Days of our Lives Recap August 13: Marlena Revealed the Truth About Lexie

On the Thursday, August 13, 2026, episode of Days of our Lives, Marlena tried to help out some friends, Steve and Kayla doled out advice, and Rafe and Dimitri drove some hard bargains.

Finding Lexie

Marlena wondered if she had done the right thing | Image: Peacock

In the Carver apartment, Abe marveled at the idea that Lexie might be sick (which was weird considering that she had been dead just a few months ago). He realized that whatever was going on, Lexie didn't want to burden them with another illness. "What if Dr. Rolf's miracle drug is not really a miracle after all?" Theo wondered.

Abe convinced himself that Lexie would never give up and had taken off to find Dr. Rolf and get the help she needed. Abe promised Theo that they would figure this out. He'd call his old ISA contacts to try to get info.

Marlena ran into Paulina in Horton Town Square, where they discussed Chanel's condition. Her treatment was now on pause until she gave birth. Paulina's mind was also on Abe. It was his birthday, and she hoped he was having a happy celebration without her.

It was so hard for Paulina not even to be able to reach out to the man who was her husband on his birthday. But she was keeping herself distracted with mayoral duties and HIIT workouts, so it was all good. Paulina wished that she didn't still care about Abe so much, so Marlena cryptically said that she knew Paulina would be there for Abe if he needed her.

Paulina immediately wondered why Marlena would say such a thing. Marlena remained vague and suggested those who loved Abe stay close to him. After Paulina walked away, Theo appeared within seconds. He frantically told Marlena that he had no idea where his mother was.

Marlena took Theo to her office to talk, where he rambled on about all he knew, but the one thing he didn't know was Lexie's whereabouts. Abe's contacts had come up empty. Marlena suggested that Lexie might be somewhere in the DiMera mansion. "I think it's worth checking out," she said. Marlena finally caved and told Theo that Dr. Rolf's drug had stopped working and Lexie was dying again.

Setting Boundaries

Alex tried to make Stephanie happy | Image: Peacock

Stephanie arrived at the hospital to ask Kayla to give Joy flowers with a card signed "Kelsey." Stephanie wanted to be a better person and take the high road, but Stephanie wondered if it was too late. Kayla assured Stephanie that she had to keep trying and she knew she would. She never gave up on anything.

Stephanie just wanted what was best for Kelsey. "I am in awe of who you are," Kayla praised. Stephanie still thought Joy had been playing Alex, but knew this latest illness was real. She just wished Joy wasn't making it impossible for her to have a relationship with Kelsey.

Steve greeted Alex as he walked into the Brady Pub with Kelsey. Steve asked how Alex was doing with full-time dad duty and even asked to help out. Alex took him up on that offer. Alex explained how he had wanted to have a wedding celebration after he and Stephanie had eloped, but life had gotten in the way. He needed Steve to help him plan a big surprise now.

Steve agreed and thought it was a great idea, but felt Alex needed to do more. Steve truly believed that Joy was taking advantage of her health situation to spend more time with Alex. He knew that Joy's insistence that Stephanie not be around Kelsey for 18 years was just to drive a wedge between Alex and Stephanie.

He suggested that Alex set boundaries with Joy and tell Stephanie that he only had eyes for her. Steve felt Stephanie needed some reassurances, so Alex left to give them to her.

Later, Alex and Stephanie ran into one another in the apartment hallway. They reaffirmed their love for one another and promised to find a way to make their new living situation work.

An Offer She Can't Refuse?

Gwen had demands for Rafe | Image: Peacock

Gwen barrelled into Rafe's Alamanian hotel room in a panic. "We just left Matty with that lovesick psychopath," she said. Rafe was sure that Leo wanted to be there, but Gwen didn't buy it. His body language told them everything. Rafe reminded Gwen he was only there to find her because he had her written confession for a multitude of crimes.

Rafe reasoned that Leo had free will, so there was no reason to rescue him. "He used it to come here and he can use it to leave," Rafe said. He wondered why Gwen wasn't more worried about herself. Gwen was worried about herself, but she was also worried about Leo. Rafe had a suggestion. He would help her out if she helped him bring down EJ.

Gwen had to think about this for a moment, but finally agreed to return to Salem with Rafe and work with him on his quest to destroy EJ.

Dimitri Won't Give Up

In Dimitri's Alamanian lair, Leo remained aloof while Dimitri tried to create a romantic setting with some light jazz. When Dimitri went in for a kiss, Leo pushed him away. Leo reiterated to Dimitri that he was only there to free Gwen, not of his own free will. Dimitri didn't believe a word Leo said and insisted that Leo had never really gotten over him.

In fact, Dimitri felt that Leo might never get over him, which Leo scoffed at. Dimitri asked Leo to remember what they once had together. He would even give Leo the jet-setting life he had always dreamed of and deserved. Leo said he deserved better than that...and so did Dimitri.

Now that Leo had experienced love, he no longer wanted things. He just wanted to be with friends, family, and loved ones. "I will stay with you because I said that I would, but I deserve better than that. And you deserve better than to be with someone who is only with you because you're forcing them to be," Leo said.

Dimitri insisted that he saw Leo and understood him and could be the man that Leo needed. He asked Leo to change into the Italian clothing he had flown in. It was time for a romantic dinner. When Dimitri left the room, Leo wished he'd had ruby slippers so he could get home.

Does Dimitri need some time in Bayview? Was Marlena right to tell Theo the truth? Share your thoughts in the comments.