In a twist that no one saw coming, Ridge Forrester agrees to Taylor Hayes’ unexpected marriage proposal—sending shockwaves through the Forrester family and shaking the very foundation of their long-standing love triangle. But behind Ridge’s acceptance lies a much deeper, more complicated truth: this isn’t a decision rooted in love. It’s a choice born of guilt.

Confiding in Eric, Ridge admits the real reason he said yes: “She’s given me everything. I just couldn’t watch her get hurt again.” Taylor, vulnerable and hopeful, had placed her entire heart in Ridge’s hands. And though he couldn’t bring himself to shatter her again, Ridge is fully aware that his heart still beats for Brooke Logan.

As news of Ridge and Taylor’s engagement spreads, Brooke is left stunned. When she hears it, her world once again crumbles. “He told me the past was behind him,” she whispers to Katie, fighting back tears. Brooke had been hopeful—cautiously, quietly—that Ridge might finally come back to her. Taylor’s growing insecurity had given her reason to believe. But instead, Ridge’s decision slices through that hope like a dagger. Feeling blindsided and emotionally raw, Brooke decides she won’t endure the pain of watching him marry someone else again.

That’s when Nick Marone reenters the picture.

Nick, always lingering in the background, steps up with a tempting offer—one that could change everything. “Come with me to Italy,” he tells Brooke. “You deserve peace, a fresh start… maybe we both do.” Tired of the emotional carousel and the never-ending love triangle with Ridge, Brooke seriously considers it. This time, it’s not just about Ridge—it’s about healing, growth, and stepping out of the shadow of second-best.

And so, Brooke agrees.

With her heart bruised and her pride barely intact, she says quietly, “Maybe I do need to get away.” And just like that, plans are set. Brooke and Nick will leave Los Angeles behind and fly to Italy together.

The moment Ridge finds out, panic sets in. At first, he tries to pretend it doesn’t bother him. He focuses on wedding plans with Taylor, but it’s clear he’s unraveling. He snaps at colleagues, storms out of meetings, and begins obsessively pacing around the Forrester office. His facade of calm cracks completely.

“She’s leaving because of me,” Ridge confesses to Steffy. “I pushed her away. But I didn’t mean for her to go with him.”

The jealousy burns hotter than ever. Ridge had convinced himself that he was doing the noble thing by choosing Taylor, but seeing Brooke slip through his fingers—this time into the arms of another man—ignites a desperate fire in him.

Without warning, Ridge makes a bold decision. Despite the pending wedding, despite Taylor’s dreams hanging in the balance, Ridge announces he’s flying to Italy. “I need to see her,” he tells a stunned Thomas. “I have to stop her before it’s too late.”

Thomas is left speechless. And when Taylor learns the truth, she will be absolutely devastated. Just as she thought her lifelong dream of being with Ridge was finally coming true, he chases another woman across the globe.

Now all eyes turn to Italy.

Brooke, trying to move on and give herself the chance to heal, is preparing to embrace a new chapter with Nick. Their time together is peaceful, unburdened by Ridge’s unpredictable energy. Nick encourages her to rediscover herself. But just as Brooke begins to feel free, Ridge shows up—his sudden appearance throwing everything into chaos once again.

With passion burning in his eyes and regret pouring from his every word, Ridge pleads with Brooke. He tells her he made a mistake, that his heart was never truly with Taylor, that he can’t imagine a life without Brooke in it.

“Don’t go,” he says. “Not with him. Not like this.”

Brooke is stunned. Her entire life, Ridge has come and gone, promising love, only to get pulled back by guilt, obligation, or confusion. And here he is again—this time interrupting what could be her chance to break free of it all.

She listens, torn.

Ridge’s presence still affects her. His voice, his touch, the history they share—it all comes rushing back. But there’s also pain. So much of it. She remembers being left, being blamed, being second. And Nick… Nick has offered something Ridge never truly has: consistency, support, peace.

So what will Brooke choose?

Will she fall into Ridge’s arms once again, canceling her trip with Nick and leaving Taylor shattered at the altar? Or will she finally stand her ground, walk away from the chaos, and choose herself for the first time in years?

And what of Taylor?

Back in L.A., she’s blindsided by Ridge’s actions. Friends rush to her side, trying to soften the blow, but she feels humiliated. Once again, Ridge proves that when Brooke calls, he runs—no matter who he hurts in the process.

Meanwhile, Nick prepares himself for disappointment. He knows Ridge’s pull over Brooke is strong. But even so, he stands firm. He won’t beg. He simply tells Brooke, “Whatever you decide, I’ll respect it. But you deserve better than a man who only chooses you when someone else is watching.”

And that line echoes in Brooke’s mind.

The scene is set for an explosive confrontation in Italy. A heartbroken woman caught between two men. A betrayed fiancée left behind. A past full of promises and pain weighing against the hope of a peaceful future.

One decision will change everything.

Will Brooke finally say goodbye to Ridge for good? Or will she take one more chance on a love that has always felt like home—even when it’s hurt her the most?

Stay tuned. The triangle may be crossing continents, but the emotional battlefield remains the same. 🛫💔🌍