The Bold and the Beautiful recap for November 17, 2023, details Hope’s epiphany about her life with Thomas and Liam’s epiphany about his life without Hope.
Thomas Is Open And Honest With Brooke
Thomas (Matthew Atkinson) tried explaining to Brooke (Katherine Kelly Lang) that his relationship with Hope (Annika Noelle) was more than just sex. He respects that her marriage just ended so Brooke wondered why he wouldn’t give her space. Thomas was honest — it was because Hope didn’t want space. If she did, she would have it.
Brooke warned him that he needed to keep his expectations low because she was mourning the loss of Liam (Scott Clifton) even if she couldn’t admit it. In Brooke’s mind, she was inside Hope’s mind. She wanted Thomas to understand just how much Hope treasured her life with Liam, at least according to Brooke.
Thomas tried to appeal to Brooke’s emotions and good sense. She of all people should understand that Hope didn’t want to be with someone with a divided heart, something Liam would always be. Brooke felt that Hope deserved a man who wanted only her, as long as it wasn’t Thomas.
She admitted she knew Thomas was trying to be a better person but Brooke reminded him that Hope wasn’t in love with him and might never be. Brooke still claimed that Hope was going through a phase, but Thomas didn’t believe that. He felt that he and Hope had a future.
Hope Is Open And Honest With Liam
As for Hope, she and Liam admitted that they still cared for one another, but Hope wanted Liam to understand that she was fine. She was living her life without him and he needed to accept that. Liam being Liam, he claimed the love he felt when he married her was still there, something he said to Steffy (Jacqueline MacInnes Wood) earlier this week.
Liam even thought Hope would never stop loving him either. All Hope could do was stare in disbelief and kindly tell Liam that they would always have a connection, but she was moving on. Liam once again scoffed that it was with Thomas. He was appalled that she’d forgotten when he kept Beth from them. Hope insisted she remembered but couldn’t let the past rule her anymore.
Liam truly put his foot in his mouth when he told Hope that having casual sex with Thomas was not her. Hope was incredulous and told Liam that he had no idea who she really was, but Thomas did and he loved her unconditionally.
When Hope pointed out that Thomas loved her and only her, Liam had the nerve to say he did too. Hope could barely believe her ears and told him he didn’t. He never did. Hope informed Liam she was open to all possibilities so he asked if she’d want another baby. Hope admitted that maybe she did, but certainly not with him.
As always, Liam being Liam, he asked Hope if she was even using birth control. She rightfully told him it was absolutely none of his business.
Hope Is Even More Honest With Liam…And Thomas
As Hope and Liam argued some more, Thomas walked up to the door and heard Hope telling Liam that Thomas sees her and knows her and she loves it. Yes, she will always love Liam but she knew she wanted Thomas — something a completely confused Liam found to be outrageous.
Just then, Thomas walked in so Liam could whine and complain about him some more as Liam is apt to do. He was nearly apoplectic when Thomas asked Hope if she was ok. Clearly, the tide had turned and Liam was the one who could hurt Hope now — or the one who always hurt Hope.
Finally, Hope had to tell Liam the little log cabin wasn’t his home anymore and he needed to go. Whether she meant to twist the knife or not, she also dropped one more big truth. Thomas loved her and only her — and she loved Thomas for that.
A dumbfounded Liam walked out so an amazed Thomas could ask Hope if she meant what she said. She did indeed love him just as he loved her. A dejected and rejected Liam then watched through the window as Hope found more passion with Thomas than she ever found with him.
When all was said and done, Thomas got the girl.
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