Salem’s calendar has just opened when it’s hit with a series of devastating events: Dimitri von Leuschner returns and immediately throws Leo Stark and Javi Hernandez into chaos.

Leo and Javi haven’t even settled their “marriage papers” yet, and Dimitri appears, bringing with him a sharp question: Who does Leo truly belong to, and is Javi marrying someone whose heart is still entangled with an ex?

Even more tense is that Leo and Javi’s marriage papers aren’t finalized, meaning their relationship is on an unconstructed foundation.

Javi begins to doubt Leo’s feelings, and Leo must prove himself through actions, not words.

Meanwhile, Dimitri has no intention of “going easy”; he wants to win back his money, and he’ll do anything to create a rift.

Gwen isn’t out of the woods either. Dimitri’s return puts Gwen straight into the hot seat, directly confronting him about his imprisonment and what happened when he disappeared. And it’s Days, after all; confrontation isn’t just verbal. A kiss Dimitri gives Leo could ignite a fire, because it’s not just affection, it’s a declaration of ownership. If Javi hears or sees it firsthand, all of Leo’s attempts at “proving” himself will be thwarted. Salem prepares for a love triangle where the one who suffers the most is often the kindest.

On another front, Titan explodes. Xander Kiriakis, consumed by jealousy, directly fires Brady Black from Titan. This move is both a display of power and personal revenge, as Sarah Horton just had a steamy New Year’s Eve with Brady, and then confided in Maggie. When Xander gets jealous, he doesn’t need a reason; he needs someone to take the blame.