Chapter 10 : The Jealousy Rises
A/N : Hello to all readers. I'm on my highest mood to write. There's a lot of ideas that keep running around my head and it's all because of you, especially who's kind enough to leave a review for me. Lot of hugs.
For CBPP137, thank you for your warm and generous support. I love you for that.
For Dimples84, I really want Chuck to have a real parents with their own complexity. I'm trying to make a different but quite similar character & plot. Hope you can really enjoy it as much as I do cause if you really do, there's more to come.
For all fanfiction readers who followed my story and make it as one of your favourite story, thank you. Please enjoy the story.
Peacock Alley, Main Lobby, Waldorf Astoria Tower, Manhattan New York
Blair heart hammered wildly against her chest as she turned her gaze toward the guests, try looking for her bestfriend support, but instead of Serena or Aimee, their gazes met, hers and Louis. What is he doing here.
"Blair, are you okay?" asked Chuck.
"I think I could use a restroom now." Blair left the stage without further explanation. Misty noticed about Blair sudden depart. "Where is she going? What happen Charles?"
"You don't have to worry mother. Blair needs to go to the restroom. That's all" There's sort of released on her face. "Go back to whatever you did before, I'm going to see Eleanor and Lilian."
"Okay." Chuck kissed his mother cheek and left the stage.
Chuck Bass is oficially engaged, not to her, but someone who she accidently knew recently. How could all the disaster happened in a night. First Carter f** Baizen and now the engagement of Chuck Bass. Juliette walked toward the restroom. She needs to calm herself first and try to figured out about the whole mess.
Blair took a deep breath and looked in the mirror. Her hand throbbed along with her heartbeat. What the hell was happening to her. This is just not like the usual her. Engagement. Announcement. Later on, without her notice, comes her wedding day. Is she really ready? Is she already move on from her past. How can these things just slip through her hand just like a slippery soap. She needs to let her mother and Misty Bass know. They need to give her space and let things run with her terms.
Juliette entered the restroom and noticed Blair's existence, "Blair, you're here."
Blair turned her head to see who was coming, "Juliette. It's nice to see you again."
Both women shared a hug and kiss on the cheek.
"Heard about the engagement, congratulation." said Juliette. Blair could feel Juliette's waves of dislike radiating off of her. Blair just leaned against the wall and eyed Juliette, making her continue. "How long have you know Chuck?"
Blair sighed, "Not long enough to know him better. This all because of our family."
Juliette smirked, well, things just getting easier to handle and Chuck Bass will be hers back, with Blair's little help.
Sophie extended her hand toward Chuck, "Congratulation Charles, for your engagement." Louis also congratulate him but the way he looked at Chuck, it was more than obvious to everyone that it was a dislikeness and challenge. Louis was challenging him, he couldn't put his finger about what he challenged him about, but Chuck Bass was always up for a challenge.
"Blair is a very fine young lady, and I can surely say that you're such a lucky man to have her." Sophie continued.
"Mrs. Grimaldi, you know about..." he paused a moment and continued "my fiance, Blair?"
Sophie smiled, "In fact, I'm not just know about her, she's like my own daughter back in Paris, we run into the same social circle."
Now Chuck understood about the way the French Pretty Boy look at him, they have history. "I see, but I guess it's something that unquestionable, she's delicate and loveable, don't you agree Mrs. Grimaldi?" Chuck may be directed his speech toward Sophie, but his gaze definitely directed to Louis. Bart quite amuse with how his son thought about Blair Waldorf, his fiance, seems that all things went well.
"Serena!" Aimee called her blonde friend between the crowd, "Over here."
Serena waved back at her. "Mom, dad, Mr. & Mrs. Randall, please excuse me, I thought I saw my friends and I'm going to meet them."
"Yes, I believe I should excuse myself too, I'm going to find Eleanor and Misty to congratulate them. Eventhough I'm quite sad that my daughter doesn't show me her interest in serious relationship."
Serena sighed and rolled her eyes. She approached Aimee who stood next to Benedict. "Where's Blair?"
"I haven't see her after the announcement." answered Benedict.
"I don't know whether all of you notice it or not, Louis and his mother's here." said Aimee.
"It must be very shocking for them." said Serena.
"How so?"asked Benedict curiously.
"Few days ago, Louis showed up to see Blair and tried to explain and sort things out, and you know how Sophie with Blair."
