Written By Joseph

Julie calls for everyone's attention since it's about a minute to midnight so she wants to thank them all for joining them for a new Salem tradition. Julie raises her glass for the year that has passed and the year that is to come. They all begin the countdown to the new year and wish each other a Happy New Year. Julie and Doug kiss. Justin and Kayla kiss. John and Marlena kiss.

Eli continues knocking on the door. Gabi points out that it's midnight so they kiss until Lani answers the door in her nun outfit, surprising them.

Brady and Nicole kiss outside of Julie's Place while Kristen walks by and sees them.

Stefano and Gina's hideout is empty but they left behind their ring and tiara.

Princess Gina and Stefano go to Julie's Place as Hope and Steve. "Hope" greets Doug and Julie then reveals to them that she brought "Steve" with her. "Steve" enters wearing his eye patch and wishes everyone a Happy New Year as he announces that he's back, surprising Doug, Julie, John, Marlena, Justin, and especially Kayla.

Eli questions what Lani is doing here. Gabi notes that the front desk said this was Kristen DiMera's room. Lani responds that it is Kristen's room and she was kind enough to let her stay here. Gabi comments on Lani being a nun. Lani says she found a higher calling which has helped her put the past behind her. Eli says that's nice for her but not so much for the rest of them. Eli doesn't know why Lani is back in Salem and he doesn't give a damn because they came to talk to Kristen. Lani tells them that Kristen is not here. Gabi questions what a nun is doing out after midnight on New Year's Eve. Lani thinks Kristen went to crash a party.

Kristen interrupts Brady and Nicole kissing. Kristen remarks that Nicole never misses a trick. Brady tells Kristen that he heard she became a nun but seeing her dressed like that is shocking. Kristen comments that Nicole can't help throwing herself at men. Nicole tries to explain it as a friendly New Year's kiss. Kristen argues that she knows exactly how Nicole operates. Kristen calls Nicole still the same pathetic, desperate slut she's always been.

John tells Marlena that he never expected Steve to show up here tonight. Marlena questions what he's doing with "Hope". Kayla asks "Steve" if it's really him. He wishes her a Happy New Year. Kayla doesn't understand why he came back. Justin wants to know the answer to that too. Justin calls him cruel and unforgivable, questioning him showing up for this instead of his own sister's funeral or to discuss the end of his marriage. "Steve" says there was nothing to discuss because Kayla sent him the papers so he signed them because he figured that's what she wanted. He says he sees why now because "Hope" warned him that his ex-wife had moved on with the husband of his deceased sister. Justin warns that if he came back to Salem for Kayla, he can forget about it. He tells him not to worry because that ship has sailed and Kayla is not the reason he's here.

Eli questions Kristen crashing a New Year's Eve party and asks if nuns are even allowed to go to parties. Gabi remarks that Kristen's party days must be over. Lani doesn't think Gabi is familiar. Gabi doesn't care what Kristen does as she's here to talk to her about her DiMera shares because if Kristen signs them over to her, she will donate double their market value to their convent. Lani responds that she thinks Kristen has had a change of plans.

