Chapter Twenty-Eight

My Mistakes Were Made For You

''Who the hell is Jessica?'' Blair demanded as Jane followed her to the bedroom, shutting the doors behind them. Room was small - so small their elbows kept bumping. ''And she is moving in?! Why did nobody consult me on this matter?!''

''Calm down,'' Mother said lowly, pushing her down on bed and dropping down beside her. ''They'll hear you.''

''I don't care if they do,'' She burst out, getting up and putting hands on her hips. ''You're letting a complete stranger move into our home. As if! You know what they say about redheads!''

''Blair,'' Her mother barked, disapprovingly looking at her. She lowered down her voice to a threatening whisper, ''Don't for a second think I don't know that you've been abusing Dan's love escapades at night. Don't you dare act golden with me when I know you're far from it. You're as big of a fool as he is.''

Blair opened her mouth, but promptly shut them closed. Her cheeks crimsoned instantly. It was true, while Dan would sneak out at night (the reason now plain obvious), she would use that time to spend it with Chuck. She looked away from her mother, once again amazed by her cunningness and forever grateful for discretion, protection and for not saying anything to the rest of the family. If dad found out she was sneaking out at night to meet some boy, he would kill her.

''The girl is pregnant,'' Gravely announced Jane and Blair observed she was tired, weak and everything about her face suggested severe fatigue. Jane always worried too much and maybe the effects were showing on her body just now. Blair timidly sat next to her and put head in mother's lap. Jane absentmindedly stroked her silken hair, the movement soothing both parties, ''That's why we went away, your dad and I. We had to ask for her hand in marriage from some far relatives of hers. Jessica has no parents, no siblings, no family. Maybe it would do her good to have one.''

Blair sensed heavy dubiousness in those last words.

''Fine,'' She conceded, still opposed to the idea of the marriage despite the pregnancy, but her family was God-fearing. Her family was traditional and this was how it was done. Love didn't matter. Tradition did. ''But I'm not sharing my room with her.''

Small burst of mellow delight spread through her at the thought of becoming an aunt, but it quickly disappeared. That meant Dan would have to find a job as soon as possible. That also meant their miniature bedroom-and-a-half flat would become overcrowded. Dan and Jessica were already crashing on the couch. Could they even afford a baby? No, not with this debt.

That night, from her own barred window, Blair watched Chuck and Georgina exit the building and drive away in his limo. Where were they going? To Tropic? It seemed too late for a fancy dinner in restaurant. She sighed heavily, laying down on the bed and stared at the ceiling. She couldn't pretend she was rich anymore, she couldn't escape to carefree world with Chuck where everything was always perfect - even when times got rough.

This was her reality now.

''Jane,'' Father called out from the kitchen in the morning. ''I'll be going to pick up trash now.''

''No,'' Blair jumped out from her room, already dressed up. In fact, she didn't even sleep, merely changed clothes somewhere around dawn. The sinking feeling in her guts didn't let sleep come.

Dad would see Chuck if he went to take his trash, he'd know he moved in here and it would do no good to his already weak heart. It would only complicate things further and if Dan found out - it would be utter disaster. Ashamed Dan always meant angry Dan - and angry Dan almost always turned to violence. ''I'll do it.''

''Honey, you've worked hard these days,'' Her mother gently said, indescribable sorrow in her eyes. Jane never wanted her daughter to work as a cleaner, never wanted her to end up like she did - but Jane's strength was failing and they needed all the help. ''Take a break today. You didn't even have any dinner last night.''

''If she wants to do it,'' Jessica chirped, sitting on couch and polishing her nails. ''Let her do it.''

Blair glared at her future sister-in-law. ''Take a break, Jessica. You must be tired from doing absolutely nothing.''

She needed to see if Georgina stayed at his place, it gnawed on her and she needed to see him. Would he go that far? Would he sleep with Georgina for revenge?

Worst of all, would he sleep with Georgina because he liked her? After all, she was rich and she was pretty - disregarding her mental state, Georgina came from equally prominent and powerful family. How would they ever not match?