Blood rushed through Benedict's vein, anger boiled inside her. So Louis went to see Blair, few days back.
...
Eleanor, Misty and Lily approached Bart and Chuck. "Bart dear."
"My dear, let me introduce you to Mrs. Sophie Grimaldi and his son Louis Grimaldi. They are our business partner in Paris, for the restaurant chain."
"My, Sophie. It's nice to see you again here."
"Hello Eleanor. Nice to see you too." Sophie smiled warmly.
"You know each other?" asked Misty.
"We run into the same social circle back in Paris. By the way, congratulation for your son's engagement. Charles is very lucky to have Blair as his future wife and so with you Mrs. Bass, for having her as your daughter in law."
"I have no doubt about it." There's a hint of proud in her statement. "I bet you would feel the same if Blair being engaged to your son." Eleanor felt uncomfortable with the situation. Blair and Louis have a past together which doesn't went well.
"I supposed I do if she's engaged to my son."
Chuck noticed something, "So Louis, how long have you known Blair?"
Eleanor and Sophie looked each other, then both of them looked at Chuck then to Louis, wondering what would be Louis' reaction toward Chuck's question.
"We went to same high school and went to the same university, but with different major."
"Well I guess you could be one of my resources, beside Serena and Aimee to know how to please my fiance Blair, I supposed. Don't you agree with me Louis?"
Misty felt curious with his son behaviour, like he's trying to dig something. Eleanor tried to break the ackwardness and tension, "Why don't we enjoy the food, after all it's a special brunch for our family, right Misty?"
"Well of course. Let's enjoy the food. Shall we Mrs. Grimaldi?"
"We shall. Today is the happiest day for Charles and Blair. Let's celebrate it with joy."
Next Day
Departure Gate, Terminal One, JFK Airport, New York
"Oh I'm going to miss both of you a lot." Blair hugged and kissed both of her parents.
"Oh, Blair Bear. We will too dear. Do enjoy your vacation with Serena and Aimee." Harold caressed his daughter's hair.
"Will Bene join in to your vacation trip?" Eleanor asked her daughter while caressed her cheek.
"Well, I haven't ask her yet, but maybe, if she's willing to extend her vacation here."
"Just enjoy your day dear, and remember, if emergency happened, give us a call and the Basses too, especially Misty. They're considered family too, now." Eleanor reminded Blair. Blair sighed and nodded, "Have a safe trip daddy, mom." She once again kissed and hugged both of her parents. Eleanor and Harold walked into the gate and waved toward her daughter. Now. Blair felt that this was the right time for her to have a talk with Misty about the engagement, about how she felt. Blair pulled out her mobile phone from her purse and dialled a certain number from her contact list. "Hello aunt Misty. It's Blair. I need to see you. Do you have time?"
"..."
"It will be great. I'll see you there as soon as I can. Thank you." Blair ended her phone call with Misty and dialled her car service. "I'm done here. Please take me to Bass Foundation at 41E 70th Street.."
Fountain Terrace, Bryant Park, Midtown Manhattan, New York
The light this morning is perfect. Serena hold her camera to her face and pressed the shutter. Click. The pink granite Josephin Shaw Lowell Memorial Fountain being her first object. Click. She turned to her left and see ayoung couple walking along the sidewalk, hand in hand, smiling at each other. Serena pointed her lens at them and click. She zoom in on their locked hand and shoot some more. Her pothographer's eyes appreciating their intimate moment at the park. There's a lot of statues there which will be her next object, but she can't deny the beauty of morning sunshine and captured the moment.
"What the fuck are you doing?"
Serena twirled at the sound of the angry voice, "Excuse me?"
"Oh, I'm sorry. Serena, It's you. I'm sorry. I thought that.."
"Dan Humphrey, right?" said Serena.
" You still remember my name perfectly, but you're not papparazi, right?" Serena laughed at Dan's statement.
"Well, I'm an executive editor for fashion magazine, so what do you think, is it considered as papparazi?" Serena batted her eyelashes. Both of them laughed in unison. Serena put the lens cap back on.
"What were you taking photos of?"
"Scenery. The fountain, the statue..." she gestured out with her hand. "Wanna have a look the photos I took?"
"Yes, I would love to."
