Friday, May 5, 2006
At Forrester, Ridge pleaded with Brooke not to walk out on him and Forrester Creations. Brooke said she’s had enough of Stephanie’s machinations and was throwing in the towel. When pressed by Ridge, Brooke conceded that she’s quitting at Nick’s behest. Ridge was angry that Brooke was caving to Nick and Stephanie’s pressure. Brooke declared she can’t live that way any more. Brooke told Stephanie she’s through fighting and that Stephanie wins. Ridge questioned why she’s bowing to Stephanie if Nick is supposedly the real reason behind her decision. Brooke dismissed that and accused Ridge of wanting her to stay at Forrester because that’s where their romance began. She said it’s only fitting that that’s where it should end. Brooke conceded that a part of her will always love Ridge, but she has to go. She tearfully caressed Ridge’s face before gathering her belongings and rushing out. Ridge sunk into a chair — and despair. Ridge lashed out at Stephanie and accused her of smothering him with her obsessive love for him. He asked Steph what kind of mother makes it her life’s mission to deprive her son of the one thing he wants most. Ridge accused Stephanie of taking Brooke away from him — and from taking away his life — before he collapsed from an apparent heart attack.

Dante stewed over Stephanie’s threats. Bridget offered to call her dad for help. Dante thanked Bridget for her support. Bridget said she’d do whatever she can to make sure he remains a part of Dino’s life. The two unwound with some wine, as both lamented that they weren’t in Italy as originally planned. Dante was eager to introduce Bridget to his parents, and Bridget was eager to spend quality time with Dante. Bridget said living with Dante has been healing for her. She admitted that she knows Dante has been wanting more, and she wasn’t ready, but she wants more now. The two began to kiss, and moved things to the bedroom. When things heated up, Dante reached into the nightstand. Bridget thought he was reaching for protection — instead he pulled out an engagement ring and proposed to her.

Taylor paid Nick a visit at Marone Industries to apologize for blabbing to him about what happened between Brooke and Ridge. Taylor asked him what happened, and Nick said everything’s fine, because Brooke is going to stay away from Ridge. Taylor doubted that would be possible. Nick insisted that Brooke won’t change her mind. Later, Brooke returned and told Nick she resigned from Forrester despite Ridge’s pleas. She apologized for feeling sorry for hurting Ridge. Nick interrupted her and said he only wants her to be happy, and has a surprise for her.

Thursday, May 4, 2006
Brooke visited Nick at Marone Industries and learned that Nick ousted Massimo from the company and replaced him. Nick and Brooke kissed passionately before she left to go to Forrester. Nick said it was not OK for her to continue to work with Ridge after what happened. Brooke insisted her and her children’s financial security is tied up with Forrester, but Nick rejected that and said as CEO of Marone money worries are now a moot point. Brooke reluctantly agreed with Nick that she has no other choice but to resign. Nick wanted to accompany Brooke but had to contend with the press regarding the changing of the guard at the company. Nick charmed the press, then greeted Jackie when she stopped by to congratulate her son. Nick told Jackie that Ridge forced himself on Brooke. Jackie supported Nick’s opinion that Brooke shouldn’t work with Ridge any more, but suggested that asking her to walk away from her life’s work might be too much to ask. Ridge filled in Eric on what happened between him and Brooke, and how Nick has characterized it as rape. Eric questioned if Ridge was trying to use Brooke’s tranquilizers as an excuse, but Ridge insisted he takes full responsibility for what happened. Eric asked Ridge at what point is he going to accept that Brooke has made her choice and her choice is Nick. Ridge expressed disappointment in Eric for not being more understanding where Brooke is concerned — or perhaps for understanding too well given his own past with Brooke. Eric conceded that he probably does know better than anyone else but because everything Ridge has tried hasn’t worked, Ridge has no other choice but to let go and move on. Ridge remained undaunted, and complained that things would be so much different today if Stephanie had never interfered in their lives. Ridge was resolved to recapture the magic he and Brooke once shared despite Steph’s machinations.

