Heiress ∣ Nate Archibald

Enough About Eve

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Nate Archibald had joined the campaign trail for none other than his cousin Tripp Vanderbilt, much to Ophelia's dismay. The heiress wasn't against Nate beginning a political career, most of the Vanderbilt's had at one point or another but she didn't enjoy the idea of it being under Tripp. Despite her reservations Ophelia had played the role of the good partner and kissed her boyfriend on the lips before he started his busy day. 

"Your boyfriend's family are the Vanderbilts? My God." Aspen questioned as Ophelia sat beside the redheaded girl in one of their shared classes. "You really aren't that familiar with the Upper East Side, are you?". Ophelia wondered, remembering how out of the loop Carrington was when she first met her. "Not one bit." Aspen admitted, finding the dynamic of her friend's life more than intriguing. Returning her attention back to class the heiress couldn't help herself as she began replying to emails and messages regarding her skyline's grand opening. 

As much as Ophelia had tried to push through the contents of each class she couldn't help but find it under stimulating and boring. The heiress kept telling herself she just had to make it through the next few years but in reality, she didn't know how much she could give to the classes when she'd already achieved what everyone else in these rooms could only dream of. Choosing to prioritse her skyline Ophelia ensured the finishing touches for the grand opening ball were in place and the movers had access to her and Nate's current home. 

"Hey O... do you mind if I ask you a favour?". Aspen's words pulled Ophelia's gaze from her phone momentarily. "Go for it." The heiress encouraged, wondering what the redhead could need from her when she had little regard for the Upper East Side's social standing. "It's clear you've already achieved what these courses are about, would you mind helping me with some of the assignments? We could work together." Taking a moment to think about it Ophelia found herself inspired by the suggestion, she'd seen Aspen's work and knew she was a talented designer, the only thing she required was an official qualification and exposure. "Of course. It'll be fun." 

"Wait, Bree's cousin hosts a poker game." Serena asked once more as Ophelia had managed to catch up with Nate for coffee on his break. "Yeah. PJ Buckley. Hi love." Nate placed a kiss on Ophelia's lips before they continued walking down the sidewalk. "Picture like a young J.R. Ewing in Earnest Sewn jeans." "And you really think he'll play for Carter's debt?". Serena followed up from Nate's description, waving slightly to Ophelia as the heiress found herself bored by the topic. "I've seen him bet thoroughbreds, an island in the Seychelles, the Knicks." 

Serena couldn't hide the impressed look that crossed her face at Nate's words. "Okay, but what makes you think we'll win? You're not exactly a card shark." Ophelia couldn't help but laugh at the blonde's comment. "Well, this one night at the Maidstone, Bree told Spencer every one of PJ's tells so you'll know exactly when to call his bluff." Nate informed, his hand reassuringly squeezing Ophelia's as he brought her brother up. "Wait, me?". Serena stopped in her tracks at his words, clearly unaware of this arrangement. "Oh, you're gonna be playing." Ophelia confirmed for her boyfriend, quietly enjoying the way the van der Woodsen was taken off guard.