Week One (Aug 11–15): The Calm Before the Storm
The week begins with tensions brewing across Salem as several storylines quietly set the stage for explosive developments. EJ DiMera appears distracted, carrying a burden that has been weighing on him for weeks. Marlena, ever the intuitive therapist, senses something is wrong and confronts EJ during an unexpected meeting. However, instead of his usual evasiveness, EJ hints that he has been keeping a major secret—one that could affect multiple families in town.

Meanwhile, tensions between Nicole Walker and Eric Brady reach a breaking point. The pair have been walking a fine line between friendship and unresolved passion, but a heated argument pushes them further apart. At the same time, Sloan Petersen finds herself in the crosshairs when her professional decisions begin to have personal consequences.

Elsewhere, Xander Cook faces a difficult moral dilemma after discovering a truth that could help Sarah Horton but potentially destroy another Salemite’s life. His decision to keep quiet—or speak out—will have repercussions that ripple into the following week.

Week Two (Aug 18–22): EJ’s Shocking Confession to Marlena
The second week begins with a bombshell. EJ finally sits down with Marlena and delivers a stunning revelation—one that leaves the seasoned psychiatrist completely blindsided. Sources indicate that EJ’s confession involves a long-buried family secret, potentially tied to Stefano DiMera’s legacy and a scheme that could alter Salem’s balance of power. Marlena, known for her composure, struggles to process what she’s just heard.

This revelation not only shakes Marlena but also sets off a chain reaction. John Black, upon learning bits of EJ’s secret, is torn between protecting Marlena’s peace of mind and taking action to prevent chaos in Salem. His next move could put him directly at odds with EJ, reigniting an old rivalry.

Elsewhere, romance and heartbreak play out in equal measure. Chanel Dupree and Johnny DiMera share tender moments as they discuss their future, but a piece of unexpected news threatens to derail their plans. Paulina Price, meanwhile, faces another health scare, forcing her loved ones to rally around her once again.

Rafe Hernandez also finds himself in the spotlight when an unforeseen twist in a paternity storyline changes his life forever. The revelation that he’s a father shocks not only him but also the rest of Salem, raising questions about the child’s mother and the circumstances that led to this surprise.