The Upper East Side had seen its fair share of scandals… but nothing prepared you for this one.

Carter Baizen breaking up with Serena had already shaken the social ecosystem. They’d looked picture-perfect in photos, all champagne smiles and Hamptons sunsets. And Serena was your best friend—your ride or die—so when she showed up at your apartment, mascara slightly smudged, voice shaking as she said, “He just… ended things. Out of nowhere.” you felt your stomach twist with guilt so sharp you almost doubled over.

Because you knew exactly why he ended it. Because for the past month, you and Carter had been meeting in quiet corners of the Met steps, in empty hallways at charity galas, in his hotel suite where he shrugged off the world like it was just noise.

You knew it was wrong. You knew Serena deserved honesty. But you’d fallen for him—slowly, dangerously, quietly—and Carter had fallen right back.

He was the one who insisted on telling her. You were the one who begged him to wait.

And now? The waiting was over.

But Gossip Girl doesn’t wait.

The next morning your phone buzzed. Then buzzed again. And again.

You didn’t need to check it. You already dreaded what you’d see.

But you looked anyway.

SPOTTED: C.B. ending things with S.VDW… and running straight into the arms of her BFF. Looks like heartbreak is trending this season. XOXO, Gossip Girl

Your heart crashed to the floor.

There it was. Your secret. Your betrayal. All over the Upper East Side newsfeed.

Within minutes, whispers erupted everywhere—school hallways, brunch groups, even the doorman raised an eyebrow when you came downstairs.

You tried to text Serena.

You: Serena, please come over. I need to explain. No reply. Just the three dots… then nothing.

And then, the worst thing that could happen… did.

Serena showed up at your doorway.

She didn’t yell. She didn’t cry.

She just looked at you with this expression—hurt, shocked, but mostly confused.

“Why didn’t you just tell me?” she whispered, voice trembling. “I would’ve been mad… but I wouldn’t have hated you.”

Your throat closed up.

Before you could answer, Carter appeared behind you. Hands in his pockets. Jaw tight. Eyes only on you.

“I told her because I’m not ashamed of being with you,” he said softly. “Not anymore.”

You froze.

Serena blinked at him, then at you.

A single tear rolled down her cheek before she whispered, “You both should’ve trusted me.”

She left without another word.

Carter reached for your hand, but your whole body was shaking.

“Everything’s ruined,” you breathed.

But Carter just stepped closer, gentle but certain, his voice low.

“It’s messy. It’s Gossip Girl. It’s the Upper East Side. But I love you. And I’m done hiding it.”