Gossip Girl Fanfiction – Chapter 10: Hi, Society (Part 1) (Rewritten)
"A debutante ball—where young ladies in white gowns are paraded before New York's elite. But don't be fooled, darlings. This isn't just about debuting into society. It's about power, legacy, and the perfect opportunity for someone to take center stage. Who will rise? Who will fall? And who will rewrite the game? XOXO, Gossip Girl."
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A Call from Lily – The Perfect Invitation
The invitation arrived in the morning—gold-trimmed, elegantly written, and completely expected.
Lily van der Woodsen was hosting a table at the debutante ball, and she wasn't taking no for an answer.
"Tell me you're coming," Lily's voice came through the phone, leaving no room for argument.
"I wouldn't miss it," I assured her, smirking.
"Good. Serena needs a little… encouragement. Be a dear and make sure she doesn't embarrass me."
I chuckled. "I'll see what I can do."
The moment I hung up, I sent Serena a text.
Me: Your mother just drafted me into her war effort.
Serena: I never agreed to go.
Me: Good. Because right now, you'd be letting Blair win by default.
A pause. Then, three dots flickering.
Serena: That's low.
Me: You love it.
Her response was just a sigh emoji. I'd take that as a yes.
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Blair's Strategy – A Queen's Game Begins
At Constance, Blair was already planning her moment.
"The debutante ball isn't just an event," she explained, sipping her latte. "It's the event. It's where everyone sees who belongs."
I smirked. "And by 'everyone,' you mean Serena."
Blair arched a brow. "If she even shows up. Which, let's be honest, she probably won't."
I leaned back. "She will. And when she does, she's going to shine."
Blair's grip on her cup tightened for half a second before she forced a smile. "Then I guess I'll have to shine brighter."
This was more than a ball to her—it was her chance to remind everyone that Blair Waldorf wasn't just anyone.
And that meant I had a role to play.
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Chuck's Play – A Dangerous Proposal
At The Empire, Chuck swirled his drink as he regarded me with amusement.
"I assume you're attending this ridiculous spectacle?"
I nodded. "You?"
He smirked. "Wouldn't miss it. Blair will be on display. And you know how I love a good show."
I studied him. "And yet, you're not her escort."
Chuck chuckled. "Blair loves tradition. She'd never let me take that spot. But that doesn't mean I can't make an impression."
I took a slow sip of my drink. "You planning something?"
His smirk widened. "Wouldn't you like to know?"
I met his gaze. "Just be careful, Chuck. You're playing with fire."
He laughed. "Good thing I like the heat."
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Serena's Dilemma – The Final Push
That evening, I found Serena at The Palace, still undecided.
"You don't want to go," I said, taking a seat across from her.
She groaned. "I don't belong at those things, Aryan."
I leaned forward. "You belong wherever you decide to be. And if you walk into that ball, you remind everyone—including yourself—who Serena van der Woodsen really is."
She exhaled. "And if I mess it up?"
I smirked. "Then at least you went down swinging."
Serena studied me, then finally sighed. "Fine. But if I regret this, I'm blaming you."
I grinned. "I'll take full responsibility."
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"White gloves, diamonds, and an entire city watching? Sounds like the perfect storm. But storms don't just pass through—they destroy. So, Upper East Siders, who's ready to be swept away? XOXO, Gossip Girl."