Daily Update for
Feb. 9, 2012

John, Marlena, Bo and Hope anxiously wait to hear from Carrie about what they have to do to get John and Hope's marriage annulled. They decide to confront Stefano and see what else they can get him to reveal about this unexpected development.

At the mansion, Stefano stonewalls. He preys on their private fears and apprehensions about John and Hope's relationship, and whether any of their past attraction is lingering subconsciously. John and Bo are furious but Marlena prevents them from attacking Stefano. When it's apparent Stefano is only interested in playing mind games, they leave, but not before Hope asks if he's opened the envelope from Alice. She hopes whatever is inside will haunt him forever. They leave. Later, John gets a one-way call from Carrie and relays to the group that getting the annulment isn't going to be as easy as they thought. Meanwhile, Kate congratulates Stefano on his masterful manipulation, but when he's alone, he's deeply worried as he hears Hope's last words echoing in his head.

Brady shows up unannounced at Madison's hotel room to take her on a fancy date. They go to the cafe in Horton Town Square, where they first met. He's pulled out all the stops for a romantic evening ... which culminates in him asking Madison to marry him! As he's proposing, EJ and Nicole arrive for dinner and can't help but witness this event. Nicole is wistful. EJ questions and she says it isn't about Brady. It's about him and Madison having the kind of fairytale courtship she knows she'll never have.

Madison doesn't give Brady an answer to his proposal. He's kind and caring, knowing this was sudden and unexpected. He'll give her all the time she needs, but no matter what she decides, he'll never stop loving her. Later, Brady takes Madison back to her room and she's surprised when he tells her he isn't staying. He wants to give her time alone to think about his proposal. He leaves. When Madison goes into her room, she finds an older, attractive man (Ian), who greets her with surprising intimacy as he smiles and says: hello, my darling. Madison is shocked by his presence.