Serena continued to show Dan the images she had captured. She can't help but smell his clean scent as he intently look at the photos, scrutinizing each one, his brow is furrowed.
"They're beautiful, you could make something ordinary becomes extraordinary."
Serena's heart gives a flip as he smiles, "Thank you." She turn the camera off and hang her camera around her neck. "I have to go now. It was interesting meeting you again Dan." She started to walk around and he stepped in front of her.
"Wait, don't go." Dan runs a hand through his already messy dark hair. "Breakfast?" He looked at Serena hopefully.
"No thanks. I should go."
"Boyfriend awaiting somewhere?" he asked.
"Uh no." She gave him a small smile. His face relaxed. "Girlfriend?" Serena laughed and answered, "No."
"Good." He's giving her his big smile.
"It's my mother. I promised her my time today. Thanks anyway, about the breakfast. Maybe some other time. Have a good day Dan."
Room 1212, Empire Hotel, Upper West Side, Manhattan – New York
Benedict knocked on the door, waiting for Louis to open the door. She rang the doorbell too but there's no responses. She tried to reach Louis' number since last night but his phone is not active. Maybe he didn't went back to his hotel room last night. She needed to know the truth from him, about their relationship, knowing that Blair was officially engaged, means no more obstacles for them, just his mother's bless. She didn't want to confront him yesterday, about him, meeting Blair few days back at the brunch for several reasons, and the most important one is because she didn't want to make a bad impression for herself there, knowing about Louis mother's presence. She walked back to the elevator, pushed the down button.
The elevator door opened, Louis stepped out of it, "Bene..."
Benedict stepped forward and clung her hands around his neck, giving him a deep, warm kiss, "I miss you." she murmured between her kiss.
Louis relinquished Benedict's hand from his neck, "I miss you too.." he said flatly. "Now we're on hotel's corridor, it will be unappropriate Bene."
"Okay. " She smiled warmly toward him, "I have good news for us."
"Really?"
Benedict nodded.
"Let's get into my room then and i'll let you greet me properly, then you can tell me the good news." Louis opened the door and they get inside. Before Louis closed the door, Benedict already attacked him with kisses and started to open his shirt's button.
"You really know how to make a proper morning greeting." said Louis between kisses.
Bass Foundation, 41E 70th Street, Upper East Side, New York
Blair arrived at the building where Bass Foundation located. It's a five-stories building with classic-european style design. He entered the building. She greeted by the concierge. She went to the reception desk and once again greeted by a tall blonde-hair women. "Welcome to Bass Foundation Miss. How may I help you?"
"I'm Blair. Blair Waldorf. I'm here to see Mrs. Bass."
"Oh, Miss Waldorf. Mrs. Bass is expecting your arrival. She's upstair in her office. I'm Madelline Tramell. Let me take you to her office personally." She informed the other reception girl about her leave to take Blair to Misty's office.
"Right this way Miss Waldorf." The reception girl showed Blair the way.
"Well that's very kind of you Miss Tramell." said Blair politely.
"Madelline or Maddie would be great for me Miss Waldorf."
"Well it's Blair for you too." Blair smiled warmly. They went to the 2nd floor where Misty's office located. "Here we are." Both Blair and Madelline stepped out from the elevator. "Mrs. Bass office right on the corner. Would you like me to take you there?"
"No it's okay Maddie. I'll go by myself. It's very nice of you. Thank you."
"Pleasure to help Miss..I mean Blair. See you." Madelline stepped back into the elevator and went down to the reception desk. Blair walked toward Misty office. She greeted once again who she guessed to be Misty's personal assistant. "Miss Waldorf I supposed."
"Yes, I am." Blair smiled warmly.
"Just how Mrs. Bass describe you, your beauty is divine." Blair blushed not getting used with the compliment. "Mrs. Bass is already waiting for you inside. I'm Nathasha Gilmore, Mrs Bass Personal Assistant. Please call me Tash." She knocked on the door and opened it. "Mrs. Bass, Miss Waldorf is here."
Misty walked toward Blair to greet her in a warm embrace, "Oh Blair my dear. What takes you her, darling?"
"Well, I need to talk with you."
"About what dear? You seemed worried." Misty held both Blair's hand and took her to have a seat on the sofa.
