Reality suddenly comes crashing down for Irene when she discovers that someone has officially put an offer in on her beloved house. For a moment she is left stunned, struggling to process the idea that the place she has called home for so long might soon no longer belong to her. The possibility of being left without a roof over her head looms heavily, filling her with both uncertainty and fear.

Sensing her worry, Harper and Dana quickly step in to reassure her. Despite the very real concern that Irene may soon be homeless, both friends remain unwaveringly supportive. They remind her that sometimes big changes, while frightening at first, are the very steps needed to move closer to the life she truly wants. Encouraged by their faith in her and their gentle insistence that she follow her dreams instead of clinging to the past, Irene takes a deep breath. With their words echoing in her mind, she makes the brave decision to call the estate agent. After a moment of hesitation, she finally confirms that she is ready to proceed with the sale.

Later that day, Harper confides in Dana that Tane has kindly offered her and Archie a place to stay if things become too difficult. Though Harper is touched by the gesture, she admits she can’t bring herself to accept. Dana, always the thoughtful friend, sees an opportunity in the conversation and gently suggests that perhaps Harper has been putting her own happiness aside for too long. Maybe, Dana hints, it is finally time for Harper to think about opening her heart again — and to consider the idea of dating once more.

As David and Jo toast to their exciting new chapter, the mood is filled with warmth and celebration. They beam with pride as they officially mark the purchase of Irene’s house, eager to settle in and make it their own. Amidst the happiness, David decides it’s the perfect moment to share something close to his heart. With a smile, he reveals to Jo that he has been seriously considering asking Lacey to move in with him. The thought of taking their relationship to the next level excites him, and Jo listens with encouragement, sensing how much this means to him.

Elsewhere, Lacey is in a playful mood as she spends time with Sonny. With her usual cheeky humour, she teases him relentlessly, suggesting that maybe it’s time he thought about asking Dana to move in with him. At first, Sonny laughs it off, but the more he thinks about it, the more unsettled he becomes. The joke quickly plants a seed of doubt, and panic sets in when he begins to suspect that Dana might actually share the same expectation. The idea of such a big step feels overwhelming to him, far sooner than he’s ready for.

Unable to shake his nerves, Sonny decides he must be honest before the situation spirals further. Taking a deep breath, he sits Dana down and gently explains that, as much as he cares for her, he doesn’t feel ready to live together just yet. His words are careful but firm, making it clear that he needs more time. Dana, however, doesn’t hear reassurance — instead, she feels a sting of disappointment. Hurt and confused, she struggles to understand why Sonny seems to be pulling back when she believed their relationship was growing stronger.