Days of Our Lives Recap - Thursday, August 14, 2025 | Sarah’s Slap Heard Around Salem as Belle Becomes EJ’s New Suspect

Things were spicy on Days of Our Lives Thursday as Sarah let her hand do the talking with Xander, Belle grilled her own mother in court, and EJ started eyeing Belle as his potential would-be killer. Meanwhile, Chanel put on a brave face, but Salem veterans know that confidence in court is often the first step toward chaos.

Sarah and Xander | DAYS, Peacock 

Sarah Serves Coffee and a Slap

At the Kiriakis mansion, Sarah was tidying up Victoria’s toys when Xander stumbled in looking like last night’s bad decision. She wasted no time bringing up his therapy with Marlena, and he wasted no time asking for coffee to cure his hangover. Instead, he got a smack so sharp it could have been sponsored by Max Factor. Sarah’s point? Now he knows what it’s like to be on the receiving end of a blow and that was before she reminded him he broke their vows with Gwen.

Xander admitted to visiting Gwen’s hotel room but swore nothing happened. Sarah was unmoved. In her book, kissing Gwen counts as cheating, especially when that woman’s history with her is nothing short of villainous. Through angry tears, she ordered him to get Victoria and leave. Across town, Gwen casually admitted to Xander later that she lied to Sarah about them sleeping together just to make Sarah jealous. Xander’s glare could have cracked glass.

Courtroom Crossfire

At the courthouse, Marlena prepped to testify while Belle apologized in advance for attacking her credibility. Marlena, always the picture of maternal understanding, reassured her. Once on the stand, Marlena revealed that during hypnosis, EJ remembered his shooter was a woman, sending whispers through the room. EJ jumped on that to declare Johnny innocent.

Belle, in cross-examination mode, pointed out that hypnotic memories aren’t exactly foolproof. But EJ made sure Marlena told the jury she believed his recollection was genuine. In the gallery, Chanel sat steady, but Paulina was a storm brewing, ready to bulldoze anyone who tried to put her daughter in prison for EJ’s sake.

Kristen and Rachel Bring the Drama

At the Pub, Kristen and Rachel had a post-shopping lunch, but the girl was in no mood to play along. She knew Kristen was buttering her up because of the trial. When Brady’s flat tire delayed him, Kristen told Rachel she’d have to come to court instead. Rachel balked at the idea until a chance meeting with Sarah turned into an escape plan. Over ice cream, Rachel grilled Sarah about whether she and Xander were getting a divorce, reminding her that Victoria might not take it well.

EJ’s New Theory

Back at the DiMera mansion, Gwen popped in on EJ, who was still obsessing over the shooting. The two tossed around theories until Gwen dramatically guessed it was Belle who pulled the trigger. She dismissed it just as quickly, but the seed was planted. Later, in the courthouse corridor, Kristen confronted EJ about whether he thought she shot him. EJ wasn’t sure, but he was convinced Marlena knew. Kristen reminded him Marlena has ties to plenty of potential suspects, from Chanel to Gabi. EJ’s reply was simple, it could be anyone. His gaze lingered on Belle as she stepped out of the courtroom, and the tension could have been bottled and sold as DiMera brand drama.

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