1992 (#7) - Victor and Nikki's rapprochement and back surgery

At the hospital, Jack and Victor listen intently to the doctors' conclusions regarding the need for Nikki to have back surgery. The two men, therefore, finally decide to put aside their differences and contrasts to unite and convince Nikki of the necessity of the operation and the risks she would run by not dealing with the situation and continuing to postpone it. Strongly tried by her experience, and realizing that she can no longer go on like this, Nikki finally decides to accept Victor and Jack's requests and, therefore, to undergo back surgery, the only one able to make her overcome the physical pain and make her stop taking painkillers. During this period of long hospitalization of the woman, who is preparing for the operation, Victor shows to be strongly attached to Nikki spending a lot of time with her and keeping her company. When Jack expresses his concern to Ashley about Victor's strong interest in his wife, she assures Jack that her marriage to Victor is on very solid and stable ground. However, unbeknownst to Ashley herself, Victor and Nikki share more and more time together, reminiscing about their past together and growing their feelings for each other. It so happens that the woman, visiting Nikki, enters the room just as Victor and the woman exchange a tender kiss full of emotion. Ashley is furious with Victor, who asks his wife's forgiveness and assures her of his love; however, when Ashley asks Victor to stop seeing Nikki and questions him about his involvement with her, Victor replies that he will always be involved with Nikki as she is the mother of his children. Moreover, in Victor's eyes, Jack is not able to take care of Nikki and handle the situation. Jack, in the meantime, is informed of the situation and of the kiss between Nikki and Victor, but decides not to be hurt or disappointed, as his wife only needs comfort and support for the upcoming operation. Fortunately, the operation performed by Dr. Jim Peterson proves to be a success and soon a happy Nikki is discharged. Finally, her life can begin again and she can focus on the most important things in her life, namely little Nicholas and her marriage to Jack. Ashley, too, is happy with the success of the operation, and hopes that getting through this phase will reinvigorate her marriage to Victor, now that he no longer needs to worry about Nikki.