Gossip girl

"Christmas—it's the season of giving, loving, and forgiving. But on the Upper East Side, the best gifts aren't under the tree… they're the ones you never saw coming. Will our Queen B get her Christmas wish? Or will Santa deliver a lesson she won't forget? XOXO, Gossip Girl."

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Blair's Revenge – Step Two: Expose Roman

Blair was on a mission. A ruthless one.

We were back at the Waldorf penthouse, where Eleanor and Roman were laughing over a glass of wine. Blair's fingers drummed impatiently on the armrest.

"He's hiding something," she murmured.

I raised a brow. "Or maybe he's just… a nice guy?"

She shot me an incredulous look. "Don't be ridiculous."

I smirked. "Fine. What's step two?"

Blair's eyes gleamed. "Dig into his past."

That was my cue.

While Blair distracted Eleanor, I made a call. A few well-placed questions, and soon enough, I had an answer.

"Bad news," I murmured to Blair as we stepped into the hallway. "Roman isn't hiding anything scandalous."

Blair scowled. "That's impossible."

I sighed. "Your mother just… moved on, B. And maybe that sucks, but trying to ruin it won't change anything."

Blair's jaw clenched. "It'll make me feel better."

I placed a hand on her shoulder. "Not for long."

She held my gaze, then huffed. "You're annoying when you're right."

I smirked. "Merry Christmas to you too."

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Chuck's Christmas Gamble

Meanwhile, Chuck was making a decision of his own.

"You're still here?" I asked when I found him at The Empire bar.

He swirled his whiskey. "Seems that way."

I leaned against the bar. "Changed your mind about Monaco?"

Chuck sighed. "Maybe running away every holiday isn't the answer."

I nodded. "So what's the move?"

He smirked. "I thought I'd crash the Waldorf Christmas party."

I chuckled. "You do know Blair will kill you."

Chuck's grin widened. "She'll try."

I clapped him on the shoulder. "Now that's the Christmas spirit."

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Serena's Decision

Serena stood outside the Humphrey loft, staring at the door like it held all the answers.

I found her there, her breath visible in the cold air.

"You going in?" I asked.

She sighed. "I don't know."

I studied her. "Serena, you don't owe anyone anything. If you want to spend Christmas with Dan, do it. If you don't, be honest about it."

She turned to me. "What if I don't know what I want?"

I smiled softly. "Then don't force it. The right answer will come."

Serena looked at me for a long moment. Then, finally, she stepped back.

"I think… I need time," she admitted.

I nodded. "Then take it."

She let out a breath, then smiled. "Thanks, Aryan. You always know what to say."

I smirked. "It's a gift."

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Christmas Dinner – The Final Act

Back at the Waldorf penthouse, the table was set, the tree sparkled, and tension was thick enough to cut with a knife.

Blair sat stiffly as Eleanor and Roman laughed together.

Chuck had arrived, uninvited but amused.

Serena was absent, lost in thought.

And me? I was waiting for the inevitable.

And then it came.

"Mother, don't you think it's suspicious that Roman suddenly appears and sweeps you off your feet?" Blair asked sweetly.

Eleanor frowned. "Blair…"

Roman sighed. "Blair, I know this isn't easy, but—"

"Let's cut the act," Blair snapped. "You wanted a rich, powerful woman, and you found one."

Eleanor's expression darkened. "Blair Cornelia Waldorf!"

Silence.

Blair lifted her chin, but I could see the cracks forming.

Chuck leaned in. "That might've been too far, Waldorf."

Eleanor stood, her voice sharp. "I am happy, Blair. And for once, it would be nice if you could accept that instead of trying to destroy it."

Blair's jaw tightened, but I could see the truth settling in.

She had lost.

And it hurt.

But instead of gloating, I reached for her hand under the table.

She squeezed it once before letting go.

A truce. For now.

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Gossip Girl's Final Word

"Christmas came and went, but the lessons? Those stay. Blair learned that not all battles can be won. Serena learned that love isn't something you can force. And Chuck? Well, let's just say his heart might not be completely frozen. So tell me, Upper East Siders… what did you learn this holiday season? XOXO, Gossip Girl."