8 Never-Before-Seen Photos of Nicole Brown Simpson with Her Former Lover, Joseph Perrulli (Exclusive)

Joseph Perrulli, a former shoe salesman and one-time flame of Nicole Brown Simpson, has released a book titled *The Forgotten Briefcase*, shedding light on their brief romance and the impact it had on his life. This year marks the 30th anniversary of Nicole Brown Simpson’s tragic passing, and her memory is still cherished by those close to her.

Perrulli was first introduced to Nicole in 1989 through their mutual friend, Kris Jenner. At the time, Nicole was still married to O.J. Simpson, and their relationship remained platonic until her separation from the former NFL star in 1992. It was only then that Perrulli and Nicole began to develop a romantic connection. In an exclusive conversation with *PEOPLE*, Perrulli reflected on the chemistry they shared but acknowledged that their relationship was marred by the unsettling presence of O.J.

One particular incident stands out in Perrulli’s memory. After an evening out with the Jenners, Nicole invited him back to her rental home in Brentwood. They spent hours talking and bonding until it was time for Perrulli to leave. As he recollects, a chilling sensation enveloped him as he exited her house. “I thought I smelled her perfume,” he stated, describing the eerie nature of the moment that would haunt him. He learned later that both Nicole and O.J. wore the same fragrance, Paco Rabanne, and that O.J. had been spotted lurking outside her home that night.

Following this unsettling experience, Perrulli describes a series of uncomfortable encounters with O.J., prompting him to make the painful decision to end his relationship with Nicole. “I didn’t think I could live my life like this, feeling like this man’s lurking everywhere I go,” he confessed. In an effort to move on, he concealed all the photographs and letters from their relationship in a briefcase, which he has largely ignored for over three decades.

The release of *The Forgotten Briefcase* marks a significant moment for Perrulli, who recently revisited the mementos he had tucked away. The memories contained within the briefcase have been the inspiration behind his book, allowing him to not only reflect on the past but also to pay tribute to the woman he once loved.

Throughout their time together, Perrulli’s memories of Nicole are filled with warmth and smiles. Among them are moments captured on vacation in Cabo San Lucas with friends, including the Jenner family, as they laughed together on the beach and enjoyed life. Perrulli recalls the joy of those carefree days when they were free to be themselves, basking in the sun and sharing candid moments.

As for Nicole’s character, Perrulli paints a portrait of a down-to-earth woman with a sense of humour. While he was eager to share fashion advice during her shopping visits at Neiman Marcus, Nicole slyly dismissed his advice, stating her preference for comfort over style. “She cracked a smile and said, ‘I hate wearing shoes, anyway,’” he reminisced, highlighting her approachable nature.

Perrulli further recalls that Nicole had a diverse taste in music, enjoying “everything but country.” This fondness for diverse genres seemed to reflect her vibrant personality and zest for life, characteristics that endeared her to those around her.

The decision to write *The Forgotten Briefcase* is a way for Perrulli to finally confront the emotions he had bottled up for years. “I purposefully tried to forget it for the better part of 33 years,” he admits, but ultimately he felt a need to share these cherished moments with the world. The book serves as an intimate look into a relationship that, while short-lived, left a lasting impression on his life.

As Nicole’s loved ones continue to honour her memory, Perrulli’s book adds a personal layer to the narrative of her life. He hopes that by sharing his experiences, he can help keep alive the essence of Nicole Brown Simpson, a woman who, despite the tragedy that marked her life, is remembered fondly by those who knew and loved her.