Distraught over the death of Isabella, John's feelings for Marlena resurfaced during "The Pit" storyline. Though the two tried to ignore them, John and Marlena gave into their feelings, embarking on a passionate affair. This affair resulted in the birth of their daughter, Belle. Initially, Roman was believed to be Belle's father, but the truth came out, and Marlena and Roman divorced. Knowing that their affair had hurt so many people, John pursued other relationships – most significantly with Kristen Blake, who turned out to be Stefano's adopted daughter. Kristen later found out she was pregnant. John and Kristen were engaged, but when Kristen miscarries, she fears losing John to Marlena. Kristen has a pregnant look-alike, Susan Banks, stand in and marry John in her place, with a plan to take Susan's child and raise it as hers and John's. Kristen's schemes were exposed, and John broke up with her, reuniting with Marlena.