Massimo Marone and Stephanie Douglas

Stephanie and Massimo were high school sweethearts and they share a son Ridge Forrester. They both studied in Northwestern University and Massimo was John Douglas's student.

Beginnings
The two dated in college before Stephanie fell in love with Eric Forrester. They consummated their relationship during a trip to Lake Geneva and soon after Stephanie started her relationship with Eric and left Massimo behind. She thought that the baby she was carrying belonged to Eric, but it was Massimo's. Eric left his then girlfriend Beth Logan believing that Stephanie was carrying his child and the two married.

Massimo being Stephanie's confidant
When Stephanie and Eric divorced the first time Massimo became Stephanie's confidant. Massimo even agreed to help Stephanie to keep Brooke Logan Forrester away from Ridge Forrester and his family with Taylor Hayes to satisfy his old flame. Ridge was furious with Massimo for manipulating and hurting Brooke.

Massimo learns he is Ridge's father
Ridge has an accident and needs a blood transfusion. At the hospital it's discovered that Eric and Stephanie both have a different blood type than Ridge and it's revealed that Ridge can't be Eric's son. Stephanie told Massimo the truth and asked him to not reveal this to Ridge or anyone else. Massimo agreed, but it was hard for him and he tried as hard as he could to be in Ridge's life even if his son was hostile towards him. Later on a heartbroken Ridge learned that Massimo is his biological father. The two bond and Ridge even ended up working for Massimo at Marone Industries for some time.

Stephanie and Massimo getting closer and Eric finding out the truth
Stephanie and Massimo bonded soon after the truth about Ridge's paternity came out, but Stephanie still wanted to be in a relationship with Eric even thought Massimo was fighting for Stephanie's heart. In 2003 Eric wanted to re-new his vows with Stephanie. Massimo tried to stop the ceremony by revealing the truth about being Ridge's real father to Eric. Ridge stopped Massimo and threatened him that if he will tell Eric the truth then he will lose him. Massimo chooses not to anger his son, but Eric finds out later on.