The Consortium's Heir

Serena

Zoe turned off the lights in her room and lazily lay down on her bed. The only light that seeped in through the window came from the lamps outside the mansion.

Seeing Ciel kiss that woman made her feel like a withered flower. She hadn’t even recovered yet from what her aunt did to her siblings, and now this? Another heartache?

Why did she even have to be affected? It’s his life, after all, he can do whatever he wants!

She jolted up when the phone on her bedside table rang. Her instincts immediately told her it was him.

The phone rang for a long time, but she didn’t answer. Why? She didn’t even know. Was she sulking? Angry? Or just hurt by what she saw?

When it rang again, she finally answered, thinking he might need something.

“Hello?”

“So, you’re home,” Ciel’s sarcastic voice greeted her. “You didn’t even bother to tell me.”

“I was about to tell you, but…” She bit the nail of her forefinger. “Y-you were talking to a woman earlier.”

Ciel fell silent.

“Do you need anything? If not, I’ll go to sleep.”

“Okay, take a rest.”

And just like that, their conversation ended.

She forced herself to sleep, trying not to think about what she had seen. She shouldn’t get affected or interfere in Ciel’s personal life, especially now that there seemed to be a woman involved, who she assumed was his girlfriend.

It was already past eight in the morning when she went up to Ciel’s room, bringing their breakfast with her. She didn’t bother to knock; she was used to entering without warning. But what she saw made her freeze.

The woman from last night was sitting on the single sofa, while Ciel lay lazily on his bed.

“G-good morning,” she greeted both of them.

Ciel’s attention immediately shifted to her—and to the breakfast tray in her hands. But the woman raised a brow at her, clearly not recognizing her. The woman’s face reminded Zoe of a movie star’s: porcelain skin, seductive posture, and perfect beauty—enough to make her feel small and plain. She was the perfect match for Ciel.

“Who are you?” the woman asked, one brow still raised.

“I’m Mr. Ciel’s nurse,” Zoe replied politely.

“I can tell…from your looks.” The woman’s eyes swept up and down Zoe’s body, her tone mocking. “You really are his nurse. But what’s your name?”

“Zoe.” She smiled, trying to stay casual.

“Good. Now feed him. He refuses to eat.” The woman’s commanding tone made Zoe’s irritation rise.

That was exactly what she came for, but being ordered around like that, as if she were the one paying her salary, was annoying.

She placed the tray on the bedside table and sat by Ciel’s bed.

“You need to eat,” she said softly, feeling the woman’s piercing gaze on her. “No appetite?”

“Yes, I think so,” he murmured, eyes still fixed on the window.

“What do you want to eat?”

“Nothing.”

“Ah… What did your doctor say?” she asked, changing the subject as her eyes went to his leg—no longer in a cast. “You can start walking practice now?” she asked, smiling in surprise.

Ciel nodded. “Anytime now.”

“Then let’s try it!”

He turned to her. “You’ll help me?”

“Of course! Why wouldn’t I?”

For a moment, his eyes flicked toward the woman behind her, and Zoe’s smile faltered. He slowly sat up, and she quickly helped him.

“Let’s go to the pool area.”

She shook her head. “Later. You need to eat first.”

That made him groan. She scooped some food with a spoon and held it to his mouth. “Ah.”

Ciel gave her a look but eventually opened his mouth slightly. She hid her smile at the sight. His serious face only made him look more handsome.

After a few spoonfuls, the woman suddenly interrupted.

“I’ll feed him. You can leave now.”

Zoe looked at the woman standing beside her, then turned to Ciel for confirmation. He was her boss, he was the only one she would listen to. But Ciel remained silent, almost as if waiting for her to continue. So she did…holding the spoon out again, and he obediently took another bite.

“I said, get out!” The woman’s raised voice made her flinch.

“Serena,” Ciel’s voice came sharp with warning as he said her name.

Serena snatched the spoon from Zoe’s hand. Zoe stood up to avoid further confrontation as Serena took her place beside Ciel.

Zoe picked up Ciel’s medicines and placed them on the table. “After he eats, he needs to take these,” she reminded Serena while arranging the tablets.

“Don’t order me around.”

“I’m not ordering you. I’m reminding you.”

“I’m not his nurse. Why should I be the one to give it to him?” Serena lifted a brow, smirking arrogantly. “You’re the nurse. Do your job.”

“Okay then, I’ll stay.”

Zoe turned her back on Serena and sat on the sofa, refusing to look at them anymore. Watching them only irritated her.

“Enough…” Ciel gently took Serena’s hand that held the spoon and pushed it away.

Zoe immediately approached, seeing that he’d eaten enough to take his medicine.

“Here.” She handed him the tablet, and when he placed it in his mouth, she offered the glass to his lips so he could drink.

She didn’t care how sharp Serena’s glare was anymore. She was only doing her job.

When Ciel tried to stand, Zoe helped him, but Serena immediately took his arm, draping it over her own shoulder.

“Careful,” Zoe said, still staying nearby in case they needed help.

Ciel was tall, and she knew Serena couldn’t handle his weight; she herself struggled whenever Ciel leaned on her.

“Why don’t you use your wheelchair?” Serena suggested, clearly uncomfortable, especially in her high stilettos.