At Forrester Thorne warned Stephanie that she’s only heard Ridge’s side of the story so far, but Stephanie’s opinion remained unchanged. Thorne warned Stephanie that in light of what’s happened Brooke may quit. Stephanie rejoiced at the prospect of getting rid of Brooke, and confronted Brooke in Brooke’s office as Brooke was beginning to pack up her stuff. Stephanie admonished Brooke for ruining Ridge’s life with Nick’s talk of rape and sexual assault. Stephanie shut up when she realized Brooke was in the midst of clearing her office to resign. Stephanie then continued to taunt her as Brooke packed her things when Ridge arrived and urged her to stay on at Forrester — and more importantly, he pleaded with Brooke not to walk out on HIM, as Stephanie looked on, speechless.

Wednesday, May 3, 2006
With Brooke still asleep, Nick made a morning phone call telling someone to “make it quick and clean.” Brooke woke up and called for Nick to return to bed. Brooke promised Nick he wouldn’t have any more headaches because of her. Nick insisted that Brooke isn’t responsible for what happened to her, and vowed to make sure it would never happen to her again. When Nick left Bridget paid her a visit. Brooke pumped Bridget to find out how much Taylor blabbed to her. Bridget expressed concern over her mother’s use of sedatives, and for what happened. Brooke told Bridget she forgave Ridge and that she and Nick worked everything out. Brooke told Bridget that Nick views what happened to her as rape, but Brooke insisted she knows in her heart that Ridge would never knowingly or intentionally do anything to hurt her. Bridget wrestled with the controversy. Bridget told Brooke she should consummate her relationship with Nick; Brooke said she already did. When Brooke tried to give details Bridget begged off, citing too much information. Bridget told her mother she’s moving on with her life with Dante.

At Forrester, Ridge informed Stephanie about Megan’s involvement in Jackie’s frame-up. Ridge told Stephanie how he slept with Brooke while she was high on sedatives. Stephanie drew a parallel to when Ridge slept with Caroline when she was drunk, and admonished Ridge for being so foolish to fall into Brooke’s trap and need to be fought over. Ridge insisted he and Brooke would still be together. Stephanie was aghast, and declared that Brooke must be mentally disturbed.

At Marone Industries, Massimo’s board of directors presented Massimo with a fax they received from Megan, who supplied the board with a full confession for her deed, and implicated Massimo in Jackie’s frame-up. Massimo’s board grilled him on his machinations. Massimo insisted that this was an internal family matter that would be handled privately. Nick crashed the meeting and insisted as a publicly traded company they have a responsibility to handle the matter right now. Nick told the board that he has Megan’s assurance that she will keep mum on what she knows provided the board “takes appropriate action” against Massimo. The board forced Massimo to resign as CEO and installed Nick as his replacement. Massimo vowed revenge before being shown the door by security. Later, Ridge dropped by to see his father. Nick broke the news that Massimo is out and he’s now CEO. Ridge echoed Massimo’s declaration that Massimo will be back and that Nick will pay for what he’s done. Nick smugly ordered Ridge to leave the building.

Tuesday, May 2, 2006
Brooke assured Nick that she was passed out, numb and unaware of what was happening when Ridge made love to her. She pleaded for Nick to believe her. Nick said he was trying to understand, but couldn’t relate to what happened. Brooke said she never expected the medication to affect her the way that it did. Nick pleaded for her to be as honest as she could be. He said he could understand the pills, but wanted to know if any part of her at all consciously wanted to sleep with Ridge. Brooke said no. Nick said he wasn’t sure if he believed her. Brooke tearfully declared that she wants Nick. Nick replied by asking her then how could this have happened. Brooke recalled it in chapter-and-verse then broke down and said she just wants to forget what happened and that she needs her now more than ever. She said she can’t let Ridge ruin what they have. Brooke asked Nick if he was shutting her out. Nick didn’t answer and walked out on her. After getting some air, he looked at Brooke through the window from outside the cabin, saw her crying, and returned inside. Nick told her he’s not going anywhere, and the two quietly embraced before reconciling with a passionate kiss. The two disrobed each other and made love. Brooke asked him if he could forgive her. Nick said there was nothing to forgive, and blamed everything on Ridge and Massimo. Nick and Brooke declared their love for each other.

