Salem is heading straight into high gear as Days of Our Lives barrels into February sweeps, and the drama unfolding between February 9 and 13 promises shocking revelations,

romantic shake-ups, and dangerous schemes that could permanently alter several lives. From Philip Kiriakis delivering a stunning surprise to Cat making

a bold and potentially explosive move, the coming episodes place nearly every major family on unstable ground.

As the fallout from this week’s events continues to ripple outward, secrets refuse to stay buried, alliances fracture, and long-simmering tensions finally erupt.

Philip’s Stunning Move Leaves Gabi Reeling

One of the biggest shocks of the week centers on Philip Kiriakis and Gabi Hernandez. Philip’s actions are set to completely blindside Gabi, and early spoilers suggest this may involve a dramatic romantic gesture tied to an unexpected getaway. After months of grief, manipulation, and emotional survival following Stefan’s presumed death, Gabi finds herself torn between moving forward and being pulled back into unresolved pain.

While Gabi has insisted she’s over Stefan, the confirmation of his death hits far harder than she anticipated. Philip’s timing couldn’t be more complicated. What initially looks like romance may actually reopen wounds Gabi hasn’t begun to heal. Their impending trip to Miami—possibly planned as a Valentine’s Day surprise—raises questions about Philip’s motives and whether he’s offering Gabi escape, distraction, or something far more serious.

Adding to the tension is Theo, whose feelings for Gabi threaten to upend everything. If Theo reveals Gabi’s secret involvement in spying on Titan, the fragile trust between her and Philip could collapse instantly.

Vivian’s Web of Lies Tightens

Meanwhile, the mystery surrounding Vivian Alamain deepens. After Rafe Hernandez and Eli Grant uncover a suspicious tablet at Vivian’s residence abroad, their investigation suggests they may have walked straight into a carefully staged trap. Vivian appears far too calm about the discovery, fueling suspicion that she wanted them to find it.

As Rafe and Eli press her for answers, Vivian delivers a story convincing enough to send them back to Salem believing Stefan is truly dead. However, whispers suggest the remains tested may not belong to Stefan at all. With Jake’s identical DNA a possible match, Vivian may have executed one of her most twisted deceptions yet.

Behind the scenes, her alliance with Gwen to destroy Dimitri continues to take shape. Vivian’s hatred of the von Leuschner family—and Gwen’s vendetta against Dimitri—makes him the perfect scapegoat in their long game.

Grief, Guilt, and Family Fallout

Back in Salem, Rafe and Arianna step in to comfort a devastated Gabi as the emotional weight of Stefan’s death becomes undeniable. For Gabi, this is not just about loss—it’s about being robbed of a future she never had the chance to reclaim. Vivian’s manipulations have cost her far more than anyone realizes.

Elsewhere, Chad DiMera attempts to bring a fractured family together for Stefano’s memorial. As the DiMeras gather at the mansion, tensions simmer beneath the surface. EJ and Kristen’s constant power struggles threaten to overshadow even this solemn moment, forcing Chad to beg for a temporary ceasefire.

EJ, determined to assume the role of patriarch, delivers a speech acknowledging Stefano’s many flaws while reaffirming his devotion to the DiMera legacy. The symbolic passing of the Phoenix ring signals EJ’s intent to take full control—whether his family is ready or not.

Romantic Crossroads and Valentine’s Turmoil

February sweeps wouldn’t be complete without romance—and heartbreak. Brady and Sarah decide to move forward with their relationship despite knowing it will provoke Xander and invite chaos from Kristen and Rachel. Their choice signals a refusal to live in fear, but the consequences may be swift and severe.

Stephanie and Alex also face a pivotal decision. In light of escalating danger from Stephanie’s stalker, the couple considers fast-tracking their future. With threats closing in, they question whether waiting for the “right time” even makes sense anymore.

Valentine’s Day brings moments of tenderness for longtime couples as well. Steve and Kayla celebrate another wedding anniversary, reflecting on a love that has survived betrayals, separations, and countless dangers. Jennifer and Jack share quiet romance, while Paulina and Abe attempt to enjoy what may be one of their final peaceful moments together—especially with rumors swirling that Lexi could soon return from the dead.

Cat Makes Her Move—and EJ Is Vulnerable

One of the most dangerous developments of the week involves EJ DiMera and Cat. As EJ struggles under the weight of family expectations, grief, and power plays, he becomes increasingly vulnerable. Cat senses the cracks and makes a calculated decision to get closer—very close.

Her plan involves more than seduction. Cat aims to extract information, manipulate EJ’s emotional state, and position herself strategically within the DiMera orbit. A kiss may be only the beginning of her agenda, and EJ may not realize the trap until it’s too late.

A Stalker Strikes Back

As if Salem weren’t volatile enough, the stalker targeting Stephanie proves to be several steps ahead of law enforcement. Despite a coordinated plan involving Stephanie, Jada, Alex, and Steve, the threat escalates dangerously.

During February sweeps, the stalker—identified as Owen Kent—is expected to abduct Stephanie straight from the hospital. The shocking move underscores just how serious the danger has become and sets the stage for a high-stakes rescue that could have devastating consequences.

Salem on the Brink

With Vivian’s lies unraveling, Philip’s surprise threatening emotional fallout, Cat’s manipulation gaining momentum, and a stalker on the loose, Days of Our Lives is heading into one of its most explosive weeks of the year.

February 9–13 promises heartbreak, romance, deception, and danger in equal measure. As alliances shift and secrets surface, Salem’s residents will be forced to confront truths they may not survive—and viewers won’t want to miss a single moment.