After months of believing she had finally won Ridge Forrester’s heart for good, Taylor Hayes is coming to terms with a crushing reality — she was never truly his first choice. The romantic foundation she thought she had built with Ridge is slowly crumbling, and the return of Nick Marone to Los Angeles is accelerating that collapse in ways she didn’t expect.

Nick’s reappearance brings back a wave of unresolved emotions, especially for Brooke Logan. Despite Taylor’s persistent efforts to reassure Ridge — and herself — that Brooke is firmly in the past, Ridge’s recent behavior paints a different picture. Every lingering glance he throws at Brooke now comes with an edge — not just curiosity, but unmistakable jealousy.

It started subtly. Ridge shrugged off Nick’s return, acting indifferent. But when he saw Nick greeting Brooke with a kiss on the cheek at Forrester Creations, the mask slipped. His jaw tightened. His eyes narrowed. Taylor noticed. She tried to downplay the moment, telling herself it was harmless, but deep down she felt the shift. She had seen that look before — and it had never been meant for her.

Despite the time they’ve spent together, the family they tried to build, and the life Taylor imagined, she’s starting to admit the painful truth: she has always been Ridge’s second option. Brooke has always owned a part of his heart that Taylor could never touch. And now, Brooke is beginning to sense that too.

Brooke has never been one to miss an emotional cue. When Ridge started asking suspicious questions about her relationship with Nick — questions laced more with jealousy than concern — she recognized what was happening. Ridge’s possessive streak had been reawakened, and Brooke knew exactly how to play the game.

Nick, meanwhile, is being sincere. He wants another chance with Brooke. He believes he’s changed and that he can offer her something stable, uncomplicated. But Brooke may not be interested in simplicity. She’s more interested in stirring the pot, and Nick’s interest couldn’t have come at a more perfect time.

Privately, Brooke confides in Katie that Nick is everything she once dreamed of. “Maybe I still want that,” she says with a knowing smile — one that hints that her heart still beats for Ridge. By entertaining Nick’s attention, she’s setting a trap — a way to reignite Ridge’s desire and draw him back in. And it’s working.

Ridge’s reactions have become more intense. Taylor, trying desperately to keep their relationship grounded, leans on family bonding, professional collaboration, anything to distract him. But Ridge is distant, distracted, and clearly torn.

In one particularly painful moment of reflection, Taylor asks herself the question she’s avoided for too long: “If he still looks at her like that… do I really stand a chance?”

That moment of clarity pushes Taylor to make a heartbreaking decision. Spoilers confirm that she will quietly pack her things and leave Los Angeles behind — not out of anger, but out of heartbreak. She can no longer live in a city where every corner whispers Brooke’s name and reminds her that she was never truly the one Ridge wanted.

Behind the scenes, this dramatic exit aligns with Rebecca Budig’s departure from the role. Known for bringing a fresh emotional complexity to Taylor, Budig’s version of the character has stirred mixed but passionate reactions among fans. Some embraced her fierce, raw portrayal of the iconic doctor, while others yearned for a return to the classic interpretation. Regardless, Rebecca gave Taylor a fire that will be missed.

With Taylor exiting and Ridge emotionally adrift, all eyes are on what comes next. Will Ridge do exactly what Brooke intends — come crawling back to her arms, unable to resist the lure of their complicated love? Or will he shock everyone — including himself — by choosing to remain alone, giving himself space to reflect?

And what about Nick? Is Brooke genuinely interested in rekindling something real with him, or is he just a convenient pawn in her strategy to make Ridge jealous?

As the dust settles, viewers are left with more questions than answers. But one thing is clear: the Ridge-Taylor-Brooke love triangle is far from over — it’s evolving, and possibly exploding again.

Rebecca Budig’s exit might signal a temporary goodbye, or a more permanent chapter closing for Taylor Hayes. Fans will surely have plenty to say. Should the character return in the future, perhaps with a new resolve or a new face? Or is it finally time to let Taylor move on for good?

As Taylor fades from the spotlight, Brooke steps forward — more dangerous and emotionally cunning than ever. She knows Ridge better than anyone, and now she’s poised to pull him back, piece by piece.