"If you let lesser people determine your self-worth, you'll never reach higher than their limited imagination."

-Ana Huang, Twisted Love

-Chapter 2: Boyshit-

Jane Austin once wrote, 'It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.' Used by Austin ironically to set the tone of Pride and Prejudice. However, some parents on the upper Eastside view that quote as a fact. Let me explain.

A profuse number of parents from our world have this certain yearning for their child to marry someone with money and good social standing. For example, when a man is considered part of the exclusive billionaire club, you would be surprised how many families, women, and men would throw themselves at them. Even if they come with a bit of a reputation and some baggage. Though for some, that is part of the appeal. Certain people desire that whole fantasy of changing a man. Turning the damaged bad boy into a somewhat redeemable human. That is why the Bass men were considered a hot commodity, especially Chuck Bass.

The youngest bass was never linked romantically to an individual. Well, that was before I came into the picture. Sure, you might see his arms wrapped around a model or two, but they seemed to all have an expiration date. Lasting no longer than a week. Tragic really.

Having certain traits like being rich, young, and from the exclusive club of New York Elites make you a catch in the city. Therefore, add some charisma plus technique and the womanizing thing come easy. He never seemed to complain.

Thanks, but no thank you. I prefer someone more prince-like. Less complicated and messy. Someone like Nathanial Archibald. A guy that is sweet and thoughtful. He is like a living breathing prince, minus the whole crown and castle. He makes up for it with his morals and muscles.

Back to my point. If you're a rich gentleman in the city, chances are you will have a trail of suitors and their nosey families not far behind. Introducing themselves or their child. Just look at the evidence. Even with the announcement of the two of us dating, I still struggle to keep his groupies and these gold-digging tramps at bay. It may all be a rouse, but I still don't appreciate that lack of respect for those in a relationship.

Anyway, the purpose of this little tangent is that Bart, his little board members, and even my dear mother all seem to have a similar notion. Marriage means stability and happiness. Not that really many of them have a great track record to back up their little theory.

Suddenly, after our official first outing as a couple, Chuck has been seen in a new light, just as he predicted. Bart was singing praises. His father had even requested that Chuck attended those monthly board meetings. According to him, the members of Bass industries have begun to re-evaluate their views on him. Less of a boy who likes to party, women, and spending daddy's money. More like a man who is serious and responsible.

If only they knew and understood. Being rich does not mean you are looking to settle down. Being in a relationship does not make you responsible. Oh, and one more thing dating Blair Waldorf does not make anyone a saint.

-XOXO-

Ring. Ring. Ring.

Pulling the phone out of my pocket, I took a peak at the caller ID. A sigh escaped my gloss-covered lips. Guess there is no point in avoiding the music anymore. She has been awfully persistent.

Blair: "What do you need S?"

Serena: "Finally, you picked up."

Blair: "I have been a bit preoccupied with a few…other things."

Serena: "Hi Blair. How are you doing? I am doing great. Except for one little key detail. Tell me why I had to find out from a gossip site and my mother that my best friend was in a relationship with Chuck Bass? My mother B."

Blair: "To be fair you never asked."

Serena: "I have tried calling and texting you. Yet never answer."

Blair: "No worries, I forgive you S, for barely getting a hold of me. I agree this may be all a bit sudden."

Serena: "Sudden? Two months ago you were singing praises for his best friends. Now you are all over Chuck. Explain to me how this makes any sense."

Blair: "S, I have a timeline to follow. I want to be married and succeeding in my field by the time by the time I reach 25. He is perfect boyfriend material. Quite a catch really."

Serena: "I was at that sleepover when you discussed your ideal man and we both know Chuck isn't it.."

Blair: "I don't recall."

That was a bit of a lie. I do remember that exact summer she is referring to. It was right before high school started, at one of my infamous soirees. Serena, me, and the minions discussed our ideal boyfriend candidate.

We created files on all the boys that would be attending St. Jude's high school sector in the fall.

I knew back then Nate was the one. Someone athletic and caring. Who grew up in Manhattan and held a certain fondness for the city. I mean our parents knew each other since we were children. Some might argue it was fate. S agreed with my claim. Not the whole fate part, but how he would be an ideal boyfriend. To this day he would still be considered great boyfriend material.

Though Isabel, minion number 2, and Penelope, minion 1, swore Chuck was an ideal boyfriend candidate. The notion seemed so humorous I almost spit out my mocktail. Could you imagine? Sure, he was handsome and smart when he decided to showcase his intelligence. Though he had a tendency to not remain faithful and trouble just seemed to follow him. Plus, he lies, schemes, and cheats. The biggest reason people put up with his ill behavior and vile comments was because of his family's wealth.

I remember saying something along the lines of I pity the girl who would end up with him. Plus, some words about never trusting that demon. Come to think of it, I might have also insulted the minions on the ideologies. Oh, and I most certainly swore I would never date him. Not even if he were the last man on earth.

So, I could see where the shock factor comes in for Serena.

No one knew about that summer and how my opinion of Chuck was modified. Still a Basshole 85% of the time, but now with redeeming qualities.

With staff signing NDAs and people being paid off to keep their lips sealed, the summer remained a secret. I never felt the need to divulge the events that took place. Explaining to her would just take too much time. Plus, she might still call me out on the plan or tell Nate.

