It was an intimate affair. The lighting was dim, romantic. The round tables were covered in a red and gold damask table cloth, imported from overseas. In the center of each table was a large, elaborate bouquet. Candles also adorned each area as did sporadically placed Godiva chocolate wrapped in a gold wrapper, monogrammed 'NB.'

The menu was explicitly overseen by Blair and her mother. The appetizers consisted of salmon wheels stuffed with a cream cheese blend, baby asparagus in a rosemary vinagrette, bacon wrapped shrimp and a light spinach salad. The entree was a braised Bison tenderloin, covered in a sweet honey/jasmine sauce. It was accompanied with steamed carrots and wild rice. Dessert was a choice between a lemon-raspberry tarte, sprinkled lightly with confectioner's sugar or a slice of the engagement cake-to be displayed and served later in the evening.

Blair was impeccibly dressed. She wore a tea cup dress in red, a large satin ribbon of red and gold damask spanned her stomach and tied around into a large bow at her back. She wore a short petticoat underneath, its lacy hem peeking out at the bottom of the dress. Her hair was in a lovely mass of curls atop her head, adorned with fresh roses. She had a glass of sparkling grape juice in hand, speaking happily to her guests as Nate's arm went around her small waist, his fingers lightly grazing over her belly. She frowned for a moment, swatting Nate's hand away as she continued talking about her's and Nate's plans after marriage. After college, Nate would work for his father while Blair would follow in her mother's footsteps and do charity work. But to be honest, Blair thought to herself, she would probably and more enjoy being a trophy wife who shopped all day long. She smiled to herself.

Chuck saw her the moment he entered the ballroom. It had been about three months now since they were together last. She was putting on the pretty picture of the happy intended. It was a total and complete amusement to him. She looked ravishing, he allowed himself to admit. He wanted to run his hands in that hair, her flowers falling to the floor. He rolled his eyes at himself and stilled when he caught her gaze-her intense gaze.

Blair was admittedly shocked to see Chuck despite the fact that she was aware that he was on the guest list, as per Nate. The audacity to show himself here after everything he put her through was ridiculous. He stood at the entrance to the ballroom in a white shirt, black slacks and black jacket. Simplicity. But with usual Bass flair, he jazzed it up with a red silk scarf around his neck. He looked absolutely gorgeous. Blair lifted her chin in defiance. Well, she would rather die than let him know what she thought. She watched him break her gaze and turn behind him, taking the hand of a dark haired woman that Blair neglected to notice before. She gasped audibly. The nerve to bring his girl Friday here. Disgusting!

Nate turned to Blair.

"Hey, are you okay? Is it the-"

Blair turned to Nate. "Im fine," she snapped and then softened. "I just got a little short of breath with all the excitement..."

Nate smiled and kissed her lightly. "Just be careful. I dont want you leaving our party because you overworked yourself."

Blair smiled. "Never."

She kissed Nate again and removed her hand from his.

"I'm going to go powder my nose. I'll be right back."

Chuck made his way to dear Nathaniel with his date, Tatiana (or Tanya?) in hand.

"Quite a soiree you've baked up here," Chuck said casually. "I cant believe Little Miss Blair Waldorf, queen bitch of the upper east side, finally got you to take the plunge."

"Hey," Nate cautioned, smiling, "that's my fiancee you're talking about."

Chuck smirked.

"Besides," Nate continued, "I mean, I love Blair. We've been together since elementary. We're a match in Manhattan heaven. Plus, man," Nate lowered his voice, "she's having my baby."

Chuck took a step back, his tone losing all amusement.

"Wait. Stop. Blair is pregnant?"

"Hey, man, keep your voice down. Yeah, she is. And we didn't want our child growing up illegitimate. I mean, maybe getting married is happening sooner than expected, but I think I'm okay with it."

"Yeah, outstanding, congrats," Chuck said dully. He patted Nate on the back, "I'll be right back. Tatiana will keep you company."

Nate watched Chuck leave, slightly confused, before turning to Chuck's date. She put out her hand.

"Hi," she smiled, "It's Tanya, actually."

Blair was just leaving the bathroom when Chuck suddenly appeared in front of the door, blocking her. She gasped, surprised, before quickly regaining her composure.

"Chuck," she pushed his chest, "what are you doing!"

"Is it mine?"

"What?" She asked, annoyed.

"Dont toy with me, Waldorf. Are you carrying my child?"

Blair's eyes widened. "For God's sake, Chuck! Keep your voice down. I can explain."

"You're damned straight you will."

Chuck's hand shot out, grabbing Blair's wrist, as he escorted her from the main ballroom into a second, much smaller and emptier hall. When the door closed behind them, Blair wrenched her hand away.

"You idiot, I'm not pregnant."

"Don't lie to me. Nate told me all about the happy news." He took a step forward. "Is it mine? How far along are you?"

"Would you calm down? I lied to Nate. I'm not pregnant. I told Nate so he would propose..."

Chuck relaxed slightly and paused for a beat.

"You're such a winner...I want you to take a pregnancy test."

"Fine, whatever."

She began to walk past Chuck but he pulled her in between him and a wall.

"Tomorrow," he said cooly.

Blair found herself flustered with his sudden closeness, "O-Okay. Tomorrow."

Chuck's eyes flickered to her mouth which caused her to cast her gaze downward.

"And I'll get the doctor. I dont want you paying anyone off."

"I have no need to waste my money because Im. not. pregnant."

"We'll see."

They stood silently in the dark room, the chemistry in the room was nearly tangible.

"Are we done?" Blair asked quickly. She needed to get out of here, now. He was making her feel dizzy. She needed to sit down.

"Yeah, we're done," He leaned in and whispered, "But mark my words, Waldorf, if you are pregnant and if it's mine-this little engagement crap with Nate. It's over."

Blair's heart hammered in her chest, chills sliding sweetly up and down her spine. She pushed Chuck away and left the room, heading back into the party.

Chuck stood there in silence for several moments longer.

He needed a drink.