Bridget went to Brooke’s to look for her, and discovered Taylor watching the kids. Taylor filled in Bridget on what was happening with Brooke, Ridge and Nick. Bridget was bewildered by all the revelations as Taylor recapped everything. Ridge was upset to learn from Massimo that he and Megan framed Jackie. Ridge told Massimo to stop fighting his battles. Massimo said he’s fighting to protect the entire family. Ridge did his own recapping to Massimo about his drug-induced tryst with Brooke. Massimo insisted the drug defense was absurd and that Brooke would never allow him into her bed if it wasn’t what she wanted. Massimo said Nick will never be able to look at Brooke the same way again, and was confident that Brooke and Ridge were meant to be together.

Monday, May 1, 2006
Brooke broke up the fight between Nick and Ridge. Nick angrily insisted that she can’t allow Ridge to get away with what he did. Nick said he’d back off but wanted to know what she would do about him. When Brooke hesitated Nick asked her if she wanted Ridge to make love to her or not. When Ridge chimed in that Nick should be muzzled, the two shoved each other. Brooke once again broke up their fight and told Ridge to leave. Brooke told Nick that the situation isn’t as black-and-white as it seemed. Nick disagreed, and said either she was violated or she willingly had sex with Ridge. Nick pushed Brooke to file a restraining order and press charges. When Brooke resisted, Nick asked Brooke if she wanted Ridge to come into her bedroom. Brooke insisted she was trying to protect her children from knowing what happened, and urged Nick to put the incident behind them and move on. Nick declared that Brooke has to put Ridge out of her life forever. Brooke tearfully pleaded with Nick to not allow this incident to come between them.

Bridget was dumbfounded at Stephanie’s interference. Stephanie told Dante and Bridget that they’re not taking the baby anywhere. Bridget said things don’t have to get ugly. Stephanie agreed, and said that Bridget and Dante need to step aside. Stephanie told Bridget she has no right to take the baby out of the country on her own. Felicia said she’s tired of all the fighting and animosity over her son. Stephanie insisted that Felicia doesn’t need to handle this kind of stress given her condition, and that Bridget and Dante need to work through Stephanie for any kind of settlement. Stephanie informed them that because Felicia can now take care of Dino on her own, Bridget’s guardianship will now be dissolved. Stephanie then offered Dante and Bridget money to move on if Dante will relinquish his custody rights as Dino’s biological father. Bridget asked Stephanie why she’d be so confrontational. Stephanie said it was important to establish boundaries, and insisted Dante sign over his rights to Felicia — or else. Dante put the pieces together and realized that if he doesn’t, Stephanie would fire him — which would lead to his deportation since he needs his job at Forester to maintain his visa. Stephanie insisted she’s not threatening anyone, but was simply asking if Dante could put the baby’s needs above his own. Bridget accused Stephanie of fulfilling her own need for control.

Out of jail, Jackie rejoiced that Nick finally found love and happiness, and silently lamented that she wished she could find the same. Jackie then daydreamed that Eric arrived to tell her that his divorce to Stephanie is finally over. Jackie snapped out of her daydream when Stephen dropped by looking for Nick. He properly introduced himself to Jackie as Brooke’s father. Jackie was surprised and intrigued. Stephen explained that he got off on the wrong foot with her son, and was looking for Nick to make amends and give things a second try. The two of them flirtatiously exchanged compliments. Jackie mused that the two could be in-laws one day, so it would be great if they could get along. Jackie and Stephen commiserated over their past problems with Massimo and Stephanie. Stephen told Jackie he’s now suffering a crisis of conscience.

2005 recaps