Wild Nights With My Brother’s Ex-Best Friend novel Chapter 61

Chapter 61

NICOLE

One month had passed since that day.

The moment I stepped out of the courthouse doors, a heavy weight seemed to lift from my chest. I could finally breathe more freely, feeling a sense of relief wash over me. Dan was officially out of my life—for good, I hoped. At least, that was the hope I clung to tightly. He had been sentenced to seven years behind bars. Not nearly the punishment I wished for, considering everything he had done, but it was enough to give me some peace. For now, I wouldn’t have to fear him lurking in my world.

In many ways, it was a huge relief. Yet, surprisingly, it didn’t feel as liberating as I had imagined. Instead, an odd numbness settled inside me, dulling any sense of triumph or closure.

As I walked past a newspaper stand, my eyes flicked over the headlines, almost out of habit. Near the bottom of one page, a small announcement caught my attention—one I had noticed earlier on my way to court but hadn’t really registered until now.

Roman and Carmen had tied the knot.

I forced myself not to dwell on them. Some days were tougher than others, but mostly, I managed to push the thought away. With each passing day, the memories and emotions surrounding them seemed to fade a little more, becoming easier to bear.

As for Esmeralda, I hadn’t heard a word from her since everything fell apart. She had arranged, through Haley, to return the things I’d left behind at the hotel, but beyond that, silence. I wasn’t exactly devastated by her absence—in fact, it only fueled my irritation. How dare she judge my life so harshly? I still couldn’t believe how brutally our friendship had ended.

But deep down, I knew it was for the best.

Sliding into my car, I glanced at the dashboard clock. Perfect timing—I’d be right on schedule to meet Sebastian for lunch. He hadn’t been able to attend the sentencing because of an important meeting he couldn’t skip. Though he wanted to cancel, I understood how crucial it was from my role as his secretary. I reassured him I’d be fine on my own, and he trusted me not to worry.

I could handle myself.

When I entered the restaurant, I spotted him sitting towards the back. The moment his eyes met mine, they lit up with warmth and relief. A comforting glow spread through me. Before I even reached the table, he stood, wrapped an arm around my waist, and pressed a gentle kiss to my lips.

“How did it go?” he asked softly.

We settled across from each other, and he took my hand in his. Sometimes, it still felt surreal that we were actually together. That he was my boyfriend. Accepting that reality had been the most impulsive choice I’d ever made, but I didn’t regret it—not for a second. How could I? Sebastian was kind, loving, patient, and endlessly supportive. He was everything I needed: stable, genuine, and caring.

Still, there were moments when I wondered if I should have taken things more slowly.

I worried about making mistakes and hurting him.

“Well,” I began cautiously, “he was sentenced—seven years.”

Anger flashed across Sebastian’s face. “Seven years? That’s nowhere near enough! That bastard deserves to rot in prison for what he did, Nicole!”

I nodded, tucking a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “I know. But I’m just relieved it’s over. At least for now, I won’t have to worry about him.”

His grip on my hand tightened. One of the things I loved most about being with Sebastian was how close we were without feeling suffocated. He was there when I needed him, but never hovering or pressuring. It was a balance I hadn’t known I craved.

“Yeah, I’ll be there,” I replied, trying to sound upbeat.

He paid the bill, and we left hand in hand. This felt like the right step forward. I needed to move on, and I knew Sebastian cared for me deeply—he would never hurt me. I couldn’t keep dwelling on Roman, Dan, or all the broken pieces of my past.

He was already married—to a new life. How foolish was I to hesitate with Sebastian because of someone who was moving on?

It was time for me to do the same.

And this time, I was determined to make the most of it.

“Want me to drop you home?” he asked.

I paused, then shook my head. “You know what? I want to go to work.”

“Are you sure?”

I smiled and nodded.

I needed a distraction. Going home would only set me up for failure.