In The Young and the Restless, Victoria Newman faces a deeply emotional crossroads as her relationship with Cole Howard unravels in the wake of a shocking betrayal, all while her heart remains entangled with Holden Novak, whose days are heartbreakingly numbered.

After Holden’s critical health condition is confirmed, Victoria, instead of succumbing to despair, finds renewed purpose in cherishing every moment with him. She plans a quiet and heartfelt wedding to celebrate their love, though her decision is met with strong disapproval from her mother, Nikki. Having already witnessed her daughter’s painful experiences with love and loss, Nikki fears Victoria is setting herself up for more heartbreak.

However, the real upheaval begins when Nikki uncovers a devastating secret: Cole Howard had faked a serious illness. His motive was to manipulate Victoria’s sympathy and draw her back into his orbit, despite her genuine and growing feelings for Holden. This revelation sends Victoria spiraling, torn between the grief of Cole’s deceit and the memories of a once-hopeful love they shared.

With her trademark decisiveness, Nikki confronts Cole, laying bare his deception and further shaking Victoria’s world. Yet, instead of cutting him off completely, Victoria makes a surprising move. She invites Cole to live with her and their daughter in the family’s storage house. Despite her emotional turmoil, she believes sharing everyday moments could help mend their broken bond and possibly offer healing for both of them. Cole, caught off guard by her offer, is reminded of how much he still means to Victoria—and how much he stands to lose.

Victoria expresses that their daughter’s happiness is deeply tied to their unity. The time Cole was gone left an emptiness she can no longer ignore. She’s willing to fight for the remnants of their relationship, believing that love isn’t built on perfection but on resilience, understanding, and being present in life’s most difficult hours.

Despite his past lies, Cole is moved by Victoria’s willingness to forgive and open her heart again. As they spend quiet evenings together, sharing family dinners and heartfelt conversations, a new, fragile peace begins to form between them. Nikki, though still suspicious, watches from a distance. She can’t fully trust Cole but begins to soften, recognizing her daughter’s unwavering commitment to building a family, however unconventional.

Cole also wrestles with guilt. He questions his motivations and begins to understand the gravity of what he almost destroyed. Victoria’s forgiveness becomes a turning point for him, reigniting his desire to make things right before it’s too late. He is aware that time is slipping away, but he’s determined to use what remains to be a better partner and father.

Meanwhile, Victoria’s brother Nick starts to accept Cole’s return, understanding that some battles must be fought by those directly involved. The siblings find common ground as they each try to navigate their own lives while respecting each other’s choices.

Holden, despite being in the background of this complicated triangle, represents the love that could have been—pure, steady, and marked by impending loss. Though the wedding date with him remains uncertain, it symbolizes a love that’s strong enough to exist even under the shadow of death. For Victoria, it’s not just about choosing between men—it’s about reconciling with her past, making peace with her present, and claiming the future she wants, however fragile it may be.

Elsewhere, a new storm brews in the Newman family. Victor becomes increasingly concerned over Clare’s seemingly affectionate behavior toward Kyle. Her subtle glances, overly kind gestures, and warm demeanor don’t sit well with the seasoned patriarch. Victor’s instincts tell him that Clare may be hiding something, and he starts contemplating drastic measures, including potentially removing her from the company.

However, his suspicions place him in direct conflict with Victoria, who has developed a soft spot for Clare. Victor fears pushing too hard could once again damage their already delicate father-daughter relationship. Clare, sensing Victor’s distrust, opts to face it head-on. She convinces Kyle to delay moving in together and instead proposes organizing a birthday celebration for Nikki, hoping to gain the family’s trust through genuine gestures.