"About the engagement..." Misty got anxious. Blair could see it in Misty's faces, her anxiety. She held Misty's hand tighter. "I don't want it to be rushed, I mean to the next level. I'm happy that I can be part of your family, becoming your daughter through this, but I also believe that my happiness, your son happiness, our happiness, should be based on sincerity and honesty. I want to have a priviledge to know about Chuck, to know each other, to build a relationship and the most important thing is to build trust. This union is for forever. Matrimony for me is sacred. Once in a lifetime. So with all due respect, with all love I have for you, let me know your son, let us fall into each other first, let us be ready. All I ask is time, and I hope you would understand more not to rush things out. That's all I ask."
"Oh Blair..." Misty shed a tear. "Of course dear. Oh..you made me shocked. I thought that you..Oh Blair..." Misty hugged her.
"I'm sorry aunt Misty. I don't mean to scare you or make you.." Misty pt her finger on Blair's lip. "Shh.. no it's okay. I'm just worried dear. I promise you that things will run on your terms, but I do hope everythings goes well."
"Thank you. Thank you for understanding."
Van der Woodsen's Penthouse, The Plaza Residences, New York
Serena just arrived at her home. "Pepita, where's my mother?"
"Miss Serena, you're home. Your mama in the dining room with Mr. Eric."
"Thanks, Pepita." Serena headed to the dining room, "Sorry I'm late."
"Hei sis." Eric greeted his big sister.
"Hello baby boy." Serena ruffled Eric's hair and took a seat next to him. She took a toast, egg and bacon on her plate and started eating.
"Where have you been this morning, Serena?" her mother asked.
Serena took a sip of her orange juice before answering her mother question, "I went to Bryant Park, taking some photos."
"Mom said that you're going to have a vacation with Blair?" asked Eric.
"Uh-huh" Serena nodded.
"Have both of you decide where to go?" asked Lilian.
"Not yet. I'll stop by at Blair's today to discuss it." Serena called her maid, "Pepita."
"Yes, Miss Serena."
"Could you bring my MacBook here. It's on the desk in my room."
"I'll go get it Miss Serena."
Pepita took Serena MacBook Pro laptop and brought it to the dining room. "Here you go Miss Serena. Any other else you need?"
"Thank you, Pepita. That's all."
"So, when will you two get back to Paris?" her mother asked.
"Hmm..we're going to take three weeks vacation and then head back to Paris, but maybe we'll stop buy to New York first and take our flight back to Paris from New York. What with the curiosity mom?"
"Blair is now engaged. I don't know, maybe she have some extra plan." Lilian explained.
"Well, I haven't discussed it further after the engagement. I will ask her about it."
Serena opened her email and there's an email popped out.
From : Nathaniel F. Archibald nathaniel
To : Serena Celia van der Woodsen serena
Subject : Dinner?
Being stucked in the middle of long-meeting with board members. Suddenly have a lovely imagination about you.
Shyly admitted that I miss you. Dinner tonight?
xoxo Nate
Serena clicked on reply button and started to compose an email.
From : Serena Celia van der Woodsen serena
To : Nathaniel F. Archibald nathaniel
Subject : Re : Dinner?
Just got back from Bryant Park. Taking some photos.
I'm gladly to say that I miss you too. About your invitation, the answer would be :"I would love to." Name the time and place.
Love,
Serena
Not long after that, an email got in.
From : Nathaniel F. Archibald nathaniel
To : Serena Celia van der Woodsen serena
Subject : Can't Wait
Tonight, dinner at Daniel. I shall collect you at 7 p.m. Looking forward to see you.
xoxo Nate
Serena grinned like idiot, looking at her laptop screen. "Why with that ear to ear grin?" asked Eric. Serena just wink at him. "Oh boy, someone in love here." Serena typed a quick reply.
From : Serena Celia van der Woodsen serena
To : Nathaniel F. Archibald nathaniel
Subject : Can't Wait too
Pick me at Blair's place at 7 pm. See you then.
Love,
Serena
Serena shutted down her laptop and put it in her bag. "Mom, I'm going to stay at Blair's tonight. Don't wait up dinner for me."
"Okay. Send my regards for her and Aimee."
"I will. I'm going to pack some clothes." Serena left the dining room and went to her room.
Bass Inc. Head Office, Upper West Side, Manhattan, New York.
