Over the next two weeks on Days of Our Lives, departures loom, old ghosts refuse to stay buried, and Kristen DiMera prepares to make a move

that could permanently reshape her future with Brady and Rachel. As February sweeps intensify from the 9th through the 20th, loyalties will be tested,

romance will collide with danger, and one legacy family will gather to say a final goodbye. Here’s how it all explodes.

A Town Divided: Jeremy vs. Alex

Tensions ignite immediately when Jeremy finds himself face-to-face with Alex in a confrontation that has been simmering for weeks. Jeremy is furious at being painted as a villain, insisting he is being framed for crimes he did not commit. Alex, however, is unwavering. In his mind, Jeremy is guilty — a manipulator hiding in plain sight.

Their standoff threatens to pull others into the crossfire, especially Stephanie, whose safety has become the center of the storm. Determined to reclaim control of her life, she teams with Jada to orchestrate a bold surprise for Alex. What begins as romantic quickly takes on ominous undertones, particularly with a dangerous figure from Stephanie’s past inching closer.

Salem Gets Good News — For Once

In a rare moment of light, Eli delivers joyful news to Julie: he, Lani, and the twins are coming home. After so much loss, Julie is overwhelmed with happiness at the thought of family filling the Horton house again. But in Salem, sweetness never lasts long.

Because just as one branch of the family tree regrows, another prepares to break away.

Chad’s Heartbreaking Exit Begins

Tony DiMera offers Chad advice that may finally push the grieving widower toward an impossible decision — leaving Salem with Thomas and Charlotte for an extended stay in Arizona. Chad will wrestle with what it means to uproot his children from everything familiar, but staying may be even more painful.

Before he goes, he must untangle complicated emotions involving Cat.

Valentine’s Day brings charged moments, including a kiss in the town square. Whether fantasy or reality, the encounter underscores the turmoil in Chad’s heart. He knows any real future with Cat could detonate existing agreements with Jennifer and Jack. Yet walking away from Salem might mean walking away from the possibility of love entirely.

By the week of February 16, goodbyes begin — and they will not be easy.

The DiMeras Bury the Phoenix

In a powerful family gathering, Theo, EJ, Chad, Kristen, and Tony lay Stefano’s ashes to rest, hoping to finally end the tyrant’s long shadow. But Salem knows better than to trust a DiMera funeral.

Dr. Rolf arrives with a twist worthy of the family name: Stefano’s final instruction. He presents EJ with the Phoenix ring.

The symbolism is unmistakable. Power has shifted — and EJ intends to wear it.

Whispers of control, legacy, and resurrection grow louder, especially with a secret project nearing completion in Rolf’s lab. When EJ later brings Paulina to see the mysterious patient in a tube, she is horrified. It is a woman. Someone EJ loves.

And she may be about to rise.

Kristen’s Offer Could Change Everything

Kristen refuses to surrender her daughter without a fight. With Rachel’s future hanging in the balance, Brady, Belle, and Marlena push back hard, convinced the child needs stability and real help — not another DiMera scheme.

But Kristen counters with a proposal.

On Valentine’s Day, she presents Brady with an enticing deal that could include shared custody — if he meets her demands. Moving out. Reshaping his life. Possibly even sacrificing other relationships.

Brady faces an agonizing choice: freedom from war with Kristen, or a price too high to pay.

Love, Lust, and Rebounds

Elsewhere, sparks fly in wildly different directions.

Gwen grows closer to Xander, offering flirtation, fun, and eventually far more than mini-golf lessons. Yet insiders warn this connection has “rebound” written all over it. Xander may claim he’s moving on from Sarah, but unresolved feelings rarely stay quiet.

Meanwhile, Johnny and Chanel embrace romance, while EJ turns up the heat by inviting Cat to an intimate dinner that may end with a kiss.

Yes — that Cat.

Trouble for Dimitri, Temptation for Leo

Rafe slaps cuffs on Dimitri, accusing him in the crypt kidnapping plot. Dimitri swears he’s innocent — ironically, this time he might be telling the truth. As he scrambles for legal help, Leo is forced to confront lingering desire and the memory of a very different, more sincere love.

The Danger Stephanie Doesn’t See

While everyone watches Jeremy, another threat advances.

A familiar face from Stephanie’s past prepares to strike, and her romantic milestone with Alex could trigger the abduction many fear is coming. With key protectors distracted, she may soon find herself alone with a predator.

Meanwhile, the Teens Spiral

Drug-fueled chaos pushes Holly into erratic behavior, lashing out at Tate and even Ari. Sophia, meanwhile, coldly checks revenge off her list — but she’s nowhere near finished.