Next week on The Young and the Restless, tensions rise as Mariah’s emotional turmoil begins to unravel, leaving Tessa questioning everything about their relationship. Since Mariah’s return from a mysterious business trip, something has felt undeniably off between the couple. Although she’s physically back, her demeanor is distant, her eyes heavy with an unspoken burden, and her interactions with Tessa lack their usual warmth and intimacy. Tessa, once comforted by their solid connection, now finds herself standing on uncertain ground, plagued by suspicion and fear.
The shocking revelation that Mariah is pregnant sends tremors through Tessa’s world, not because of the pregnancy itself, but because of the unanswered question looming over them: who is the father? Whispers and speculations begin to build — could it be Devon, their close friend? If so, how would this affect their intertwined relationships, especially considering Devon’s marriage to Abby, whom Tessa also holds in high regard?
As doubts multiply, Tessa becomes consumed by images of betrayal and scenarios she can’t shake. She wonders if Mariah’s detachment is a reflection of guilt, possibly hiding a dark secret from the business trip. Had something so devastating occurred that Mariah couldn’t bring herself to speak of it?
Tessa, haunted by past miscommunications and unresolved tensions, begins to blame herself for the growing distance. Could her own actions or mistakes have pushed Mariah away? Desperate to understand the truth, she decides to explore another potential source of the problem: Ian Ward, a man Mariah encountered during her trip. Tessa suspects Ian may have something to do with Mariah’s emotional state — whether it’s an unresolved conflict or something far worse.
When Tessa gently confronts Mariah about her concerns, things take an unexpected turn. Mariah, visibly shaken and unable to hold the truth in any longer, finally breaks down. She admits that during the business trip, while intoxicated, she made a grave mistake — one she confessed only to Sharon Newman and kept hidden from Tessa. The admission doesn’t just reveal a lapse in judgment; it confirms the emotional chasm that has formed between them.
Tessa is blindsided. The betrayal — whether physical or emotional — feels like a deep fracture in the foundation of their relationship. Memories of past heartaches resurface, and the sting of deception feels unbearable. But rather than immediately walking away, Tessa takes a moment to reflect. She asks herself whether forgiveness is possible and if their love, once so strong, can endure this new test.
In her quiet moments of pain, Tessa sees the cracks forming — not just between them, but within herself. The idea that Mariah might have cheated replays in her mind, bringing with it a whirlwind of emotions: anger, confusion, sadness. But she also wonders whether she did enough to support Mariah during difficult times. Did she miss the signs? Was she too focused on their disagreements to notice Mariah slipping away?
Still grappling with the weight of these revelations, Tessa makes a pivotal decision. She urges Mariah to consider counseling, suggesting that therapy might help them understand the depth of what happened — not just the betrayal, but the underlying issues that allowed it to take root. It becomes clear that for their relationship to have any chance of survival, honesty and healing must take center stage.
Mariah, overwhelmed by regret and love, promises to do whatever it takes to make things right. She pleads with Tessa not to give up on them, acknowledging that change won’t come easy, but she’s ready to fight for their future. Her vow is heartfelt, her remorse palpable, and for the first time, Tessa sees a glimmer of hope.
The road ahead is uncertain. Trust has been broken, and scars from betrayal are not easily healed. But amid the heartbreak and fear, both women recognize that their love, though tested, still holds meaning. As the week unfolds, viewers will witness the raw vulnerability of two people trying to rebuild something fragile but precious. Will they be able to overcome the pain and find their way back to each other? Or is this the end of the road for Mariah and Tessa?
This emotional arc promises to deliver some of the most heartfelt and dramatic scenes on Y&R yet. One thing is certain: the truth is out, but the consequences are only just beginning.