It's a first day at work after his engagement announcement at brunch. Sooner or later, the whole New York will know about his engagement, Chuck drowned with his own thought. Chuck and Nate have a meeting with the board of Bass Industry.
"Excellent work, Charles. I think you're going to make a great hotel chain for the Empire Hotel in Paris if you keep the progress like this."
"Thank you. I guess we could wrap up the meeting now. See you on next meeting."
Chuck's collecting all his document and gave it to his assistant. "Marry, released the Minutes of Meeting and send to all meeting attendances. Set the next meeting three weeks from today."
"I will Mr. Bass."
"Let's grab some coffee man. I guess I need to get some caffeine on my blood." said Nate when they headed for the door.
"Charles.." Mr. Redford, one of the oldest board member called out for him. "I would like personally to congratulate you for your engagement. Such a great catch, a Waldorf, huh?"
"Thank you Mr. Redford. That's very kind of you."
"I'm looking forward for your wedding day. Have you decided the date yet?"
"Well, we haven't"
"You have to rush in my boy, before someone else tap that fine ass." Mr. Redford laughed. Chuck took him until the door, "Thank you for the advice. See you on our next meeting Mr. Redford." Chuck shooked his head.
Nate laughed and patted Chuck's back, "Wait until the whole New York talking about your engagement, man."
Chuck glared at his bestfriend, "Funny, Nathaniel."
"Hey don't get grumpy man."
Chuck's phone beeped, a new text message.
Lunch at Eleven Madison Park Restaurant. On my way there. –Your Mother.
"I need to cancel our coffee date Nathaniel. I need to go to Eleven Madison. Want to join me?"
"Let me guess, with your mom?" Chuck smiles widely. "I'll pass man."
Room 1212, Empire Hotel, Upper West Side, Manhattan – New York
"So what's the good news you want to tell me about?" asked Louis.
" Blair is officially engaged, and it means there's no more obstacles for us to tell your mother about us. I mean Blair is going to get married, you're single, me also single, we're in love and what happen with you in Blair in the past cannot be rebuild because there's nothing left, both of you are now moving on and walk on seperate way."
"So you meet Blair?"
"In fact, I was invited to her engagement party yesterday." Louis' face looked shock.
"About that..." Louis got confused and panicked. "I already know about your good news and my mother too."
"Oh, really." Benedict tried to look like she's not aware of Louis presence at the brunch. She smiled warmly, "And..."
"And..." he said quietly. Louis' eyes dark and his pupils dilated. Benedict gazed at him in wonder. "It's time for us but we need to take it slowly, you know with my mother."
Benedict grinned happily, "I can live with that. Right now, I want to..." Benedict launched herself on top of Louis, knocking him flat and claimed his mouth once more.
Benedict's hand fisted on Louis' hair. He twirled her back so that she's beneath him. His mouth and hand moved to her breasts. He took one of her nipple between his lips and tug hard.
Benedict cry out as the sensation swept through her body and tighten all the muscles around the groin. "I want you." She murmured at him. Louis guided her, and Benedict eased herself down to him. He closed his eyes and flexed his hip to met hers. He grabbed her hips and thrusted into her sharply. Up and down, again and again. He groaned loudly. Benedict came audibly and collapsing on top of him.
Eleven Madison Park Restaurant, 11 Madison Avenue, New York
"Thank you Blair for having lunch with me."
"My pleasure aunt Misty."
"Is it okay with you? Eleven Madison?"
"No problem. I don't have any food restriction." Blair smiled warmly.
"Let's enjoy our multi-course tasting menu."
Misty have a Butter Poached Lobster with Matsutake Mushroom Emulsion andCarrot Tartare meanwhile Blair have a Foie Gras with Duck Priosciutto and Macaroons Platter.
"Nice choice of food dear."
"Well I don't have any food restriction, like I've told you before." Blair grinned.
"You do have a delicate body for someone without any food restriction."
There's a voice interrupted their conversation, "Bebé..., Blair Waldorf."
Hearing her name being called out, Blair turned to where the voice was. "Cameron, Oh my, It's been a very long time. How are you doing?" Blair stood from her seat and gave him a warm hug and kiss on the cheek.
"For now, I'm in New York for a while, having an exhibition here, photos exhibition."
"Chasing your dream huh..." Blair nudged his shoulder.
"One of my dreams, because I do have many dreams." Cameron winked at her.