Nicole says Kristen has a hell of a potty mouth for a nun. Kristen says she's just speaking the truth. Nicole questions if she's been following them and how long she's been back in Salem. Kristen says long enough to know that she screwed up her relationship with Eric again and bounced back to his brother again. Brady says that's enough. Kristen asks if he's not sick of the same routine because Nicole can't hang on to a man but can't live without one. Brady tells Kristen that nothing is happening and they are just friends. Kristen brings up seeing Nicole pull Brady in to her apartment. Brady insists that nothing happened and questions why Kristen would care anyways since it looks like she is married to God at this point. Kristen then removes her nun's outfit and reveals a red dress underneath as she announces they broke up. Nicole mocks the real Kristen being revealed because she never believed her being a nun for a second. Kristen tells her not to judge her when she devoted her heart and soul to a prayerful life to atone for her sins. Nicole brings up Kristen killing Haley. Kristen says she never meant to hurt her and she's sorry for what happened. Brady mentions that JJ loved Haley and he's been a wreck without her. Kristen argues that she's been destroyed since losing their child. Brady shouts that he stood by her. Kristen feared that he was only doing it out of obligation, not true love. Brady asks why she wouldn't talk to him about it. Kristen didn't see the point because she was convinced it would never be the same between them without their child. Brady questions her just leaving without saying goodbye. Kristen cries that she was in so much pain and needed to start over far away from here so she thought she found her home in the church to spend the rest of her life but then JJ walked in and pulled a gun on her, calling her a murderer and a monster. Kristen shouts that God opened her eyes about judgment because people always thought the worst of her to where she started believing it. Kristen states that JJ belittling and shaming her made something switch inside of her and she knew she didn't need to take it anymore. Kristen says that she knows in her heart that she is right with God and his opinion is the only one that matters. Kristen declares that no one will judge her ever again. Kristen adds that Eli shouldn't judge Lani either. Nicole points out that she left him at the altar. Kristen says there's more to the story and accuses Nicole of judging. Kristen says Salem is filled with a bunch of hypocrites who have done far worse than them. Kristen adds that she came back to take what is rightfully hers and that is Brady because she still loves him and wants him. Kristen tells Brady to just kick Nicole to the curb and come back to her.

Gabi questions what Lani means that Kristen has changed her mind and asks if Chad persuaded her to sell her stock to him. Lani says Kristen changed her mind about selling her stock to anyone because she decided not to become a nun after all. Lani says that not everyone can embrace the higher calling. Eli guesses that means it was Lani who broke the Gabi Chic store window. Lani claims to have no idea what he's talking about and says it's a sin to destroy property. Gabi brings up the security footage of the town square so the nun had to be her. Lani guesses she is responsible in a way and talks about Kristen becoming very protective of her. Lani suggests Kristen could have thrown the plant because she was upset with Gabi for moving in on Eli. Eli says that's after Lani dumped him at the altar so it makes no sense. Lani says she is at a loss then and asks if Gabi has any idea. Gabi claims she has no clue and decides they are wasting their time. Lani tells Eli that he and his family are always in her prayers. Eli responds that he doesn't need her prayers as they walk out. Lani says to herself that he does, and so does Julie.

Julie reminds everyone that this a party and celebration. Kayla questions why "Steve" came back if not for her because everyone wants to know. John agrees and says it's always great to see his partner but he knows better than anyone about the ISA and secrets so he finds it a little strange that Steve would just show up after all this time. Justin asks him what the deal is. "Steve" responds that the truth is, he's here because of Marlena. Marlena doesn't understand what his return has to do with her. John asks what that is supposed to mean. "Steve" comments that John sounds threatened. "Hope" claims that she tracked him down because she's just as concerned that Stefano is targeting Marlena again. Marlena questions that because "Hope" was not convinced at the police station. She tells her that after Marlena left, they found Stefano's DNA on the cigar which proves he was in Salem so Marlena was right. John guesses Stefano is here for something big. "Hope" claims she's not taking chances on Marlena's life which is why she reached out to Steve. "Steve" adds that no one knows Stefano DiMera better than him except maybe John and Marlena. "Steve" tells Marlena not to be afraid because Stefano is no threat to her while he is here.

Gabi and Eli leave the Salem Inn. Gabi can't believe Kristen left the convent and wonders what she's going to do now and what she's going to do with her stock. Eli says that he shut down Lani before she could tell them why they came back to Salem. Gabi tells him not to worry about Lani because she's not worth it. Eli remarks that if he never sees Lani again, it will be too soon. Gabi claims she dropped an earring upstairs. Eli says he'll get it but Gabi says it's okay because he can't stand Lani so she'll go get it while she tells him to go home and get some champagne. Eli questions her trying to skip Julie's New Year's Eve party. Gabi thinks Julie will forgive them and says their private party will be the hottest way to ring in the New Year. Eli kisses her and walks away while Gabi heads back to the Salem Inn. Gabi goes back to Lani's door. Lani claims she was just in the middle of her evening prayer. Gabi tells her to drop the act because she knows Lani threw the plant through her window, not Kristen. Lani asks if she would rather she tell Eli the real reason why she might be angry enough to destroy Gabi's property. Gabi warns her that the threat to Julie is real so if she messes with what she and Eli have, she'll have to destroy Julie's heart. Lani questions why she's really with Eli and if it's just another way for her to twist the knife since she blames her for Stefan's death. Gabi guesses it was that at first but says now what they have is so real and Eli loves her, not Lani. Lani asks if he would still love her if he knew she was threatening his grandmother's life. Gabi warns Lani to disappear or Julie will pay the price. Lani starts to say a prayer. Gabi tells her to save it because she's not convinced.

