didn’t find anything to worry about but a funny story that Alex will be happy to tell her. Stephanie can’t believe he tried to dig up her boyfriend’s past and she’s pretty sure he’s trying to dig up his company too.

Chanel questions Johnny representing himself, calling it crazy because he’s not a lawyer and argues that he needs to hire somebody. Johnny argues that it would take them too long to get up to speed. Johnny says he understands the mission is to prove the video is fake and make a compelling closing argument, so he’s the best person to do those things. Johnny promises that he’s got this. Chanel prays that he’s right. Johnny hugs her and tells her to trust him that everything is going to be alright. Chanel goes to shower and get dressed. Johnny sits back down and goes back to reviewing the video.

Kayla tells Marlena that selfishly, she will miss seeing her walk down the hall but she’s happy that she’s going to take the time to heal. Marlena talks about being one thing after another since John’s passing with Johnny’s trial, Belle’s relationship with EJ, and then Susan declaring Stefano was still alive. Kayla asks if Marlena thinks Susan’s premonition about Stefano has caused her recent dreams. Marlena says it’s possible and calls it all so unsettling. Kayla has an idea that might help.

Gabi goes to the DiMera Mansion to meet with Tony. Tony wants to hear about her progress at Titan-DiMera before he signs a contract. Tony reminds Gabi that she will become CEO if she brings him the necessary information to undermine the takeover. Gabi says she’s getting close. Tony says she keeps saying that, but he wants to know how close. Gabi thinks back to kissing Xander at the Bistro and tells Tony that she’s very close. Gabi adds that having their agreement in writing will give her the added incentive to get to the finish line.

Xander asks Alex if he knows how lucky they have been to keep Philip’s fraud a secret this long. Xander says the last thing they need is someone digging around in their business, especially if they are skilled enough to spill the truth. Alex says they need to make sure that doesn’t happen. Xander declares that they can’t risk it happening so it’s time to bring in reinforcements.

Stephanie informs Steve that Alex tried to hire him to find out who was using an alias which Steve confirms. Stephanie adds that Alex also told her Steve said he couldn’t help. Stephanie argues that what Steve didn’t tell Alex was that the alias was his. Stephanie reveals that Kayla used to share stories of Steve going undercover with Marcus Hunter years ago, using the name Daniel Lucas. Steve didn’t realize Kayla ever mentioned that name to her. Stephanie asks if Steve is going to tell her why he’s looking in to the Titan-DiMera merger. Steve says he can’t do that because his cases and clients are confidential but he doesn’t think anything he’s looking in to will blow back on Alex. Steve says it might protect Alex and Stephanie. Stephanie argues that if it’s going to affect Alex or his family, she has to warn him but Steve says she cannot do that.

EJ and Belle return to court. Belle informs him that she was just notified that Johnny fired him as his attorney and will be representing himself. EJ confirms he did and that he still needs to talk to him and apologize. Belle says it sounds like Johnny’s made his choice and she believes it’s a good one and that he will win the case. EJ responds that he should since he’s innocent. Belle calls it sad because she believed he would always win and if EJ showed restraint, been honest, and let the facts speak for themselves, maybe he wouldn’t have driven his son away again and driven her away. Belle says the universe has a funny way of sending messages as it’s been screaming for her to stay away from EJ. Belle asks how many people in EJ’s life have given him chance after chance and he’s just let them down every single time. Belle tells EJ to get used to being all by himself. Chanel and Johnny then enter the court room.

Kayla brings up Marlena seeing Dr. Fuller about her dreams and informs her that she put together a list of grief groups that she thought might be helpful. Kayla can’t presume what she needs but she thinks the most important thing is to not feel alone. Marlena asks how she could ever feel alone when there’s so many people around her who love her as they hug.

Xander tells Alex that whoever is digging for information isn’t going to just stop, so they need to get ahead of the story which is why he wants to hire Stephanie. Alex isn’t sure since she just signed on to work for EJ at the hospital. Xander tells Alex that it’s his job to convince Stephanie that it will be a very appealing and exciting opportunity. Alex argues that Stephanie doesn’t let people tell her what to do. Xander warns Alex that he doesn’t want to see what happens if he doesn’t.

Stephanie tells Steve that she doesn’t like keeping secrets from Alex. Steve doesn’t like putting her in the middle but secrets are his business and he has to keep this quiet. Steve questions why Stephanie thinks whatever it is could hurt Alex’s family and asks if there’s something she knows about Titan that she’s not telling him. Stephanie says just like Steve can’t talk about his cases, she can’t tell anything that Alex told her about Titan because she gave him his word. Steve remarks that tells him everything he needs to know.

