Gossip girl

"Birthdays should be about celebration. But on the Upper East Side, they're about power. And tonight, our Queen B isn't just blowing out candles—she's making wishes. The question is, who will she grant them to? And who will she burn? XOXO, Gossip Girl."

---

A Shift in the Party's Atmosphere

After Blair's toast, the energy in the room shifted. People mingled, laughter filled the air, but beneath the glittering chandeliers, unspoken tensions crackled like static electricity.

I watched as Blair made the rounds, her fingers lightly brushing Nate's arm one moment, then tapping Chuck's shoulder the next. She was controlling the room, asserting her power over the two men vying for her attention.

But the real game was happening in the shadows.

Serena stood by the bar, absentmindedly stirring her drink, lost in thought. Nate hovered at the edges of the crowd, guilt practically radiating off him. And Chuck—Chuck was watching Blair the way a hunter watches prey.

I wasn't here to watch, though. I was here to move the pieces.

---

Nate's Breaking Point

Nate was drinking more than usual. I caught up to him near the balcony, where he leaned against the railing, staring out at the city.

"You look like a man with something on his mind," I said casually.

He exhaled, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah, you could say that."

I leaned beside him. "Let me guess. You're standing here debating whether you should tell Blair the truth about you and Serena."

His jaw tightened. "I hate lying to her, man."

"Then don't," I said simply.

He turned to me, eyes clouded with doubt. "And lose her?"

I tilted my head. "Are you sure you haven't already?"

The words hit him harder than he expected. He swallowed, looking away.

I wasn't here to push Nate toward one decision or another. But I was here to make sure he didn't drag this out, stringing Blair along while wallowing in his own guilt.

"If you love her, be honest," I said. "If you don't, let her go."

Nate didn't answer right away. But I could see the gears turning in his mind.

And that was enough.

---

Blair's Game – A Dangerous Bet

Inside, Blair was orchestrating her next move. She pulled me aside, her fingers curling lightly around my wrist.

"Dance with me," she said.

I raised an eyebrow. "Are we making someone jealous?"

She smiled sweetly. "Does it matter?"

We moved onto the dance floor, the music slowing to a sultry rhythm. As I took her hand, I felt the weight of every watching eye.

"You're making a statement," I murmured, my grip firm on her waist.

Blair's lips curled into a knowing smile. "A girl can have options, can't she?"

I chuckled. "So this is about power, not romance?"

Her gaze flickered toward Nate, who was watching us, jaw clenched. Then to Chuck, whose smirk had turned razor-sharp.

"Why can't it be both?" she said, tilting her chin up defiantly.

This was Blair Waldorf at her finest—strategic, fearless, and completely in control. But there was something else beneath her bravado, a vulnerability she didn't want anyone to see.

I leaned in slightly. "You don't have to prove anything to anyone, Blair."

Her eyes searched mine, and for a moment, the façade cracked. Then, just as quickly, it was back.

"Of course not," she said lightly. "But it's still fun."

We danced until the song ended, and when we parted, she squeezed my hand just a little too tightly before letting go.

Blair was playing the game, but tonight, she wasn't the only one in control.

---

Serena's Escape – A Choice in the Making

As the party continued, Serena grabbed my hand and pulled me toward the back entrance.

"Come on," she said, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Let's get out of here."

I let her lead me outside, into the cool night air. The city stretched before us, the hum of traffic a distant murmur.

"Needed a break?" I asked.

She sighed, leaning against the brick wall. "Needed to feel like myself."

I studied her. "And who is that?"

Serena looked at me, something unreadable in her expression. Then she smiled. "Still figuring that out."

For a moment, we stood there, away from the chaos inside. Away from the expectations, the lies, the manipulations.

Then her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen and groaned.

"My mom," she muttered. "I should probably go before she sends a search party."

I nodded. "Go. We'll catch up later."

She hesitated, then leaned in, pressing a quick kiss to my cheek.

"Thanks," she whispered before disappearing into the night.

I watched her go, knowing this wasn't the last time she'd need an escape.

---

Nate's Decision – The Beginning of the End

When I returned to the party, I spotted Nate standing near Blair, looking pale but determined.

Blair's expression shifted as she listened to whatever he was saying. At first, confusion. Then disbelief. Then something much colder.

I saw it the moment her heart broke.

Nate had finally told her the truth.

The room seemed to still for a moment. Then Blair turned on her heel and stormed past him, past Chuck, past me.

But just before she disappeared upstairs, her eyes met mine.

And in them, I saw the unspoken question.

Who was really on her side?

---

Chuck's Move – A Dangerous Proposition

As Nate stood frozen, guilt-ridden and helpless, Chuck took his chance. He followed Blair upstairs, his usual smirk replaced with something more dangerous.

I knew exactly what was going to happen next.

And I knew exactly how to stop it.