The shame still burned through her as she wheeled a trashcan. Blair felt stupid and embarrassed to be picking up his trash - but that was her reality. Her family was poor and insignificant, and tried to hide that fact from him. That was the reason he came here in the first place - to humiliate her. To make her do all the things she was ashamed of. To face her with her reality and consequences her lies left.

And in the meantime, to hurt her.

This was real Blair and she couldn't escape herself. Taking a deep breath, she knocked on his doors.

Chuck almost immediately opened them and she was once again blown by his hostile attitude. The difference between this stranger and her boyfriend was colossal, brutal and terrifying.

''Do you have-'' She began, but he wordlessly shoved a plastic bag in her hands and slammed doors in her face. ''Any trash?'' She finished meekly, annoyance starting to get to her, but also small gust of joy. Because there was no Georgina, flat seemed empty and she knew he spent the night alone.

How? Because Blair knew the best what he looked at any given time, especially after a night full of messy sheets and stifled moans.

Strong moroseness took over humiliation and she dumped the bag in the trash can, feeling very nostalgic.

''That's a pretty ring,'' Jessica admired when she got back, her eyes zeroing on the glittering item. ''Where did you get it?''

Jessica's narrowed eyes didn't clash with her babbling lips, her whole irritating personality too obvious and Blair knew there was more to her than cheap manicure, abuse of hairspray and mindless chit-chat.

''Claire's,'' Blair pocketed Chuck's ruby ring, feeling very protective. What explanation would she give to anyone if they found out this was an expensive genuine ruby?

Jessica smirked, leaning in to wink. ''So it wasn't gift from a boy?''

''Please,'' Blair rolled her eyes and moved away. Taking light jacket from the rack, she made her way to the harbor, to do her shift with Edward Morelli. ''If there was any, he'd do better than 2$ ring.''

''Have you always lived on a boat?'' Blair asked, sipping a virgin Bloody Mary. Her boss had a habit of preparing non-alcoholic cocktails, claiming he didn't want her drunk self assaulting his handsome body.

''Of'course,'' Edward rolled a tiny paper umbrella in his hands. ''I was born on a boat.''

''Are you serious?'' They were inside Vero and interior was as luxurious as the exterior. Everything was white leather, maple wood and high technology. Strangely, there were no pictures, no personal documents, nothing that would give away this boat was used for anything other than rare weekend trips.

''Yes, right where you're standing,'' he pointed, going behind the bar and washing his glass.

''Funny,'' Blair rolled her eyes and finished the drink, handing him her glass back. ''You were a wild one, weren't you?''

''Only after I got tired of being good, kid,'' Her boss smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. Blair stared at him from under her lashes, absentmindedly dusting the coffee-table. What happened to him that he isolated himself on his boat like this? What was his family like? Did he ever love someone? Did he ever break anyone's heart? Or did someone break his?

''Be so kind as to quit analyzing me. I believe that's my forte.''

''I'm just wondering,'' She went on, unperturbed. ''What made you raise the oars and sail the world? What did Manhattan ever do to you?''

Few minutes passed before he answered and by that time, Blair thought he would ignore the question.

''Manhattan tried to tell me who I was,'' He quietly said, his blue eyes lost somewhere far away. ''I'm starting to think - I'm starting to think there were other options.''

''If I had a boat, I'd sail somewhere far away too.''

''Would you?'' Edward asked earnestly, his gaze now completely focused on her brown orbs.

''No,'' She said after moment of hesitation, thinking about Chuck. ''No, I wouldn't.''

Because it was true. She would stay here and fight. And that was what she would do.

''You will get hurt, kid,'' He came as if he could read her mind and took her hands away from the coffee-table, enveloping them in his own palms. His blue eyes were striking as they gazed at her. Her boss was now almost familiar with the whole story, except few details which Blair wanted to keep for herself. ''Are you aware of that?''

''I am,'' She replied quietly, staring at the restless sea through round window. Edward's serenity was contagious, she always felt at peace with him and sharing her thoughts with someone was almost like a therapy. Or was it because he was different? ''But I've hit the rock bottom. There's no other choice except to get back up. I'm not saying I won't be scared or that I won't keep falling. It's because I already am scared to death. It's because now I know, if I ever fall - I will be able to get up.''

Her boss smiled at her as if he was pleased about something and he dropped her hands, whistling to himself as he left her to finish up cleaning.