Tony asks Gabi about the contract. Gabi talks about making some small provisions as she wants use of the DiMera jet, life insurance and to make sure Arianna is well taken care of if something happens to her. Tony agrees as long as she brings him the information he needs to bring Titan to it’s knees, then the DiMera CEO job belongs to her.

Johnny asks for a word with EJ so Belle and Chanel exit the court room. Johnny reminds EJ that he had him removed from the case and so he doesn’t want him in the court room. EJ argues that he has every right to be there as the victim. Johnny says he understands that but he’s asking him to abide by his wishes, which he said he would do with Chanel on the stand before completely undermining her. EJ responds that he was just trying to do what’s best for him in the trial. Johnny questions EJ thinking that destroying his wife in open court was best for him. EJ says if it means protecting him. Johnny tells EJ that it’s not what this is about. Johnny believes EJ was trying to divide them and make him choose. Johnny declares that he chooses Chanel. EJ tries to apologize but Johnny says it’s too late.

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Days Short Recap Wednesday, August 20, 2025

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Gabi went to Steve’s office because her bosses at Titan-DiMera were upset over the Freedom of Information Act he filed. Steve thought it was a good thing because the paperwork checked out.  He said they must have something to hide if they were upset. At the town square, Belle and Philip talked about Johnny’s case. She said she hoped she didn’t do a good enough job and he would be found not guilty. Philip said he heard about what EJ did in court and pretended to be upset about the breakup. Belle knew he wasn’t upset. Philip said he would be there if she needed him. Gabi showed up. Belle left to see Steve. Gabi invited Philip to lunch so they could talk about work. Philip asked if she was the one trying to blow up the Titan-DiMera merger. Gabi said she didn’t have anything to do with it. Philip said he believed her for now and agreed to lunch but they couldn’t talk about business. Belle went to Steve’s office. He asked her if she knew anything about Philip doing something suspicious with the business. She said she couldn’t help him because of attorney/client privilege. After Belle left, Steve called Paul to see if the ISA could get the original court records where Philip got half of Titan.

EJ flashed back to Rachel shooting him. He was shocked. Marlena got Rachel out of the room when she realized EJ remembered what happened. She said she didn’t know that Rachel was the shooter, but she suspected she was. EJ was furious that Rachel let Johnny take the fall for what she did. Marlena said Rachel had dissociative amnesia and didn’t remember shooting him. She said they had to be careful about how it came out or it would cause more damage. EJ said he knew Rachel didn’t mean to shoot him. He said she wanted to know where her grandmother was. EJ blamed himself for what happened. Kristen came in and wondered what was going on. EJ told her Rachel was the one who shot him. Kristen refused to believe it. EJ told her what happened the night he was shot. Marlena said it explained the nightmares and stomachaches. EJ said he wasn’t going to sacrifice his son for her daughter. When Kristen and EJ were alone, she begged him not to tell the police the truth. EJ said he didn’t want to turn Rachel in but his son’s life was on the line. He said he loved Rachel, but he wouldn’t let his son go down for something Rachel did. He said she had to come up with something or he would have no choice but to tell the truth.

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Days Short Recap Tuesday, August 19, 2025

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Marlena ran into Julie while she was reading a book. Julie was reading about dealing with situations that you can’t control. From there, Julie ranted about Chad’s relationship with Cat after what she did. Marlena reminded her that Chad and Cat were just friends. Julie reminded her that Liz sang a song about friends turning into lovers. She wanted to change the subject and talk about something more fun like the bookstore. Marlena heard that it was for sale. Julie considered buying the store, and Marlena suggested that she do it. They moved on to talking about their grief and how hard it was to move on from it. Marlena thanked Foster (from the bookstore) for giving Rachel a book on the house. Julie scolded him for giving away books. She told him that’s why he was going out of business. Julie wondered if anyone was interested in buying the store. He felt like independent books were a dying breed. Julie believed that they could be resurrected and wanted to buy the store. At the courthouse, Johnny fired EJ and wanted to represent himself. Belle called Chanel back to the stand. She wanted to know why she went to the DiMera mansion to threaten EJ while they watched the video. Chanel insisted that she didn’t threaten him and insisted the video was doctored. After she questioned Chanel, Belle called Johnny to the stand. She asked him about his opinion of the footage. He talked about the errors in the video. Johnny believed it was a deep fake and had an AI expert who was willing to agree to it. Belle reminded him that the police authenticated the video. Johnny told her that Stefano discredited the police numerous times and taught his children how to do the same thing. He stared at his father at the back of the courtroom. Johnny rested his case, and the judge called for a recess.

