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Previously...

• After nearly a week of having no contact with her son, Diane went to Jason's apartment to seek answers. Furious that she let herself in without notice, Jason lashed out at Diane and commanded her to leave.
• As her jealousy for Rick's friendship with Liz soared to new heights, Kayla realized that her only way to deal with such was to embrace their friendship and prove to Rick that she supported their relationship. In Rick's presence, Kayla called Liz and surprisingly invited her to dinner.
• Desperate to keep Steve at Landon Manor, Emily pulled off her latest charade by faking a leg injury which would require more assistance at the estate. She soon realized her plan could foil though as Steve insisted to speak to a doctor and involve himself in her rehabilitation.
• While recovering from her injuries from the quake, Ashley was informed by her doctor that she was carrying a baby.  Torn whether she should keep the child or abort the pregnancy, Ashley realized that time was running out. Meanwhile, Kimberly was relieved that Ashley didn't remember any of the events from the quake which could incriminate her as a potential psychopath.

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Scene: An Unknown Hotel, San Francisco

Breathing heavily, Valerie Preston lays on her back as the man next to her rolls over and checks for any new messages on his cell. She stares desperately towards the door for a way out; she knows deep within there's no escape from herself though.

Trying to remember a time when she wasn't bound by such chains, she closes her eyes ever so slowly and goes back in time to her teen years. What a promising future she once had- Valedictorian of her High School and always having the satisfaction of leaving her parents with a beaming smile. Nowadays, finding a smile from those around her, or even herself for that matter, seemed like an impossible task.

"Well, I had another splendid time. God, you're such a beauty." The man speaks with an English accent after setting his phone down.

Valerie returns his glance with a blank stare, "Thank you. You're quite a charmer."

"You know, one of these days I'll have to take you out to a nice dinner. There's a beautiful restaurant in Nob Hill I'd love to introduce you to."

"That would be great, although I think your wife may have some objections." Valerie replies with a slight sneer.

"Nonsense, she's thousands of miles away. Besides, I told you we're in the process of getting a divorce. In a matter of no time she'll no longer be in the picture."

Valerie is silent as the man looks back at her and sighs deeply, "So what made you get into this kind of business?"

"That's really none of your business." Valerie snaps back as she picks up her blouse.

"Calm down, calm down. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to unsettle your nerves."

"Don't worry about it." Valerie looks away.

"Here's something extra, okay? I really do hope to see you again."

The man hands her some cash after reaching deep inside his coat pocket.  Valerie reluctantly extends her arm out as she accepts his gratitude.

"Thanks. As always, I'm quite appreciative." Valerie flashes a fake smile and walks towards the door.

"I really was serious about the dinner." The man calls out from behind her. "You're way too beautiful of a woman not to be swept off your feet by a Prince."

"Well," Valerie whips back around. "When I find him I'll be sure to let you know."

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Scene: Landon Manor, 2669 Pacifica Blvd.

Emily quickly wraps the bandage back around her leg as she notices Steve's car pull into the driveway. In a matter of minutes he would arrive at her bedroom door and Emily would be forced to carry on with the charade she had been pulling off for weeks now. So far, the disability had created some sympathy in her favor, certainly something she had strived for when the initial plot was conceived.

Thoughts of dread flood her mind as she realizes this is the first day that Steve will attend one of her "doctor" appointments. Although she is one step ahead by recently hiring a young R.N. to falsify reports and answer any questions that Steve may propose, she is still worried that holes could become apparent in the young man's responses and her game would quickly come to an end- as would her relationship with Steve.

"Well hello there, beautiful." Steve smiles as he enters the room.

Emily looks back with a smile and extends her arms out to embrace him with a hug. "I've missed you. How are things at the office?"

Going quite well," Steve lowers himself to meet her eyes. "Stock is up and we've actually booked quite a few new accounts. You have nothing to worry about, Em."

"I know that, Steve. I appreciate everything so much. I just feel so helpless in my absence."

"Don't. I'm sure you'll be back in tiptop shape in no time. Hopefully the Doctor can enlighten us on the current progress you've had as well. I mean, you are looking great if I may add."

"If only you were my Doctor..." Emily smiles back with sarcasm. "Yes, it will certainly be interesting to see what he has to say."

Suddenly the two jump at the sound of Steve's cell.

"I'm sorry about that, the damn volume is way too high. A sure sign that I'm getting old." Steve cracks a smile before studying the caller ID. Emily is troubled when he seems complacent about answering the call.

"Who is it?" Emily inquires.

"It's Diane . I haven't heard from her in quite some time...What in the hell would my ex-wife want now?"

Even though Diane is the last person that Emily wants Steve having contact with, she knows that if she expresses any objection to him answering that it would only push Steve further away.

Steve answers just before the final ring. "Hello Diane...what can I help you with?"

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