Even with unpleasant beginnings, Nikki Newman is a class act. The writers of The Young and the Restless have done an amazing job keeping the character current. Nikki has come full circle, and I have enjoyed watching her blossom. But I can’t talk about Nikki without mentioning her on again and off again beau: Victor Newman.

Nikki and Victor have been married and divorced numerous times. Victor met Nikki at a gentleman's club, and became enamored with her right away. She was, of course, in awe of Victor and his power, and the way he treated her like a princess. They eventually married and had two children: Victoria and Nicholas (did you catch the play on names?). It has been a long journey for Nikki and Victor: infidelity, breakups, mistrust - the list is endless.

In recent day, Nikki’s character has become that of an independent businesswoman, which is nice to see. In the past, she has relied on Victor for money and never really had a career. Now, Nikki is stepping out on her own: by running for a Senate seat & heading the Clearsprings project. She is powerful and confident, which means Victor is feeling threatened. Victor is a traditional man, who does not support Nikki’s makeover. When Nikki ran for Senate, her husband supported Jack Abbott, the other candidate! Victor did so to seek out revenge on an enemy. Victor placed his own greedy needs above Nikki’s ambitions. And if you watch Y&R, you know this isn’t the first time. Nikki is now seeing someone that understands her new independent identity: David Chow.

Nikki’s relationship with David Chow is new and exciting. He is a great match for the new and revamped Nikki. David was Carmen Mesta’s love interest long ago, and he originally came to town to ensure that Carmen’s killer was caught and sent to prison. He wanted to make sure justice was served. When the real killer was caught, David had planned to leave Genoa City, but Victor persuaded David to speak with Jack about becoming his campaign manager. David was hired, but was eventually fired after a scandal involving Nikki. Even though Nikki did not care for some of David’s tactics, she hired him as her co-campaign manager, working beside Karen Taylor, her current campaign manager. David and Nikki became close over the campaign and grew to be good friends. After Nikki lost the race for Senate, David and Nikki grew even closer. Now, these two are one of the hottest couples on Y&R, and Victor is livid.

I see the Nikki and David storyline going far. The writers can go many directions with these characters: they can get married, start their own company, and yes even have a baby. (Okay, I know that’s reaching a little).