1986 (#15) - Nikki's illness, Victor's remorse and Ashley's pregnancy

As an impatient Victor rushes to get the divorce papers, and starts planning his marriage to a dreamy Ashley, the man receives one of those life-changing news stories. He reappears in front of Casey's sister Victor in tears. Casey confides to Victor that he and Dr. Anthony Andrews discovered in the hospital that Nikki is suffering without his knowledge from a fatal disease that leaves little hope of surviving the woman. The upset news Victor, who returns to Ashley speechless and very thoughtful. Victor continues to echo in his mind the words of Casey who says that soon Nikki will die and suddenly feels great remorse for not giving his wife all the time or attention she deserved during the marriage. Victor, full of anger towards himself, then decides that he must necessarily repair the damage he has caused to make Nikki feel all the love that had never been shown to him. All of a sudden, then, all the plans Victor had with Ashley are put aside or even remorse, determined as he was to insist on his marriage to Nikki to give her the best moments of her life before she dies. Victor begs Casey not to reveal anything to Nikki about his illness so as not to ruin her last days, promising Casey that he would secretly give her a painkiller and all the drugs necessary for her treatment. Casey agrees to the request, convinced Victor really wants what's best for his wife. Meanwhile Ashley, who is unaware of the whole situation while on a business trip to Paris, can't wait to return to Genoa City to surprise Victor and reveal that she is expecting a baby with him. On her return, however, before Ashley can utter a word, Victor informs her of all the news, crumbling and smoking all her dreams in an instant. And Ashley, resigned, understands after all Victor's will and the need to stay close to Nikki at this difficult time. Ashley, after one last hug with Victor, runs away in tears without revealing anything about her pregnancy.