1992 (#11) - Ashley's interest, chemistry with Brad, and the birth of Colleen

Contrary to what Jack and Ashley had hoped, despite Nikki's operation, the newfound understanding and complicity between Nikki and Victor does not cease at all. The two of them, with the excuse of having to make little Nicholas feel the closeness of his father and mother, spend more and more time together, with Victor offering to take Jack's place in taking care of the woman and helping her in this post-operative rehabilitation phase. Not at all happy with this situation is Ashley, tired of being neglected by her husband and increasingly in the orbit of Brad, whose marriage to Traci, despite the woman's pregnancy, has never really taken off. On the other hand, the understanding between Ashley and Brad, who have been secretly attracted for years, has never disappeared; and this feeling and complicity are obviously noticed by Traci, who is particularly annoyed and bothered by any reference to a possible flirtation between her sister and her husband. Despite the fact that Traci makes it clear that she will never, ever accept Brad getting close to her sister, showing that she doesn't trust either of them, this continuous tension, exacerbated by the continuous mood swings caused by the pregnancy, only brings Ashley and Brad closer. And not even the joy and excitement over the birth of Brad and Traci's daughter, Colleen, unfortunately doesn't improve the situation. The initial euphoria and happiness of the couple, who, transported by the joy of becoming parents, confirm their love for each other and promise eternal fidelity, are soon replaced by the daily problems, suspicions and fatigue of life as a couple. And of course, natural consequence of a marriage that does not work is the exasperation of both for this condition and the desire, especially by Brad, to find a shelter of tranquility somewhere else. Ashley's, to be precise. Soon, almost resigned to the fact that Brad is beginning to mature and have feelings for his sister, Traci begins to behave indifferently in the face of her husband's long absences, worrying mainly about her current priorities and interests, namely the child and the writing of her first novel.