1986 (#12) - Victor's proposal to Ashley and the plans for Matthew

When it becomes all too evident that Victor, now madly in love with Ashley, has lost Victor, Nikki asks him, without too many words or regrets, for a divorce through his lawyer Peter Endicut. Victor, of course, asked for nothing more, as he immediately sets his lawyer Martin Gentry in motion and rushes to announce the news of the impending divorce to Ashley, delighted that her dream of being with Victor is finally coming true. An enthusiastic Victor, thus, formalizes a marriage proposal to Ashley by presenting him with a diamond pendant that he had previously bought her and which has now evidently turned into an official engagement gift. Ashley, moved, tenderly embraces Victor and, overjoyed, agrees to become his wife. In the meantime, Victor has the chance to meet his brother Matthew Miller, whom he remembers vaguely when he was a child. The two of them are happy to see each other again and to finally get to know each other, proving to have a great harmony and sympathy between them. Victor then informs Matthew of the latest events that involve him with the imminent divorce from Nikki and his story with Ashley that will soon turn into a marriage. It is precisely at this point that Victor confesses to Matthew that he still loves Nikki very much and that he is sorry for not being able to give her the best, which is what she deserves. Victor then shows himself worried about Nikki who, due to her typical free-spirited character, has always shown an incredible ability to get into trouble. Victor asks him to take care of Nikki, hoping that something will happen between the two of them. In the meantime, just as Victor hoped it wouldn't happen, Nikki and Jack start seeing each other more and more assiduously; however, when the woman begins to recover from the idea of losing Victor and fantasizing about her future with Jack, the man immediately stops the woman's expectations. Nikki doesn't hide the fact that she and Jack might have a good life together after all, but the man immediately makes it clear that he doesn't want a long-term commitment, leaving Nikki disappointed and bitter once again. It's when the woman finds herself alone wondering what's wrong with her that Matthew shows up in front of her, immediately showing that he can put Nikki in a good mood. Soon Matthew and Nikki become great friends, allowing a glimpse of something more when they exchange their first kiss.