An hour later, Blair was still in the marine, waiting for her taxi. She sat on a bench near the entrance and listened to the sound of waves crashing against the harbor walk. It was getting darker and chillier, the obvious sign autumn was fast approaching. She contemplated her life choices, somehow feeling too relaxed in this desolate place, making a mental note to buy textbooks in the morning. Edward Morelli kept stubbornly over-tipping her and finally, she could buy the books without waiting for anyone's paycheck.

''What are you still doing here, kid?'' The devil himself showed up and Blair rose, surprised to find her boss dressed in an expensive suit and smelling like cologne. The perfume somehow didn't fit him - the guy was made for salt, sun and linen shirts. Not to mention it was odd to find him outside of Vero, it felt surreal.

''Nice suit,'' She offered, eying this new look. ''You look very handsome.''

''It's late,'' He ran tanned fingers through sandy hair, clearly uncomfortable.

Blair quickly straightened up, pressing lips together. Suddenly, she felt very embarrassed. God, what was she thinking? She was a mere cleaner here. Edward was her boss, not her friend. Kid - he called her a kid, thought of her as a child. ''The cab you hailed didn't come, so I'm waiting for another one.''

With innocent curiosity, she wondered where was he going? Didn't he abandon whole Manhattan lifestyle and debauchery - as he once said it. Regardless of isolation, there were always subtle traces of her boss' social life - an expensive diamond earing on the floor, lipstick marks on champagne glasses from last night and even once, a pair of thongs hanging off the mast.

''Come on,'' He ordered nodding, fetching a pair of keys from his pocket. ''I'll get you back safely.''

''I can't accept that. I don't want to keep your date waiting.''

He didn't laugh the comment off nor deny. Edward looked at her from under his lashes as if mulling over something. ''I know your mother would not appreciate it if you got home at inappropriate hour because of me.''

Jane wouldn't care, Blair thought. Her mother and the rest of the family valued Mr. Morelli as if he was Jesus himself. Jane worked for couple of summers on Vero and not once did bad word about him leave her lips. Dad often helped him repair his boat, sometimes even brought Dan. There was always only praise and professional distance - a part of the reason why Blair couldn't help but to trust this guy.

''What about my taxi?'' Blair voiced out, following him as he took off without another word to the private garage.

They went past dozen of expensive cars; Rolls Royce, Ferrari, Audi R8 and like until coming to furthest end. Edward pulled a cover off one of the smaller vehicles only to reveal sleek black motorcycle.

''Safely?'' She repeated with a raised eyebrow, staring at powerful Yamaha YZF-R1 - it said so in silver letters on the side. It looked like a beast, a raging machine that could fly to the moon and back in mere seconds. It looked dangerous.

Edward handed her spare helmet with an amused grin. ''Scared?'' He put on a leather jacket, which fit him like a glove.

''Try me,'' she smirked, but secretly felt slightly terrified.

It took them 8 minutes to get home. That was 15 minutes less than with a car, 51 minutes less than with a bus. Blair had a feeling he drove slower on her account, but fitting Edward in the profile of a bad boy who drove fast motorcycles was already hard as it is.

Her hands went past his waist, clutched on a holder under his chest. Wind furiously whipped against them, but all she could see were city lights blurring past in a daze. Riding on motorcycle was almost like riding naked, she felt cold and too exposed. The drive wasn't uncomfortable, but it was far from pleasant.

As they pulled up, adrenalin hit low and she was glad they were home. The constant state of alertness didn't leave her body. Actually, the feeling of dread only seemed to double. Even under the protection, she could hear muffled shouts from in front of her building. Engine of motorcycle died out and she quickly freed her face of helmet and shook her head. Voices suddenly ceased, but the sight was still petrifying. It was scene from a nightmare, a long-awaited dreaded nightmare which she wanted to avoid at all costs.

Chuck was clutching Dan's collar, threateningly hovering above him. He raised a fist to punch him when she instantly cried out, ''No!''

They all turned towards her with wide wild eyes and she hopped off on the pavement, wanting to put an end to whatever this was. A match between her brother and a guy she loved.What the hell happened?

