~The Next Day at the Kiriakis Mansion~

Philip Kiriakis is sitting on his couch with a glass of wine in his hand. His mind is on Stephanie and what he saw yesterday. Nathan Horton had his arms around his ex fiancée Stephanie Johnson, the love of his life. Seeing his Ex Wife Belle Brady and her daughter Claire put him in a good mood. He takes another sip of his wine. The door bell rings has Philip's butler Henderson walks to the door and opens it, has Belle stands there smiling.

"Hello Henderson is Philip home?" Belle asked.

"Yes he is Mrs. Brady come in." Henderson answered has Belle nodded while walking in the mansion.

Henderson walks into the family room has Belle follows him.

"Mr. Kiriakis sir Mrs. Brady is here to see you." Henderson said has Belle walks into the family room while Philip stands up.

"That will be all Henderson." Philip said has Henderson walks away leaving the two alone.

Philip looks around has he then gives Belle a hug.

"How are you and where's Claire?" Philip asked.

"I am doing ok and Claire's at with Caroline." Belle said has Philip nodded.

"You haven't seen Bo & Hope yet?" Philip asked.

"No I am trying to avoid them." Belle said while not to think about Shawn.

"I understand, Would like something to drink?" Philip asked.

"No I am ok but thanks for the offer though." Belle replied has Philip nodded."So have you talked to Stephanie at all?"

Philip shook his head.

"No I haven't." Philip replied quickly.

It pained the prodigal son to say that. He wanted to hear her voice; he wanted to see her because truth be told he loves Stephanie with all of his heart. There have been plenty of women that have walked in his life, Chloe, Morgan and yes Belle but there is only one he wants to spend eternity with and that's Stephanie Kay Johnson. Belle could see the pain in his eyes and it's something she'd seen before.

"I am sorry Philip."

"Yeah me too."

"Why did you two break up anyway?" Belle asked.

"My lifestyle me being like my father, I had Stephanie lie to Bo and Hope several times about EJ." Philip said."All because I wanted to end this fued with the Dimera's so the town of Salem could be safe."

"I heard about her kidnapping and that you saved her, It was very brave of you Philip." Belle said with a smile has Philip smiles back.

"Thanks Belle I am going to just call because I love her and I want to spend the rest of my life with her." Philip said has he goes into his pocket and grabs his cell phone.

"You really love her huh?" Belle asks.

"Yes more than I loved any woman in my life." Philip said has he and Belle share a look before Philip scrolls for Stephanie's number.

~Meanwhile at the Brady Pub~

Stephanie Johnson and Nathan Horton are sitting down having lunch. Nathan looks at Stephanie's face it's a look of sadness.

"Cheer up Stephanie I am sure you two will work things out." Nathan replied trying to cheer up his friend.

Stephanie looks at him and gives him a smile.

"I appreciate you trying to cheer me up but my mind is made up I have to do this." Stephanie said.

"Wow Philip's family affects you that much?" Nathan asked.

"Yes and he's always trying to get approval from Victor and It seems that he's becoming just like him." Stephanie said sadly. "I love him always have always will but I did what I had to do has much has it's pains me."

Nathan nodded has he grabs Stephanie's hand. The two smile at each other.

"Thank you for being with me through this Nathan I really appreciate it." Stephanie said honestly.

"No Problem." Nathan said has Stephanie's cell phone rings.

Stephanie goes into her pocket book and grabs her cell phone. She sees Philip number on the call id.

"Who is it?" Nathan asked.

"It's Philip." Stephanie said has she sighs.

"I am going to take this." Stephanie said has she gets up and walks outside.

Stephanie answers it.

"Hey Philip."

"Hey Stephanie how are you?"

"I am ok just at the brady pub eating and you?"

"I am working from home today for Titian, but um listen we need to talk Steph." Philip said."We have to work this out."

Stephanie nodded has she sighed. She loved Philip and no doubt wanted to marry him and spend eternity with but could he change? Stephanie didn't like Philip when he's around his father. Around her he's sweet caring and loving. It was like Philip has a Jekyll and Hyde complex about him.

"I don't know Philip I just…."

"Please Stephanie I love you."

Stephanie heart was beating fast that very moment. Just him saying that made her feel good and she wanted him more she wanted anything in the world.

"I love you too Philip and yes we need to talk listen meet me at my apartment in an hour." Stephanie said.

"Ok I will and Stephanie thank you I'll see you in an hour."

"Alright." Stephanie said has the two both hang up.

Stephanie smiled at the very thought of them hashing out their issues and getting back together.

To be continued. Peace God Bless