It all started at one of Lily van der Woodsen’s impossibly elegant brunches—a place where the mimosas sparkled brighter than the smiles, and gossip was served right alongside the croissants.

You hadn’t even planned on going. But somehow, Eric had convinced you, insisting it would be “fun.” He failed to mention his ex would be there.

You noticed her the moment you walked in—beautiful, composed, the kind of Upper East Side perfection that made you instantly self-conscious. Eric froze for half a second before his expression softened into a carefully practiced smile.

“Y/N,” he murmured, leaning closer. “That’s her.”

You tilted your head. “The ex who said you were too nice?”

“The very one.” His jaw tightened. “She’s been trying to make me jealous for weeks.”

You smirked. “You want payback?”

He hesitated. Then, a spark lit in his blue eyes. “Actually… yeah. You in?”

Before you could second-guess it, you nodded—and a few seconds later, his arm slipped around your waist, casual but possessive, as he led you through the crowd.

“Play along,” he whispered, voice low and amused.

You did. Oh, you definitely did.

You laughed at his jokes, leaned in when he whispered, let your fingers brush his hand over the table. It was supposed to be an act—a show. But the way he looked at you sometimes, like he forgot this was fake, made it hard to breathe.

And Gossip Girl, of course, didn’t help.

Spotted: E.VDW cozying up with a mystery date at the Palace. Has our golden boy moved on for real this time? XOXO

By Monday, half of Constance was whispering. The other half was watching you like you were the next headline.

“Still fake,” you reminded Eric one afternoon as you walked through Central Park, his hand casually brushing yours.

“Right,” he said. But there was something off about his tone.

“Eric?”

He stopped walking, shoving his hands into his coat pockets. “You ever think maybe we’re a little too good at pretending?”

Your heart stuttered. “Meaning?”

He met your eyes—soft, sincere, a little scared. “Meaning, I don’t think I’m pretending anymore.”