Episode 9 of Handmaid's Tale offers a cathartic reunion for Nick, June, & Nichole. But why does Nick hide his marriage, and who is his wife?

The Handmaid's Tale season 4, episode 9 "Progress," features what's probably the last meeting between June and Nick, but why does he hide his marriage from her during the reunion, and who's his wife? The episode shows that June (Elisabeth Moss) and Luke (O-T Fagbenle) are still hellbent on getting their daughter, Hannah, back. But when Commander Lawrence, who's as close as they get to a power-holding ally in Gilead, essentially tells June there's nothing he can do to help her, the couple has to think of another angle to try.

Interestingly, it's Luke who tells June to meet up with now-Commander Nick Blaine (Max Minghella) in an attempt to gain more intel on their estranged daughter. The fact that Luke even presents this option, where June would rendezvous with her ex-lover and the father of her other child is a testament to the couple's desperation. Although she seems initially hesitant about the idea, June decides to set it in motion. She meets Nick at a secluded safe house while she's tailed by Canadian secret service members, and even brings Nichole along to aid in her persuasion.

The reunion is a tender and cathartic sequence, one that many fans have been rooting for. Though inherently heartbreaking, it's also sweet to see the family have what is, most likely, their last moment together. But The Handmaid's Tale throws a slight twist at the very end as June leaves. Nick is seen taking what appears to be a wedding ring out of his pocket and putting it back on his hand; it seems he's been hiding a marriage from June. Despite being shocking for viewers, and deceitful towards June, Nick's choice is certainly for the best. Though the two still love each other, they're no longer in a real relationship of any kind. June has reunited with Luke in Canada, which Nick is clearly aware of. And with Nick still embedded in Gilead's government, there's no way their coupling will ever work outside of the nation's borders.

It's better for both of them to start moving on as much as possible, and June finding out that Nick is married would only add to the pile of turmoil that she's already beginning to sort through on season 4 of The Handmaid's Tale. Before she leaves, Nick urges her to "try and be happy" as she moves forward in her life – and all of his actions make it clear that he genuinely wants that for her. Even though June is back with Luke, Nick revealing his marriage would unnecessarily complicate things. And there's no need to do so now that they're clearly going their separate ways.

Though fans are buzzing about who Nick's wife might be, it's still unclear. Viewers haven't seen much of his life, unless it relates to June, this season. But the idea that he has a wife in Gilead does add a sinister layer to the idea of his marriage. She's most likely a woman (or even teenager) whose circumstances are akin to that of Esther Keyes (prior to becoming a handmaid) or Nick's late wife, Eden, from earlier in the show. Whether she thinks it's a role she wants or not, this unknown woman is stuck in a world where being female makes her less than. And, of course, if Nick has a wife, it's safe to assume that the couple has their own Handmaid, as well. It's no wonder Nick didn't reveal his marriage to June in The Handmaid's Tale; his life as a Commander has terrifying implications, which also mirror the searing pain of her past.

Next: The Handmaid's Tale: Why Gilead Refuses To Help The Waterfords