Ridge and Brooke’s Marriage Ends Amid Tears and Raised Voices

At Brooke’s place, she tells Ridge she hasn’t signed the annulment papers because she can’t believe this is happening. He says it’s not easy for him either. She wants him to rip them up and asks him again to tell her why this is happening.

At Forrester Creations, Steffy tells Thomas she can’t believe their dad is finally doing it. Thomas thinks Brooke needs to accept that their father is done with her. Steffy wonders what pushed him over the edge. Thomas states recaps that they can finally move forward without her. Seeing everyone so happy in his life makes it all worth it.

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In the design office, Liam tells Hope he’d like to avoid Thomas while he’s there. She says he and Steffy are in a meeting. Liam raves about what she pulled off the other night and asks if she’s on a crazy high right now. Hope hasn’t had time to think what with all the orders and interview requests. Liam expresses his pride, even if he wishes Thomas weren’t a key part of it.

Liam asks Hope if she understands where he’s coming from when it comes to Thomas. She flashes to Thomas trying to kiss her and assures her husband she knows she has to be cautious with him. Katie walks in and asks if they heard — Ridge had annulment papers served on Hope’s mother. Hope’s jaw drops.

In the main office, Taylor joins her kids and wants to know what’s going on. Steffy thinks she’ll want to take the rest of the day off and celebrate when she hears the news.

At Brooke’s place, she tells Ridge it’s not the end; they were just settling in. Ridge argues, “The damage has been done. You see that.” Brooke hollers, “What damage? I don’t get it! What is it?! What is making you want to end our marriage?!?”

In the design office, Hope can’t believe Ridge is really doing this. Liam agrees; none of them really expected this to last. They gripe about Thomas and Steffy pressuring Ridge to reunite with Taylor. Hope finds it all so weird. She wonders if it’s the situation with Douglas or her mother’s concerns about Douglas. Katie complains it’s almost like he has to choose between his two families. Hope can’t understand why it all went to hell and blurts, “What happened?”

In the main office, Taylor guesses that Steffy’s pregnant, but she tells her that’s not it. Thomas and Steffy spend some time baiting her with talk of bright futures before revealing that Ridge has done something major. “It’s happening. Dad is finally serving Brooke with annulment papers.”

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At Brooke’s place, Ridge tells Brooke he doesn’t want this — he doesn’t want any of this. Brooke doesn’t either. She just wants him there with her. He can’t do that. Brooke argues they have everything they need, he just needs to communicate with her. “What is it? Is it Bill?” Ridge says it’s not Bill or Deacon. He bellows that all he wanted from her was some humanity, some kindness some forgiveness! He tears up, “That’s my boy! You gave up on my boy, my flesh and blood in the worst way!” Brooke gawps, “Thomas? This is about Thomas?” Ridge, emotional, says he can’t battle with her anymore. Brooke wipes away a tear.

In the design office, Hope, Katie and Liam puzzle over what pushed Ridge to leave Brooke. “Everything went south when Ridge followed Steffy and Taylor to Aspen.” Liam found it abrupt and Hope complains that Steffy was advocating for her father to reunite with her mother. Liam wants to blame Thomas. Katie points out that Ridge is a grown man who can make his own choices. Liam thinks Thomas used the Douglas thing to drive a wedge between them and is always up to no good.

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In the main office, Steffy tells Taylor that her dad is invalidating his marriage to Brooke, which means he wants to start a life with her immediately. Taylor says he didn’t tell her he was doing this today. She can tell something is weighing on him. Steffy replies that of course he feels guilty about dumping Brooke, but this is the best thing that could happen for Taylor and Ridge. Taylor is happy, but she wants Ridge to be happy too. Thomas argues she makes him happy. Taylor is glad he followed through with this, but Brooke is very important to him and there’s conflicting feelings going on with him. Thomas states that Brooke is gone and they should be popping champagne and celebrating because she’s gone for good.

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At Brooke’s place, she mystified that this is about Thomas. She’s expressed her concern about whether he can parent Douglas full-time but that’s no reason for an annulment. Ridge complains, “You couldn’t find even a small place in your heart. None at all.” Brooke wishes she could believe he’s changed for the good, but the fact is she thinks he’s responsible for some of the issues they’ve had in their marriage. He’s being manipulative and not entirely truthful. Ridge snaps, “Did you say truthful? Okay, let’s be truthful. Is there something you want to tell me about Thomas?”

In the design office, Hope asks if Liam’s implying Thomas has something to do with Ridge and her mom breaking up. Liam feels it’s a mystery but he can’t shake the feeling that Thomas is popping a bottle of champagne somewhere. Whenever things go wrong and no one can figure out why, it’s Thomas. Why should this be any different.

In the main office, Taylor worries something will happen and Ridge will change his mind and do the old switcheroo like in the past. Steffy and Thomas reassure her.

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At Brooke’s place, she wants to know what Thomas has to do with their relationship and their marriage. Ridge loves her and will always love her. Brooke tells him he doesn’t have to go through this and be with Taylor. Ridge thought it was going to be the two of them forever, but he can’t do this. Brooke asks why not — he hasn’t even told her what this is all about! Ridge stonewalls her so Brooke says he’s clearly made his decision. “You want to be with Taylor. I’m not going to stand in your way.” She walks over and sits down in front of the annulment papers. As she reaches for the pen to sign, Ridge grabs it. Looking at her with a tear on his cheek, he hands it to her. He cries as she signs on the dotted line to end their marriage. After, he picks up the paperwork, strokes her cheek, and walks out. Brooke exhales.

Next on The Bold and the Beautiful: A determined Thomas doubles down on his evil manipulation of Brooke and Ridge, and Brooke shares an unsettling theory with Hope.

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