''Mr. Morelli,'' Her father cried out. His face pleaded for help and Edward immediately hanged the helmet on a handle with skillful practice, eying Chuck with apprehension.

''How about you let my friend go?'' Her boss spoke in low voice, carefully threading his way towards them.

He was now involved too. Great. Just great.

Bob looked at her and shakily said. ''Daughter, go inside! Now!''

Blair anxiously glanced at Chuck and she thought she saw him loosen hold on Dan. Worry spiked through her, worry that something would happen to Chuck because he was decidedly outnumbered. Despite everything, she was afraid for him because this wasn't like him. This was reckless and dangerous behavior. Instinctively, she reached out for him and his gaze inquisitively flicked towards her hands.

Yes, she desperately thought. Let me help you.

Their eyes met.

Please.

Chuck's irises quickly turned dark and they flickered towards Edward. They then jumped to father and then finally land on Dan. The realization hit him. This was her family. He now knew her brother was the guy who stole and wrecked his car. He now knew her family was the one he often talked with disdain.

In the past, they talked about this family, not rarely fought about it and she never told him it was her very own blood. Another lie unraveled in front of her eyes, peeling layer of skin from her flesh. Her breathing was heavy, heart painfully constricting while Chuck shoved her brother off and spat at him as if he was something toxic, ''You better not pull this again.''

With that, he walked past them, lightly brushing his shoulder against hers and he entered the waiting limo. The car drove away, disappearing into the traffic. Blair released a breath she didn't know she was holding. Her hands were trembling and Edward eyed them with concerned eyes.

''Dad,'' Dan spoke, straightening up and, judging by the guilty tone of voice, Blair immediately knew it was his fault. The thought was only confirmed when dad ignored him. The disappointment on his face couldn't be hidden. Did he provoke Chuck?

''Thank you, Mr. Morelli'' Bob said stiffly, ignoring his son, ignoring motorcycle and the fact if it was anyone else who gave her the ride - she'd be painfully familiar with consequences. ''I'm sorry for causing you any inconvenience.''

They watched him go back home and then Dan went the other way with quick steps, losing himself in the crowd on the streets.

''Is that him?'' Edward asked, staring down at her with clenched fists. Somehow, he became part of this story and Blair didn't like it. Actually, bad feeling gnawed at her chests now that he saw everything.

She looked up on the window of Chuck's floor. ''He moved in here.''

This was all her fault. She hurt him so much she changed him completely, drove him mad, drove him insane and she couldn't help but to want to soothe him, to heal him back as he was. Because the world was complicated, the destiny wasn't set in stone and fighting was inevitable. Chuck was broken, shattered by her hand and she wanted to restore him as he was.

''Blair,'' Edward took a step closer, eyes sharp. ''He is crossing the line.''

Blair? She flinched, staring at her boss. He just called her by her name. It felt odd. She handed him the helmet and before going back in said, ''I'm not worried. I'll fight him - I'll fight him for us.''

''Thanks for the ride,'' She called over her shoulder before he could say anything else.

Yes, she loved Chuck in spite of himself, in every possible way. She loved every face he had, including this one. And she would help him get through this.

As she entered home, air was heavy and Blair went straight to bed. All night, she listened to her parents talk in hushed voices in the kitchen - discuss that boy that was on their throats, that boy that held them in grip yet here he was, moving in their building. Did it have anything to do with debt? With Dan?

No, dad, she thought what was dangerous to say out loud. He came for me.

Pair of hooded dark eyes pierced her mind as she grabbed ruby ring off the shelf and twirled it in her fingers. Why didn't Chuck give her away to her family? Why didn't he give some crude comment about their relationship? Did he secretly care?

No, it couldn't be it.

He must have wanted to torture her slowly. Exposing her past and her lies to her family, along with involvement with him, would have single-handedly destroyed her. No, he didn't care.

How could he, after everything?

''Where do you think you're going?'' Dad asked as he broomed the entrance of the building early in the morning.

''I have to buy some textbooks,'' Blair answered as she buttoned down her beige trench-coat, still not used to absence of the summer heat. ''Classes will start soon.''

''Alright, but don't be too long,'' Bob muttered with disapproval. ''If I didn't have work to do, I'd go with you.''

