Gossip girl

"The holidays are here, Upper East Siders. And you know what that means—mistletoe, scandal, and family secrets wrapped up with a big red bow. But be careful what you wish for… because not all gifts come with a return policy. XOXO, Gossip Girl."

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The Waldorf Christmas Crisis

December in Manhattan meant the city was draped in twinkling lights, Fifth Avenue was a warzone of last-minute shoppers, and the Upper East Side was preparing for Christmas in the most extravagant way possible.

For Blair Waldorf, that meant one thing—perfection.

"Mother is bringing home Roman for Christmas," Blair seethed, pacing in front of me and Serena at The Palace lounge.

Serena blinked. "Wait… Roman? As in, the Roman?"

"As in the man who stole my mother from my father," Blair snapped, throwing herself onto the plush couch.

I took a sip of my coffee, watching the storm in front of me. "I take it you're not a fan?"

Blair shot me a glare. "What do you think?"

Serena gave her a sympathetic look. "Maybe it won't be that bad."

Blair scoffed. "Please. My mother is already obsessed with him. And now I have to sit through Christmas dinner while they play happy family?"

I leaned forward. "So what's the plan?"

Blair crossed her arms. "Simple. I make sure he has the worst Christmas of his life."

I exchanged a glance with Serena.

Yeah. This was going to be fun.

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Chuck's Christmas Spirit (or Lack Thereof)

Over at The Empire, Chuck was drinking before noon, which meant he was in a mood.

"You look festive," I commented, dropping into the chair across from him.

Chuck smirked lazily. "Bah humbug, Jain."

"Not feeling the Christmas spirit?"

He swirled his drink. "Let's just say holidays weren't exactly joyful in the Bass household."

I studied him. "You sticking around or running off to Monaco like last year?"

Chuck exhaled. "Not sure yet."

I nodded. "Well, if you do stick around, maybe try celebrating it your way."

Chuck arched a brow. "And what exactly is my way?"

I smirked. "That's for you to figure out."

He chuckled. "Always so cryptic."

I shrugged. "It's part of my charm."

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Blair's Sabotage – Step One

At the Waldorf penthouse, Blair's plan was already in motion.

"Step one—undermine his credibility," she whispered to me as we watched Eleanor and Roman set up decorations.

Eleanor was glowing, completely wrapped up in her new romance. Meanwhile, Blair was ready to breathe fire.

"You're enjoying this," Blair accused.

I smirked. "A little. But mostly, I'm here to stop you from burning your own house down."

Blair huffed. "I am in full control."

Cue Roman effortlessly charming the Waldorf staff, making them laugh in a way Harold Waldorf never did.

Blair's eye twitched.

"Totally," I murmured.

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Serena's Dilemma – A Gift or a Curse?

Later, Serena and I strolled through Central Park, snowflakes dusting her golden hair.

"You're thinking hard," I noted.

She sighed. "It's about Dan."

I nodded, waiting.

"He's invited me to spend Christmas with his family. It's a big deal for him."

I raised a brow. "And?"

"And… I don't know if I should go."

I smirked. "Why not?"

She hesitated. "Because it's serious. And I don't know if I'm ready for that."

I studied her. "What do you want to do?"

She exhaled. "I want to be with the people I care about. But I also don't want to lead Dan on if I'm not sure about… us."

I nodded slowly. "Then be honest. With him, and with yourself."

Serena gave me a small smile. "You make it sound so simple."

I chuckled. "Because it is. Complicated people just like to make things harder."

She nudged me playfully. "You should put that in a fortune cookie."

I grinned. "Maybe I will."

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Gossip Girl's Final Word

"Snowflakes are falling, and so are secrets. But be careful what you unwrap, Upper East Siders… because sometimes, the truth is the worst gift of all. XOXO, Gossip Girl."