In the middle of a room full of people, Chad DiMera – a man who is usually calm and in control of his emotions – suddenly loses his composure.

While Jennifer and Jack are discussing the anniversary, he stands up, looks straight at Cat Greene and declares: “I can’t pretend anymore.”

All eyes turn to them. Jennifer frowns, Julie stands up, and Cat pales.

Chad says each word clearly: “Cat once pretended to be Abigail – Thomas’s mother – just to get close to me.” The words strike like a bolt from the blue.

Cat trembles, her voice choked: “I did it because I love you. I didn’t mean to hurt anyone.” But Jennifer shouts: “You dared to touch my daughter’s image, you don’t deserve to be here!”

Jack tries to intervene: “Enough, Jennifer!” But it’s too late. Cat burst into tears and ran out of the house, leaving Chad bewildered by the anger and contempt of his family.

When night fell, Chad went looking for her. He found Cat standing in the backyard, in the pouring rain. “You should hate me,” she said, her voice broken. “But I still love you, even though I know I will never be forgiven.” Chad stepped forward, intending to hug her, but Cat stepped back: “You shouldn’t.”

The streetlights cast shadows on the two figures—a love extinguished in the storm of truth. Chad turned and walked away, Cat collapsed, sobbing.

Tomorrow, Salem would no longer be peaceful. Because the truth, no matter how painful, always demanded to be told.