They didn't mention what happened last night and Blair was thankful for it. She gave brief explanation why Mr. Morelli gave her ride and her parents urged her not to do it ever again. It seemed like her little stunt last night would cost her big chunk of her freedom.

She suppressed rolling of her eyes, hating this over-bearing protection, hating absurd control over her smallest movements and sense of ownership over herself. Just as she was about to go, doors of the building opened and Chuck stepped out in his navy suit and burgundy bow-tie. She watched him as he walked out, not seeming to notice them.

''Well, aren't you going?'' Dad urged out loud and that caught Chuck's attention.

She quickly looked away as their eyes met and he seemed to pause. In that brief moment, she noted circles under his eye and pale face. Chuck's steps seemed to change direction and he sauntered towards them with malicious air. Her heart went in frenzy as his brown leather shoes came closer, praying he would just pass them by.

''Here, wash my car,'' He said as he stopped next to them with authority, with a cold voice that could be dangerous to refuse. Chuck dangled the keys in front of her father as he didn't reply, clearly unconcerned about what happened last night.

Blair sharply looked up at him, aware of the mortification, of the abuse - because that was driver's job, not something a janitor would do. Chuck looked down on her and their eyes met. Fire brimmed in his irises, hunger for revenge and she knew he was blaming her, but taking it out on everyone she cared about.

''Sir,'' Her dad answered rigidly, setting down the broom. Last night's conflict was still fresh and revelation that this man lived in their building wasn't easy to take. ''It is not something that we do.''

''It isn't something that you do,'' Chuck looked back at him peevishly, waiting for him to say no, waiting for a chance to strike with rougher fervor. ''Yet, you're the one getting paid to take care of residents and their property? Are you not?''

''Sir, I'm busy now,'' Bob breathed out and it was true, he worked from the dawn until dusk and washing anyone's car was out of the question. Nobody ever dared to ask because everyone knew housekeepers had enough on their hands involving service and building management. Blair felt herself getting angry, fists clutched at her side.

Her father wasn't a slave, a person that did absolutely everything and listened to every whim of the resident. He was a man with list of duties and work hours which he exceeded every single day. Car washing was not one of those duties and it was pure insolence to ask it.

''Then just wash around tires,'' Chuck persisted, furthering the humiliation, knowing her dad was in no position to refuse. It could cost him his job and then - they would end up homeless. Would Chuck go that far?

''I'll do it,'' She spat, glaring at him, not willing to take the risk. She didn't know how to wash the car, but she would do it nevertheless to save her father.

Chuck glanced at her, flashing an emotion, but it was brief and it was fleeting.

''Wait, Blair.'' Her father protested, tucking his chin in.

Impatient and annoyed, Chuck huffed and rolled his eyes. Opening the wallet, he snatched a 20$ bill. Note dangled in front of their faces as if it was juicy bones and they were mad, starving dogs. ''Who will do it then?''

Bob crimsoned with indignation as Blair stared at this monster with pursed lips. How dare he? Had he no manners? No shame?! Her father did nothing to deserve this! He wasn't the one who lied to him, yet he had to suffer her mistakes, her punishment.

''I'll do it,'' Bob finally declared, snatching the keys but leaving the bill untouched.

Blair turned around and left immediately, furiously blushing with aggravation.

''They pay monthly rate,'' Harvey Glenn declared, examining papers. He was Tropic's chief in finance, middle-aged guy who's forte were numbers and calculations. His bald spot on head shined with sweat and the short man took some effort to keep up with young master. It was a new ordeal for Chuck Bass to inquire about business matters. Harvey didn't know if he liked that or not. ''This month has been payed.''

''What are we, the bank?'' Chuck growled, scouting the Tropic for any sign of Bart. He specifically came at this hour to avoid the sight of him. Ever since he moved to Blair's building, he promptly avoided seeing anyone from his life. His father was was right - he really was a fool. But Chuck wouldn't let him have the satisfaction of knowing that. ''Are we to allow monthly payment?''

