In a twist that’s sure to leave fans of Days of Our Lives reeling, EJ DiMera and Belle Black’s rocky romance is about to come to a heartbreaking end—not due to betrayal or scandal, but because of something far more complex: love, regret, and the weight of the past.

Following a near-death experience that forced EJ into a coma, the once-calculating DiMera heir began seeing life—and himself—through a completely different lens. As EJ recovered, it became clear to those around him, and to EJ himself, that something fundamental had shifted. He no longer sought power or revenge as his sole motivation. Instead, he was battling an internal war—a desire to be a better man conflicting with the shadows of his past misdeeds.

What makes EJ’s decision to break up with Belle so painful is that it comes not from a lack of love, but because of how deeply he loves her. Sometime around mid-June, likely between the 10th and 14th, EJ is expected to make the gut-wrenching choice to end their relationship, knowing full well it may devastate her. But in his mind, it’s the only way to protect her from the collateral damage his history could bring.

EJ isn’t walking away because of Marina’s disapproval or because he’s found someone else—this is a decision born entirely from self-reflection. He remembers the anguish in his son Johnny’s eyes after learning about the dark acts he committed—like blackmailing Sami. He recalls every cruel step he took along his path to power. And when he looks at Belle, he sees a future he cannot allow himself to destroy.

In a pivotal and emotional rain-soaked confrontation, Belle pleads with EJ to fight for their love, desperately asking, “Why now? Why won’t you give me a choice? Why don’t you believe we can beat this together?” But EJ’s reply is simple and devastating: “Because I love you… and that’s exactly why I can’t destroy you.”

There’s no shouting, no cheating, no explosive scandal this time—just the quiet, crushing reality of two people who love each other but can’t escape the shadows of what came before. Belle is left shattered, unable to understand how they survived so much just to fall apart now.

Marina, Belle’s mother, is conflicted. She’s never approved of EJ, but even she sees something different in him now. In a moment of rare honesty, she wonders aloud if maybe—just maybe—EJ really has changed. He didn’t take the easy way out; he chose the path of pain to save the woman he loves. And that, in Marina’s eyes, may be the first true act of love he’s ever made.

But as Belle spirals in the aftermath, questioning everything, her world begins to unravel. She isn’t angry this time—she’s heartbroken that love itself was the cause of her suffering. The emotional toll this breakup takes on her is expected to be explored through the month of July, as Belle tries to find her footing once again.

Behind the scenes, speculation is building. Buzz suggests that Belle will fade from the spotlight for a while, and she won’t be part of EJ’s story this fall. Instead, Days fans should brace for the rise of a new dynamic—one involving Cat Green.

Promotional images tied to the show’s 60th anniversary hint at what’s coming: EJ and Cat featured together, with Chad DiMera notably absent. And that’s no coincidence. With Billy Flynn officially exiting the role of Chad, the emotional landscape of Salem is being rearranged—and Cat Green is stepping into the spotlight.

Cat has endured her own turbulent journey. From scandal to impersonating Abigail DiMera, her history in Salem is marked by deception and heartbreak. Her relationship with Chad never quite recovered from those betrayals. And now, with Chad permanently gone, she finds herself emotionally unmoored—searching for redemption in a town that never lets anyone forget their past.

Then comes EJ.

He, too, is seeking purpose. At a charity event, fate intervenes: EJ unexpectedly wins a date with none other than Cat Green. While most in Salem assume this is just another power play—either to get back at Belle or manipulate public perception—what unfolds is entirely unexpected.

The connection between EJ and Cat is subtle but unmistakable. It’s not built on strategy or seduction, but on shared pain. Both are pariahs in their own way, carrying emotional baggage heavy enough to crush most. Yet somehow, in each other’s presence, they find something rare—understanding without judgment.

Their date begins as polite small talk, but it evolves into something far deeper. EJ, known for his ruthless nature, finds himself vulnerable with Cat in a way he hasn’t been in years. He doesn’t try to impress her or control her—he simply listens and speaks honestly. And for Cat, who’s long been dismissed as nothing more than the woman who wore another’s face, EJ’s attention feels like a chance to be seen for who she truly is.

As their bond quietly blossoms, whispers begin to echo through Salem. Some believe they could be a redemptive force for each other, two broken people finally finding healing in a world that’s quick to judge. Others, however, see only danger ahead—a toxic pairing bound to implode.

But with Chad gone and Belle no longer in the picture, there’s no love triangle to navigate. What lies ahead is uncharted territory for both EJ and Cat. For once, they have a chance to write their own story, free from expectations and legacy.

Can they overcome their pasts? That remains to be seen. Trust will be the first test, followed by the ability to remain honest, even when it’s easier to retreat into old habits. But if they can, if they’re truly ready to grow—not just together, but as individuals—then EJ and Cat may just surprise everyone.

Because in Salem, love rarely comes without a storm. But sometimes, out of the wreckage, something beautiful can emerge.

And so begins the next chapter—unexpected, risky, but maybe, just maybe, real.