Kristen pleads with Brady that she can see he still has feelings for her. Brady says everything changed when they lost their little girl because Kristen left without an explanation. Kristen knows she shouldn't have run and she's so sorry for not having the courage to face him but she was grieving their daughter. Brady argues that they were supposed to grieve together. Kristen says they can do that now. Brady wishes he could believe her. Kristen cries that carrying their baby changed her in to a totally different person, who Brady fell back in love with. Brady questions why she's coming back this way and insulting Nicole. Kristen calls Nicole a predator. Brady argues that Nicole has been by his side in his darkest moments and supported him while Kristen was nowhere to be found so Nicole is not the bad guy. Brady hoped that Kristen becoming a nun would mean she found peace but she's proving her soul is as twisted as ever. Nicole suggests they go before hearing any more of Kristen's lies. Kristen then grabs Nicole and they fight.

Eli goes home and thinks back to spending New Year's 2019 with Lani.

Lani thinks about New Year's 2019 as well and says she's so sorry she hurt Eli, wishing they could go back in time but they can't and she did what she had to do.

Marlena asks if they have any leads on Stefano. John asks if there's any idea where he might be. "Steve" claims he's still going over information that "Hope" gave him but suggests they shelve it for tomorrow since it's New Year's. "Steve" tells Marlena that it's been a long time but she has never looked better. "Hope" tells Kayla that she's sorry for not telling her that she was tracking Steve down but Stefano has eyes and ears everywhere. Justin understands keeping it quiet but feels she could've given Kayla some warning. Kayla agrees that she would've appreciated it but understands security is a priority. Justin suggests going home but Kayla says she has to ask "Steve" something first. Kayla says she knows she saw Steve as Santa at the Christmas party but that Santa didn't have an eye patch. Kayla says she was certain it was him but "Steve" claims it was not and suggests it must have been wishful thinking on her part. Justin and Kayla then exit together. "Steve" remarks that it's too bad but some relationships just don't work out.

Brady separates Kristen and Nicole. Brady tells Kristen that she has proven that she hasn't changed a bit. Kristen argues that Nicole is manipulating him against her. Nicole says she doesn't have to tell Brady how toxic Kristen is because he hasn't forgot all she has done. Nicole brings up Kristen torturing Marlena and kidnapping her and her daughter to take over her life. Nicole asks what is wrong with her. Kristen argues that Nicole is using Brady and settling for him because she can't have Eric. Kristen says when Eric gives her another chance, she will dump him to the side. Kristen argues that Nicole doesn't love or want Brady but she does so she questions why he would want to be with Nicole when he could be with her.

After stepping away, Princess Gina comments to Stefano that impersonating someone else is exhausting which he agrees with. Stefano admits he's been enjoying watching Kayla and Justin so flustered. Gina reminds him to keep his eyes on the prize, them coming between John and Marlena. John suggests to Marlena they should be grateful for "Steve" coming out of hiding to help find Stefano but Marlena says it was painful to see how uncomfortable it made Kayla. "Steve" tells them that Kayla has Justin to support her now so his focus is bringing Stefano down. "Hope" says it's hers too. John gets her reasons for bringing Steve in on this but he's surprised she didn't clue them in. "Hope" says she would have if they had a chance to discuss it. "Steve" says what matters is that they make a damn good team since they have all battled Stefano plenty over the years so no one knows what goes on in his head like they do. "Steve" suggests they call it a night. Marlena asks where he's staying. "Steve" responds that he was hoping he could crash with them and then in the morning they could start strategizing on smoking out Stefano. Marlena says they are sorry but their guest room is already filled. John tells "Steve" that he's welcome to the couch as they would love to have him. "Steve" adds that it would be safer for Marlena if he's there. "Hope" reminds that she's the police commissioner so she's running the show so he has to keep her in the loop.

