The Bold and the Beautiful is building a slow burning disaster, and viewers can already see the heartbreak coming long before the characters do. Carter Walton is clearly falling for Daphne Rose, yet his cautious approach is sending her straight into Zende Forrester’s very attentive arms. Fans are watching this unfold with growing frustration because the outcome feels painfully preventable.

Carter Walton Must Stop Playing It Safe

Carter has always been thoughtful and careful with his heart, but now his restraint is beginning to look like self sabotage. He told Daphne that he was looking forward to getting to know her better. It sounded polite rather than passionate, especially coming from a man who recently confessed he longed for a fresh start after Hope Logan moved on with Liam Spencer.

The larger issue is that Carter keeps expressing interest without taking meaningful steps toward her. When he leaned in for a kiss at Forrester Creations, Daphne turned her cheek and told him she wanted him to work for her affection. Carter smiled and said he would, yet he has not shown the consistency she is asking for. Words are easy. Effort is not, and right now he is giving her far too little of it.

Zende Forrester Is Showing Up In All The Right Ways

While Carter drifts between hesitation and mixed signals, Zende is doing the exact opposite. He attended open mic night at Il Giardino specifically to support Daphne. He encouraged her, calmed her nerves, and created a space where she could shine. He is engaged, present, and emotionally in tune with what she needs.

Even the recaps pointed out that Zende noticed details others ignored, such as Taylor not being there only to hear Daphne sing. That level of awareness shows that he pays attention to the people around him. Daphne needs someone who sees her with that kind of clarity. Carter, meanwhile, is still processing his feelings for Hope and expecting Daphne to wait while he sorts himself out.

Daphne Rose Needs Someone Who Fights For Her

Daphne has been refreshingly direct about her expectations. She wants Carter to step up and show her that his feelings are real. She does not want a rebound. She does not want uncertainty. She wants honest effort and vulnerability.

The problem is that Zende is already giving her everything she has asked for, while Carter is offering only hesitant affection. Yes, Carter did kiss Daphne after her performance, and it was a sweet moment. But one kiss after an emotional night is not enough to build trust. Daphne needs a partner who is steady and open, and right now Carter is neither.

Heartbreak Is Coming Unless Carter Makes A Change

The chemistry between Daphne and Carter is real, but chemistry is not enough. Zende is consistent, supportive, and clearly falling for her. If Carter wants a future with Daphne, he needs to step forward with confidence and honesty instead of hiding behind fear.

Otherwise, he will lose her. Not because of fate. Not because of drama. But because he refused to fight for the woman he is clearly falling for.