1987 (#13) - Nikki's recovery and the kiss on the ranch between Ashley and Victor

Knowing that Nikki is looking for Ashley, Paul, whom John hired to keep his daughter's presence at the mental institution away from indiscreet eyes, breaks his attorney-client privilege by telling Nikki where the woman is. Nikki, increasingly convinced that she must entrust Victor and Victoria to the woman, thus makes a visit to Ashley, who shows clear signs of improvement. Nikki is astounded and shocked to see how someone with such a strong character as Ashley could have been appalled in this way, and opens up to her sharing her wishes; at the same time, Ashley confesses that she knows about her illness and is deeply sorry about it, revealing that she prays every day for her recovery. Nikki is amazed at how Ashley knows about her illness; and then, talking to Dr. Steven and comparing the dates of Ashley's disappearance and the outbreak of her illness, she realizes that Victor returned with her, and left Ashley, solely out of compassion and guilt for her, certainly not out of love. Nikki, completely shocked, bitter and disappointed, leaves the institute in tears. Completely out of her mind, Nikki refuses to take her medication despite Casey's warnings and, having found herself at Gina's, Nikki completely loses her inhibitions and starts taking off her clothes. It is a worried Gina to interrupt the improvised striptease and contact Victor, who as soon as warned runs to retrieve his wife and bring her home. Just as Casey decides it's time to run new tests and ask the doctor for new opinions on Nikki's condition, Ashley is released from the institute completely restored. The first thing Ashley intends to do is to contact and see Victor to explain the reasons for her abortion and close this chapter definitively. Ashley and Victor organize their meeting at the man's ranch, just as Nikki and Casey receive the incredible news at the hospital that Nikki is completely cured. Full of happiness and overflowing with joy, Nikki runs to Victor to inform him of her recovery and, when she arrives at the ranch, Nikki is informed that Victor is riding. Also getting on a horse, Nikki decides to join the man, but is shocked to find Victor talking to Ashley, with the two declaring their love for each other despite the fact that it is impossible for them to be together. Nikki watches them kiss each other goodbye in disgust before leaving completely horrified and disappointed.