Lani sits in her room thinking back to New Year's 2019 with Eli and being together.

Gabi comes home to Eli and says he looks a million miles away. Eli claims he was just missing her. Gabi informs him that she told Lani that she could never hurt him again. Eli doesn't know why she came back to Salem but he bets it's not for him. Gabi thinks Lani understands that it would be a mistake to cross her so she will just have to accept they are together, whether she likes it or not.

Kristen argues to Brady that this was supposed to be their night. Kristen reminds Brady that he promised they would ring in the New Year together and says they can still do that. Brady tells her that he can't let her back in to his life, knowing what she is capable of. Brady tells Kristen to leave town, go back to Italy, and leave them alone. Brady holds Nicole's hand. Kristen tells Nicole that it is all her fault. Nicole responds that she should've thought about the consequences when she stole her life. Brady and Nicole then walk off together while Kristen screams and breaks down crying.

Gabi and Eli toast their champagne to a Happy New Year for them. Gabi asks if he's still thinking about Lani. Eli just doesn't get why she came back instead of just staying in Italy. Gabi says it doesn't matter because whatever Kristen and Lani are trying to prove makes no difference to them since they are solid. Gabi and Eli then kiss onto the bed.

Kristen returns to her hotel room. Lani asks how it went. Kristen says she saw Brady and Nicole was all over him. Kristen knew something was going on but didn't know how deep Nicole's claws were in to him. Kristen insists that Brady loves her and if it was just the two of them, he would've given her another chance but Nicole has poisoned him against her. Lani asks what she is going to do. Kristen responds that she will do what she should've done from the start and fight for the man she loves.

Brady brings Nicole back to her apartment and asks if she's alright. Nicole says she can handle Kristen but she's worried about him. Brady insists he's fine. Nicole knows it must have been a huge shock to see her after all this time. Brady admits she still gets to him. Brady says when he first heard Kristen was becoming a nun, his heart went out to her and he felt sorry for her as he felt it was what she needed to do to get past losing the baby. Brady thought what if things were different and they still had the baby but now she's back like they should give it another go which he calls crazy. Nicole gets that it's hard not to be sucked back in but encourages him to be strong. Brady says seeing her again threw him but then she insulted Nicole so he knows she hasn't changed. Brady feels like he needs to steer clear of Kristen at all costs. Nicole is relieved to hear that. Brady declares his New Year's resolution is to not have anything to do with Kristen DiMera ever again.

Justin and Kayla walk outside. Justin asks if she's really okay. Kayla assures that she's fine but it was just a shock to suddenly see Steve after not seeing him for over two years. Justin was shocked by his attitude considering what he put them all through. Kayla doesn't want to talk about Steve anymore tonight because his return to Salem has nothing to do with her. Kayla is grateful because Steve leaving led her to Justin. Kayla thanks Justin for being there for her tonight. Justin says he always will be as he hugs her.

John and Marlena return home with "Steve". "Steve" says it feels like home being with them again. John says he was so shocked to see him that he forgot to thank him for coming to help them out. "Steve" declares that Black Patch is back in business. John adds that this time it will be them who put Stefano away. John can't believe Stefano thinks he still has a shot with Marlena. Marlena is sorry they can't offer him more than the couch. "Steve" says he's just happy to be there. John goes to get a pillow and blanket. Marlena wishes "Steve" a happy new year and goes to leave but he stops her. "Steve" tells her that he will stop at nothing to keep her safe and protected. Marlena says she appreciates that. He calls her precious to him as a friend as he hugs her.

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