''Mr. Bass,'' Harvey said apologetically, handing him the papers. He was acquainted with difficult financial situation of debtor, it would be not only cruel to ask for the sum all at once - it would also be bad business. ''The debt has been marked as your father's personal affair. I can't do anything about it-''

''Three days.'' Chuck spat, shoving the papers back at Harvey's chest. ''I give you three days. Go and talk to the lawyers, see what needs to legally be done.''

Chief in finance wiped sweat off his forehead, calculating who would cost him more to disobey - Mr. Bart or his son.

''This is no longer my father's private matter,'' Young boss lowered his voice dangerously, rigidly fixing cuffs of his expensive suit. ''It's mine. You have exactly 71 hour, 57 minutes and 43 seconds.''

With that he stormed out of the club, leaving Harvey Glenn very close to a fainting fit.

''Where is it?'' Blair frantically muttered, knocking down the items and books off her shelf. Pillows lay on the floor along with bedsheets, whole bedroom a mess. Her body was ankle deep in new scattered textbooks, worn-out mattress leaning on a wall. ''Where is it?!''

''Blair, honey,'' Jane called out from the kitchen, ''Is everything okay?''

''No, everything is not okay!'' She frantically shouted, stomping her foot in frustration. ''I can't find my ring!''

Blair flipped her bedroom upside down, but the item was nowhere to be found. She usually kept it in her pocket except when she went to clean the yacht. There was a big risk of losing it in the water so at the times like those, it was kept on the shelf in her bedroom. Now that she came back from work, it was gone.

Edward Morelli wasn't at the yacht and the thought bothered her.

''You mean that 2$ ring?'' Jessica inquired, peering at her over the magazine she was reading. She chuckled, her legs lazily crossed. ''What's the fuss? I'll get you a new one.''

''Yes, Jessica,'' Blair barked, shooting her a glare. Her nerves were already at the end and this lazy idiot wasn't helping with anything. ''I mean that 2$ ring. It holds sentimental value.''

Except that fact, the ring also cost thousands of dollars, Tiffany custom made. Regardless, it was item she prized the most, a sign Chuck once loved her, a sign of hope that he still may do. Losing it almost meant losing the past, every evidence of their history and their story. How was anyone to ever understand this?

Her parents shrugged their shoulders and Jessica said she didn't know where it was. That only left one person.

''Where's Dan?''

''He should be here any minute now.''

Blair left the apartment, too impatient to wait in this mood. Her mind was going crazy, very close to exploding. She finally spotted him on the street, making his way lazily towards home. Lately, ever since that incident, Dan had been avoiding being home. Probably to refrain from coming across Chuck and provoking another fight.

''Where's my ring?'' She shoved his chest, glaring at him.

''Calm down,'' He shrugged her off nonchalantly, not even pausing to talk. He didn't even try to deny.

''Don't you use that tone with me! Tell me where's my ring, right now!'' She pushed his shoulders with whole strength her petite body possessed and he nearly stumbled off the pavement, into the traffic. Taxi passed by, honking loudly in warning.

Her brother reverted back to her, looking at her as if she had two heads. ''What the hell is wrong with you?'' He shouted, leaning towards her. ''Are you crazy? You nearly killed me!''

Avoidance of the answer and given reply only fueled her anger and she shoved his chest once again, completely livid and mad. Dan raised his hand to strike her - a gesture of a threat - a gesture he often used to scare her off and he knew it never worked.

''Do it,'' She quietly threatened back, not cowering in the least. ''I dare you.''

''What the hell are you doing?'' Chuck came rushing out of nowhere, pushing Dan away. He stood between them like a barrier, his hair neat and styled, his outfit fancy and dinner-appropriate.

Blair was rendered speechless as she stared at his back, her mind suddenly going blank with shock.

''What do you think?'' Dan snarled at him after primary confusion, lowering down his hand. ''You're interrupting a private conversation with my sister.''

Chuck didn't turn to look at her. Wary and dazed, she watched as he took a step away, laughing somewhat mockingly.

''What's so funny?'' Dan seethed, looking back at the limo which he came from. Out of the town car came long-legged brunette in bandage beige dress, obviously following her date to check-up on him. Her glossy full lips spread in surprise and she scampered over, leaning on Chuck's shoulder. ''Babe, what's going on?''

