February 22, 2022

'The Bachelor' recap: Clayton picks the 4 women whose families he'll meet

WATCH: New ‘Bachelor’ Clayton Echard on his new season

With nine women remaining and hometowns right around the corner, Monday's episode of "The Bachelor" saw Clayton deciding on the four women whose families he'd meet, leading to one of the most heartbreaking eliminations of the season.

First, two of the ladies had a score to settle after Mara -- angry over losing a one-on-one date to Sarah, who already had one -- warned Clayton that Sarah wasn't ready for marriage. Clayton, without revealing his source, confronted Sarah with the accusation and, after an emotional conversation, gave her the date rose.

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Back at the hotel, Mara told Sarah that she was the one who approached Clayton, leading to an argument between the two. The drama ended at the rose ceremony where Mara -- along with Eliza -- was sent home.

The action then moved to Vienna, Austria, where Sarah, Teddi, Genevieve, Rachel and Gabby took turns opening up with an intimate couples therapy session. The task proved to be too daunting for Genevieve, resulting in Clayton sending her home.

At the conclusion, Clayton was rocked by the therapist's observation that one of the remaining ladies wasn't being honest with her answers.

Pamela Littky/ABC
Clayton Echard in a promotional image for "The Bachelor" season 26.

After speaking with each of them at the after-party, Clayton determined that Sarah was the guilty one and sent her packing. He rejoined the others with the announcement that he couldn't give any of them the date rose.

Meanwhile a pair of one-on-one dates ended with Susie and Serene taking home date roses.

MORE: 5 things to know about 'Bachelor' star Clayton Echard

That led to the most heartbreaking rose ceremony yet, as Teddi was sent packing.

Here are the four women whose families Clayton will meet:

Gabby, 30, an ICU nurse from Denver, Colorado

Rachel, 25, a flight instructor from Clermont, Florida

Serene, 26, an elementary school teacher from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Susie, 28, a wedding videographer from Virginia Beach, Virginia

"The Bachelor" returns Monday at 8 p.m. ET on ABC.