At this moment I can't afford that. Nate had indeed taken note of my new relationship status, though his text read more along the lines of congratulatory instead of a confession. Though that can all change in due time.

Serena: "Blair are you still there?"

Blair: "Yes. The two of us are very much in a happy healthy relationship. We have fireworks and lots of passion. I have to go. Kisses. Talk to you later. I have a meeting to attend."

I hung up as quickly as possible. Though I could hear her request to continue this conversation, at the moment I had more pressing matters to attend to. Dinner with my mon beau. Truthfully, I only had one reason for meeting with that dealmaker for dinner at the Moulin. Though do love a good souffle and salmon en papillote. I had an ulterior motive.

-XOXO-

Of course, I was not the only one with an agenda. Chuck had chosen a booth with enough privacy for us to talk and for those in the restaurant to be aware of our presence. I am sure he was hoping that this outing would earn him more praise from his father.

"It seemed like everything is falling into place. In no time you will be running Bass industries." I remarked. Raising my flute with champagne.

"Well, I do have to thank you for that." Chuck opined. Our glasses clinked in a celebratory motion.

"Since our little show is starting to produce results, I must assume that you will soon be holding up your end of this little deal." I said with faux sweetness lacing my words. This was not a question, more of a reminder. I was playing my part, time for him to play his.

Chuck gave me his infamous smirk. "Don't worry in no time he will be eating out of the palm of your hand." He tried reassuring me.

I could not help but roll my eyes at his ill attempt to give me any sense of condolence. Actions tend to speak louder than words. Unless he could start producing some actual results, that is all they were, words.

"I actually had another reason for inviting you to dinner" Chuck spoke as he began cutting into his steak.

Mockingly I clapped my hands. "Chuck Bass has an agenda. Ladies and gentlemen, I am flummoxed." I said sarcastically.

This time he was the one rolling his eyes. "Please put the claws away kitty. I just wanted to ask you a question. What do you think about the Spectator?" He asked.

"I suppose it is a respectable newspaper. On track to becoming one of the most influential papers. Still not as iconic as the Times, but they are getting there. Your point, Bass?" I questioned.

"They want to do an exclusive story on our little romance fable." Chuck commented.

Of course they would. I can see the headlines already, 'Billionaire Falls for a Darling Beauty Socialite'. A modern retelling of 'Beauty and the Beast' I am sure.

Normally, I would never pass up an opportunity to have my face plastered on everyone's dining table and mobile devices singing me praises. Though this would further drive his cause, not mine. This little story would solidify the notion he has changed. Heck, his father might even frame the paper and give it to Chuck as a reminder of the so-called right path he is on. This would not get me any step closer to getting Nate. Ergo no deal.

Twirling one section of hair, I responded with false sincerity in my voice, "I can't. I will be washing my hair, and oh, so busy with work."

"What do you want Waldorf? I know this is a pretext for me to beg and you can get what you want. So pressed fast forward on your little show and just give me your demands." Chuck solicited.

"You never did give me a timeline of how long you plan for this little charade to go on. And I don't see Nate banging my door confessing his undying love for me." I riposted.

He put his arm around me. Gently tucking a piece of hair behind my ear. His voice sounded so sweet and loving. Only the words coming out of his mouth were, "We went over the terms already. This goes on until I claim my spot as the head of the board. No sooner, honey."

Following his tactic, I used my sweet flirty voice."I need numbers Bass. You are a businessman. Give me something a bit more tangible. Something more certain than empty promises." I brushed my hand up and down his arm and began batting my eyelashes.

He leaned in. I could feel his hot breath. "There is no exact date. I promise by the end of the year Nate with be writing sonnets about you." Then pulled back.

I brought my lips an inch away from his. "Ten months max. I am the daughter of a business attorney. It would be a shame if I don't try to counter." I whispered.

As if to seal the deal, his lips devoured mine. There was something about kissing Chuck. I couldn't quite put my finger on it. After a minute or so he pulled back ever so slightly. Still only an inch away from my lips, he replied, "Better call and schedule the interview then."

The two of us exchanged a small smile.

The waiter came by the booth. His eyes were on his notepad when he asked, "Dessert?" Seeing Chuck and me looking intimate, seemed to make the poor man flustered. He was struggling to face us. "I can come back" he offered.

"No need, just the check. I have made plans to have dessert back at my place." Chuck replied never taking his eyes off me.

I could only imagine how people viewed us. To those staring, we looked like a couple in love. Two lovebirds who could not get enough of each other. Again it was all an act. Well, mostly all an act.

Author's Mini-Note:

Yay! The story will continue…

I rewrote this chapter a couple of times. Self-doubt is one of the biggest obstacles in actually pressing that publish button. That is why it took me a little longer than I anticipated to upload. I was also trying to avoid the mistake I made last time. I thought if I delete and reupload it no one would notice. Based on the reviews I guess I was wrong. My bad. Sorry. Therefore I waited till I was somewhat okay with this chapter before putting it up.

Thank you to everyone who took time out of their day to review, write all the kind words, follow, and favor the story. I really appreciate it. It meant a lot to me. Till the next update...

THX U