Chapter 12: Gossip Girl Fanfiction – Chapter 9: Seventeen Candles – Fallout (Part 2)
"What's worse than waking up with a hangover? Waking up and realizing your perfect life is falling apart. Our Queen B just lost her King, but something tells me she won't be crying into her champagne. Not when there's a bigger prize on the board. And speaking of power plays… Aryan Jain has been playing nice. But for how much longer? Let's find out, shall we? XOXO, Gossip Girl."
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The Morning After – Blair's New Reality
Blair sat in front of her vanity, staring at her reflection. Her perfect world had shattered—Nate had confessed about Serena, and now their picture-perfect relationship was over.
But heartbreak? No. Blair Waldorf didn't get heartbroken. She got even.
As she adjusted her pearl necklace, a soft knock interrupted her thoughts.
"Miss Blair," Dorota's familiar voice came through the door. "Mr. Jain is here."
Blair blinked in surprise. "Send him in."
I stepped into the room, hands in my pockets, taking in the half-eaten breakfast and untouched tea.
"Didn't think I'd see you today," Blair said, her voice carefully controlled.
I leaned against the dresser. "I figured you'd be plotting your next move."
Her lips twitched. "And what makes you think I need a next move?"
I shrugged. "Because you're Blair Waldorf. And Blair Waldorf never stays down."
She studied me for a moment, then smirked. "Go on."
I took a seat across from her. "You can spend the next week sulking over Nate, or you can remind everyone—including yourself—why you're the one they all fear and admire."
Blair's gaze sharpened. "And how do you suggest I do that?"
I leaned forward. "By making sure no one ever doubts who the real Queen of the Upper East Side is."
A slow smile spread across her lips. "You do know how to give a pep talk, Aryan."
I smirked. "I just know a winner when I see one."
She stood, smoothing her dress. "Then let's make sure everyone else sees it too."
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Chuck's Offer – A Dangerous Alliance
Later that day, I found Chuck at The Empire, lounging with a drink.
"You know," he mused, "I expected Blair to spend today weeping over Nate. Instead, she's been parading around like she won the lottery. I wonder why."
I took a seat. "Maybe she realized she deserves better."
Chuck smirked. "And you're positioning yourself as the upgrade?"
I swirled my drink. "I don't position myself, Chuck. I just win."
His chuckle was dark. "I like you, Jain. But you should know—when it comes to Blair, I don't play fair."
I met his gaze. "Neither do I."
The tension between us was thick, but there was also an unspoken understanding. We were both power players, but Blair? Blair was the game.
Chuck took a slow sip of his scotch. "Then let's make this interesting."
I leaned back. "Oh, we already have."
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Nate's Crossroads – A Final Goodbye
That evening, I found Nate at The Palace, lost in thought.
"You look like someone who just lost a war," I noted, sliding into the seat across from him.
He let out a humorless laugh. "Maybe I did."
I signaled for two drinks. "So what's next?"
He sighed. "I don't know. My parents expect me to be the perfect Archibald. Blair expected me to be the perfect boyfriend. And Serena—" He shook his head. "I don't even know what she expects."
I studied him. "Then maybe it's time to stop living for everyone else and figure out what you want."
He exhaled. "And what if I don't know?"
I smirked. "Then it's time to find out."
Nate looked at me, something shifting in his expression. Maybe, for the first time, he was starting to see himself outside of everyone else's expectations.
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Blair's Comeback – A Public Display of Power
The next day at Constance, Blair made her move.
She walked through the courtyard with her head held high, exuding effortless control. The whispers started immediately.
"Did you hear? She dumped him."
"She doesn't even look upset."
"I heard she's already moved on."
And then, right on cue, I joined her side.
"Aryan Jain? With Blair?"
"That's a power move if I've ever seen one."
Blair smirked at me. "I must say, this is a good look for us."
I chuckled. "Told you."
The message was clear—Blair Waldorf wasn't broken. She was stronger than ever.
And with me by her side? She was unstoppable.
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Gossip Girl's Final Word
"Blair Waldorf, rising from the ashes? Check. Nate Archibald, spiraling? Double check. And Aryan Jain, stepping into the spotlight? Now that is something new. But don't get too comfortable, Upper East Siders. Because in this world, the higher you climb, the farther you fall. XOXO, Gossip Girl."