let Johnny know that she was proud of him. Johnny was concerned about delivering a closing argument. Chanel believed that he would do a great job. Belle told EJ that he should be ashamed of himself for what he did to Chanel. They knew he didn’t have any shame. Court was back in session, and Belle started her closing argument. She told the jury about Johnny’s mindset and motive the night EJ was shot. Belle talked about Johnny’s disappointment when he found out EJ survived. Johnny gave his closing argument. He admitted that he went to his father’s place to kill him, but he couldn’t do it. Johnny said that almost everyone in Salem wanted to shoot his father. He was sorry that someone used the gun he brought to shoot him, but he didn’t do it. Johnny wanted the jury to find him not guilty. The judge sent the jury to deliberate the case. EJ let Johnny know that he didn’t prove anything to the jury, and he should have let him finish the trial. Johnny wanted him to screw himself for what he did to Chanel. He walked away from him. Belle told EJ that Johnny and Chanel thought he was as despicable as she did. EJ didn’t want her to be smug about it. He told her that her own mother thought she might have shot him. Belle thought his accusations were ridiculous. At the time, she didn’t have a reason to want him dead. Marlena brought Rachel to the DiMera mansion. EJ made a drink, and Rachel berated him for drinking early. He told her that he was becoming more like her mother all the time. Marlena talked to EJ while Rachel played with a decorative glass ball from the mantle. Marlena told her to put it down because it was glass. EJ flashed back to Rachel pointing the gun at him the night he was shot. He fell into the chair in shock. Belle ran into Johnny and Chanel at the square. She hoped Johnny was exonerated, and they found out who shot EJ. Belle told them that EJ made a crazy comment about her mother thinking that she shot him. She didn’t think it made any sense. Belle realized that whoever shot EJ was someone he and Marlena would protect. EJ remembered telling Rachel to put the gun down and give it to him. She said she wouldn’t do it until he told her where her grandmother was. He told her that he didn’t know where she was, but Rachel didn’t believe him. Rachel dropped the glass she was playing with, and it shattered. EJ recalled that she shot him and dropped his glass. In the flashback, Rachel seemed shocked by what she did. Marlena looked at EJ and he reacted because Rachel remembered what happened too.

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Days Short Recap Monday, August 18, 2025

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Recap written by Michele and Cheryl

Steve told Kayla about Alex’s police record. He asked for her help with his case. Steve asked if Stephanie said anything to her about Philip or Alex’s business dealings. Kayla said the only thing she knew was Stephanie broke up with Philip because she saw a bad side to him. She said that Stephanie saw a side that reminded her of Victor. Stephanie called Steve to come over to her place so she could confront him about investigating Alex. Steve couldn’t answer her but he couldn’t let her warn Alex about a potential threat. While they were talking, Steve realized Stephanie knew more than she was letting on. Gabi and Xander agreed to keep things professional and forget about their kiss. Xander asked her how to know the red flags when picking out a nanny. Gabi told him he was the red flag because he was a control freak. She said he couldn’t raise his daughter the way he ran his company. While she was talking, she said she had an idea of how to make the company better. Before she could answer, Alex showed up. When Gabi left, Alex told Xander that the person looking into them was using an alias so there was no way to find out who it was. Xander said his failure was unacceptable. He said the merger was above board but things were compromised because of Philip’s fraud. Xander said he wanted to hire Stephanie to help them get ahead of the story. Alex didn’t think she would do it. Xander ordered him to make it happen. He said Alex wouldn’t want to see what would happen if he messed up again.

Belle told Marlena how disappointed her father would be that she fell for EJ. She got a call that Johnny fired EJ as his lawyer and told Marlena that Johnny thought EJ was the one who did the deepfake of Chanel on the video. Belle said that was one more reason why she shouldn’t be with EJ. She vowed to never get involved with anyone who doesn’t respect her or she doesn’t respect. Marlena said she was proud of her and that John would be proud of her too. Later, Marlena ran into Kayla and told her she was taking time off. She said she would see a few patients, but she couldn’t help anyone until she helped herself. Kayla said she could give her a list of grief groups that could help her. Chanel told Johnny to stop trying to prove that the video was a deepfake and focus on clearing his name. Johnny said he wasn’t going to let her take the blame for something she didn’t do. While they were talking, Johnny told Chanel that he fired EJ and was going to represent himself. Chanel panicked but Johnny assured her that he knew what he was doing. EJ talked to Tony about Johnny firing him. Tony assumed EJ had the video of Chanel doctored. He advised EJ to admit what he did and asked for forgiveness. Later on, Gabi let Tony know that she was getting closer to finding the information that will help him undermine Titan-DiMera. She wanted him to put their agreement in writing. After they worked out the agreement, Gabi signed it. At the courthouse, EJ told Belle that he let everyone down in his life after he was given several chances. Johnny and Chanel showed up in the courtroom. He yelled at EJ for what he did to Chanel. When EJ tried to defend himself, Johnny said he was forcing him to choose between him and Chanel. Johnny said he chose Chanel.

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