Her voice was smooth and inviting and Blair stared at her, something in her guts twisting in horrible pain. The girl eyed Dan's worn out clothes, two-day beard and messy hair with poorly hidden disgust. On the other hand, she was adorned with jewels and sweet perfume - a perfect match for polished Heir.

''Nothing, princess,'' Chuck replied with a twisted smirk, only then glancing behind at Blair with triumph in his eyes. Triumph over her crest-fallen face which she had no strength to hide. ''Just a sibling squabble.''

He draped an arm over girl's small waist and they left, heading towards the building.

''What's he smirking about?'' Dan watched them leave with narrowed eyes. He put on a hand on Blair's shoulder. ''Let's go.''

Blair flinched away from his touch, now even more angry and furious. ''Don't touch me!''

''I didn't take your ring,'' Her brother sighed, rolling his eyes. ''I promise.''

In the morning, still without the ring, Blair let her mother rest and took up the cleaning of the stairwell. To be precise, stairwell of Chuck's floor. For hours she cleaned the same spot, ever so often throwing glances towards his doors.

She didn't sleep that night. How could she? Blair rolled over the bed, restless and anxious to the point she felt like vomiting. This wasn't Georgina, this was some girl, an actual threat that could single-handedly knock down whatever they built up in past year. Someone that could damage them permanently. Spite in Chuck's eyes told her there was a good chance of that happening.

Blair felt scared. He was turning into a monster and she didn't know how to put an end to it.

Finally somewhere around 10 am, doors swung open and girl from last night left the apartment - heels in hand. Her lipstick was gone, hair messily raked down with fingers. The so-called princess slammed the doors shut and threw a dirty look at Blair before leaving via elevator.

So he did it. He actually did it.

It happened, something irreversible, gut-wrenching like this.

The girl stayed the night.

How dare he?

Blair gave him her virginity, for God's sake. Sex was supposed to be something precious and valuable - not a weapon. Not something to throw in her face and laugh in the meantime. She felt bile rise in her throat. This was too much, unbearable - it was too cruel, too heartless. Nothing could stop her heart from breaking, from tearing into shreds and feeling like drowning in cold water. With heaving chest, she walked up to his doors and forcefully knocked. Chuck opened the doors with bored look on his face, his feet naked.

''What did you do?'' Her voice broke as she demanded, staring up at him with red eyes. His hair was slightly wet, his eyes tired and she knew he slept with that girl. She knew - it was all over him - and it hurt. ''Is this seriously what you wanted to do to us?''

He stared at her for a moment as if she spoke language he couldn't understand. ''To us?''

''I was a liar,'' Blair went on, clutching the ends of her shirt, wanting to cry but feeling there were no tears left in her system. ''And what does this make you?''

She inhaled a breath, feeling herself tired and weak, but having only just enough amount of strength to go on. ''Weren't you the one who said you'd love me despite everything? Well, Chuck,'' she spread her arms wide, gesturing at herself ''This is everything.''

Chuck seemed to snap out of the daze at those words. His eyes focused on her and they were once again blazing with that hellish fire. He wrenched her forearm, bringing her face closer to his. His breath was hot on her cheek and they were too close for her to bear it. She just remembered that girl who left the apartment seconds ago and disgust churned within her. Blair looked away, swallowing loudly.

''Look at me,'' He spat savagely, shaking her so hard her bones rattled. His mouth were too close and she was forced to meet his unforgivable glare. ''Take a good look at me! Is this the same guy who promised you those things?''

Her eyes widened at those words and she stared at his deep-set eyes, the same eyes that were once filled with love now only brimmed with hate, with merciless venom. He was like a stranger, a stranger she knew too well. Everything he felt now, she felt for him twice as much.

This Chuck, this reckless stranger that just slept with random girl, glanced at her mouth. He paused whatever he was about to say, the grip on her tightening to the point it hurt. With racing heart, she stared back as he wet his lips. Was he leaning in?

Despite the proximity, Blair felt miles away from Chuck - from her Chuck. Blair flinched away, pulling back from him because he still smelled like sex and she couldn't bear the thought of him anymore. Right now, she hated him almost as much as he hated her. Wringing herself free, she quickly walked away - feeling like her body would spontaneously combust and burn until there was nothing left but charcoal.