"I almost forgot. Cameron, this is Misty Bass, aunt Misty, this is one of my old friend back in Paris, Cameron Courivaud."
Cameron extended his hand and Misty took it in polite manner of shake hand. "Nice to meet you Mr. Courivaud."
"Same goes here Mrs. Bass."
"Bebé, if you have time, please do come to my exhibition, it's at Metropolitan Museum of Art. It's open until next week."
"I will. I'll come along with Serena, Aimee and Bene."
"Wow, all the prettiest girls of Sorbonné. It will be a hits when all of you come, Ma Bebé, Rena, Mémee and Bene." Cameron took a glance on his watch, "Well I need to get going now." Cameron pulled out his wallet and took something from it. "Here's my card. Give me a call okay Bebé. See you Ma Bebé." Cameron turned to Misty, "It's very nice to see you today Mrs. Bass, hope to see you again soon."
"Same with me, Mr. Courivaud. By the way please do call me Misty." Misty smiled warmly.
"Gladly."
After Cameron left, Misty looked at Blair questioning her, "Bebé?"
"Oh, that. He gave me a nickname back there at school, same as Rena for Serena and Mémee for Aimee."
"Oh, I see."
A moment after Cameron left, while Misty and Blair still enjoyed their lunch, Chuck arrived. "Sorry mother, I'm late."
"Charles, at last."
"Blair..." He took her hand without any notice and gave akiss on her knuckles. Blair felt and electricity jolted to her body.
"Please join us. We already started ours earlier." said Misty.
Chuck have Foie Gras with Duck Priosciutto same like Blair, Orange Chocolate Bonbon and Goat Cheese Cheesecake.
"Superb appetité you have today." said Misty, looking at his son's selection of food for lunch.
"There will be a long meeting after lunch with Vincent Astor, we're going to wrap up the deal with Bass-Astor Palace in Williamsburg, the major share will be on Bass Inc. and Bass Industry which left the Astors with only 15 percent share only." Chuck explained about his work flawlessly.
"Nice. How's progress so far?" Blair asked.
"Well the structure phase done already, now we're on finishing phase where the interior get involve, FF&E stuffs." Chuck explained further.
"What about the completion target? When will the opening hold?"
"Hopefully everything go well and the completion target will be achieved in the end of August. After testing & commissioning process and handover, the soft opening will be in Fall."
Misty felt very glad seeing his son and Blair interact on each other. They are indeed meant to be together. "Enough with work. How about you Blair, Fashion Week already wrapped up. Are you going to go back to Paris first before your vacation, or you will depart from New York?" Misty asking about Blair's vacation plan.
"Well, I haven't decide yet about the place yet. I mean it's mine and Serena's, so it takes two to tango, I'm going to discuss it with Serena first."
"Maybe Charles could join your vacation with Serena if you don't mind. I mean both of you are engaged, and I think it will be a good opportunity for getting to know each other more." Misty now looked at her son, "You do need to take a vacation also, It's been a while, right? Why we need to hire professional top management officers if the boss need to go down by himself, you do need it."
"Mother, I think Blair and Serena want to have their own vacation without me, you know girls time, right Blair?"
Blair feels trapped, how was she supposed to answered that, "Well, for me there's no any restriction about it. Feel free to join us. Maybe you can bring Nate with you."
"See, Charles. Why don't all of you enjoy Hampton then maybe somewhere nice around Europe or Carrebean. It will be great."
"I'll see my schedule first for it." Chuck tried to avoid.
"I'll give Marry a call about it." said Misty.
Daniel, 60 East 65th Street New York, NY 10065
"Thank you for being here, tonight Serena. You look beautiful."
"Thank you."
Nate signaling the waiter to take their order. The waiter approahed their table, "May I take the order sir?"
"Yes. I would like to have Fennel Ravioli with Scottish Langoustines, Duo of Beef and Blood Orange-Campari Sorbet. A bottle of champagne would be great. What would you like to have Serena?"
"Make it two." Serena smiled warmly.
"So, how was your day?" asked Nate. "Usual. Next week will be something." Explained Serena.
"Why so?"asked Nate curiously.
"Well, me and Blair are going to spend our long holiday. Hampton will be our first stop."
"Wow..really wish that I can join you and Blair."
"Why not. It will be a great idea so far. I'll talk to Chuck about this."