The Young and the Restless is about to deliver one of its most emotional twists of the year as Heather Stevens returns alive, blowing apart Daniel’s world and shattering his new relationship with Tessa.

What began as a gentle New Year romance now explodes into heartbreak, guilt and impossible choices.

Daniel and Tessa thought they had a new beginning

After New Year’s Eve, Daniel and Tessa allowed themselves to believe in happiness again. With Mariah gone, loneliness lingered and they found comfort in each other. Their love felt:

• healing

• unexpected

• fragile but real

Daniel finally believed he could move forward… until the past walked back into his life.

Heather returns from the dead — the twist nobody expected

Daniel is stunned when he comes face to face with Heather, alive and standing in front of him. The woman he mourned is not dead.

Heather reveals the truth:

• she was kidnapped by Ian Ward and Jordan

• a decoy woman died in her place

• her disappearance was part of a larger conspiracy

Her story turns Genoa City upside down and reopens every wound Daniel thought had healed.

Tessa fears she’s about to lose everything

Heather’s return sends shockwaves through Daniel and Tessa’s relationship. Tessa begins to wonder:

• Was she just filling Heather’s place

• Does Daniel still belong to another woman

• Can love survive a miracle return

Her worst fear surfaces — becoming the second choice.

Daniel is torn between two powerful loves

Daniel now faces the most painful decision of his life:

• Heather represents history, survival, family and unfinished love

• Tessa represents hope, healing and a new beginning

Either decision will break someone’s heart — and Daniel’s as well.

Sharon investigates — and the mystery deepens

Heather’s story exposes darker truths in Genoa City:

• Who helped fake her death

• Who was the decoy that died

• What secrets are Ian Ward still hiding

Sharon becomes entangled in uncovering the past, while rumors swirl that Mariah may return, adding yet another complication.

A love triangle ready to explode

Young and the Restless spoilers tease:

• Daniel drowning in guilt

• Tessa fighting to hold on

• Heather trying to reclaim her life

• Mariah possibly coming home

No matter what Daniel chooses, someone loses everything.

The stage is set for heartbreak, confrontation and the kind of emotional drama that The Young and the Restless delivers best.