Wild Nights With My Brother’s Ex-Best Friend novel Chapter 170

NICOLE

I open my eyes and my first instinct is to look around the room for Roman.

Sure enough, he still isn’t here, and it’s morning. Though I’m trying really hard to keep a positive outlook and accept that this is a part of his life that he can’t just erase, I’m struggling. Especially after what happened last night.

Knowing that he’s in a clinic or hospital somewhere, standing beside Emeralda and her swollen belly, really does something strange to me. My thoughts take a dark turn and insecurity sets in.

It hurts. Even though I know he’s just performing his duty.

Of course, she’s milking it. She wants his attention. She wants him all for herself.

We never talk about her and I mean never. I don’t care about her condition and Roman doesn’t offer any explanation. But when things like this happen, that s when it becomes hard to ignore.

I wash up and head to the kitchen to have breakfast, but realize that I’m not hungry at all. This has really ruined my appetite.

Couldn’t he at least have called? So I wouldn’t have to worry?Today’s my day off at work, which is the only reason why Roman and I went out yesterday. The break’s supposed to run from today, Wednesday, to Friday, and next Monday, everything goes back to normal.

But I’m suddenly entertaining the idea of going to work just so I can distract myself. Roman hasn’t even called.

Am I supposed to sit here and wonder when he’ll be back or what even happened?

It’s mental torture.

I don’t allow myself to think twice. I get dressed and head on to work. If Roman had shown up while I was getting ready, I would have stayed, but he’s still not back, and l can’t deal with this.

As I leave the penthouse, I find myself wondering how much more of this I can take. Will this always be a problem? Will Emeralda always come between us?

I’m still asking myself all these things when I walk into the office, but as soon as I see Leonardo standing near the front desk with Renate, these thoughts are interrupted.

I’m a different person when I’m here, surrounded by the Calieris. Leonardo is rarely around but when he is, he always makes sure to mess with me in some way.

I hate it. I hate him.

I ignore him and greet Renate before heading into my office. I’m not expected today so I don’t have much work,but there’s always something to do around here and I need a distraction.

Hardly five minutes have passed, yet Angus barges into my office with his suffocating, optimistic energy. He’s smiling broadly as he says, “Nicole, you don’t know how glad l am to see you in! That’s the working spirit that this company needs.”

I don’t think saying anything will help. I don’t want him to guess why I’m here, though I should’ve anticipated this sooner because Angus has always been this way.

“Well, since you’re here, I think you can have a discussion with our new client and introduce her to everything involving the company. She has a few questions.’

I’ve only interviewed five clients before, and Angus has it in his mind that I’ve managed to convince them to do business with us even though I’m sure they came here with that intention anyway.

I don’t argue with him. I just nod and say, “Sure.”

“She’s waiting for you in room three.”

1 grab my laptop and stand up. Angus is still by the door, watching me with an expression I’m better off ignoring. I even make a point of not looking at him, but of course, this has no effect on him.

She’s the one who’s sleeping with Leonardo?

Laura clasps her hands and watches me with a look I can’t decipher. I don’t like the energy she brings at all. There’s something about the way she’s looking at me…

“So,”I say, “I’d like to start by asking if you have any questions for me. Anything at all. I’d love to put your mind at ease and-”

“Well,” she interrupts, “you can tell me anything worthwhile and I’ll gladly listen to you.”

I start by introducing what it is we do here. Laura’s eyes are on me but I have the feeling that she isn’t listening to me. She’s watching me as I speak, and it’s the most uncanny thing ever.

What’s her problem?

“That’s the support we can offer you,” I conclude. “Of course, we do have regular meetings with all our clients, and we can advise you at any point in time regarding any doubts you might have.”

“Yes. This all sounds nice, doesn’t it?” She tilts her head to the side. “You really…are good at convincing people.

Maybe a little too much.”

I stare at her, not sure why her words aren’t sitting wellwith me. She narrows her eyes at me and says, “Maybe that’s what everyone sees in you. But if we dig just a little beneath the surface, will there be anything worthy there?”

I can’t take any more of this. I snap. “What exactly is your problem?”