“Getting tired?” Ciel asked, a teasing tone in his voice.

“Y-yes, but when you’re on top of me, you’re not heavy at all.”

It should’ve been a normal couple’s banter, but not with Zoe there. She wasn’t stupid; she knew exactly what Serena meant.

“Because that’s a different thing, babe,” Ciel replied smoothly.

Zoe’s grip on his shirt tightened. Great, she thought bitterly. They’re flirting right in front of me.

Annoyed, she moved ahead to open the door.

“Ugh, you’re so heavy, babe!” Serena complained, nearly stumbling.

“Come back here, Z,” Ciel said, and Zoe rolled her eyes but returned to them.

She wrapped her arm around Ciel’s waist to steady him, but then his hand slid down to rest gently on her waist, lingering there.

She looked up at him, but his eyes were on the doorway. The touch made her uneasy, like tiny sparks were running under her skin.

When they exited the elevator, Serena suddenly stepped away, looking irritated.

“I can’t do this anymore!” she snapped, storming off.

Zoe heard Ciel sigh quietly, disappointed by her behavior.

“Come on,” she said, patting his back lightly. “Your girlfriend’s weak.” She rolled her eyes playfully, resting his arm across her shoulders instead of around her waist.

“She doesn’t like that I’m weak.”

They walked slowly and carefully, their arms almost embracing. Her body brushed against his side, sending electric tingles through her.

“S-she should know that no one’s strong all the time,” she said softly.

“I told her that,” Ciel murmured.

“Rich girls… not used to carrying real weight,” Zoe muttered under her breath.

When they reached the pool area, a man was waiting for them, probably the therapist.

“Good morning, Sir Ciel.” He smiled politely, also nodding at Zoe.

She smiled back warmly, but then Ciel’s arm wrapped lightly around her shoulders…possessive, protective.

“Are you from the state?” Ciel asked, referring to Irving Medical Center.

“Yes, sir. I came with Dr. Heath,” Jonas replied.

Zoe’s face lit up at the mention of the doctor she admired.

“Okay, let’s start then.”

Jonas helped her guide Ciel. A brown mat was laid over the tiles to prevent slipping. She let Jonas take over, standing to the side as she watched Ciel focus on his balance, gripping the thick ropes on each side for support.

He walked slowly but steadily. Zoe’s heart pounded, afraid he might fall. She moved closer to the barrier.

“It’s fine if I stay here, right?” she asked Jonas, who nodded. They both stood close, ready to catch Ciel if needed.

“Z, wait for me at the end,” Ciel said, glancing at her. He didn’t want her too close to Jonas.

She nodded and stepped back a few paces. Watching him walk toward her made her smile, like a proud mother watching her baby’s first steps. She blushed at the ridiculous thought.

“Closer…” she said, stretching her hands out toward him. “Careful…”

Her heart raced as he drew nearer, eyes locked on hers as if she were his goal, the finish line he was striving to reach.

He extended his hand toward her, and she reached for him too.

“Almost there…” she mouthed playfully.

“I made it…” Ciel whispered when their hands finally met.

Tears almost welled up in her eyes. His recovery was happening faster than she expected. She wanted to see him live normally again…without pain, without limits.

“Congrats,” she whispered.

Ciel suddenly pulled her into a hug, resting his chin on her shoulder. One hand on her back, the other holding hers tightly. He leaned on her…not just for balance, but comfort.

“I made it, Z. I made it.”

She smiled faintly, stroking his back. His voice overflowed with happiness.

“Of course, you did. You’re strong, remember? Walking again is easy for you.”

Ciel chuckled softly against her neck.

A shiver ran down her spine when his warm breath brushed her skin.

“Babe!”

Zoe’s eyes snapped toward the voice. Serena was walking toward them. Before she could snatch Ciel away, they gently separated, but Zoe stayed by his side to steady him.

“What?” Ciel asked.

“You can walk now?” Serena’s tone softened.

“A bit.”

“I want to see! Do it again.”

Zoe cleared her throat, catching Serena’s attention.

“What?” Serena snapped.

“He might strain his legs.”

“And why do you care?”

“I’m just thinking of what’s best for him. We shouldn’t push him too fast just because we want to.”

“What are you implying? That I’m interfering too much in my own fiancé’s life?”

Her words pierced Zoe’s chest like a blade. Fiancé.

So Serena wasn’t just some woman; she was the woman Ciel would marry. The realization hurt worse than she imagined.

She had to suppress whatever she was starting to feel for him before it destroyed her.

She lowered her head, not wanting anyone to see the shame and bitterness on her face.

“That’s not what I meant, Serena—”

“Ma’am Serena,” Zoe corrected gently. This woman was her boss’s fiancée, after all—she deserved respect. “What I mean is, we shouldn’t force Mr. Ciel to walk again too soon if his legs aren’t ready.”

“Why didn’t you tell me he could walk now?”

“You walked away a few minutes ago, didn’t you?” she replied, trying not to sound sarcastic.

“So it’s my fault?”

“I didn’t say that.”

“You know, you’re really getting on my nerves.”

Zoe ignored her and helped Ciel stand properly.

“Stay away from my fiancé!” Serena snapped, slapping Zoe’s forearm.

“Serena!” Ciel’s voice was sharp, shocked.

“What? You’re taking her side now?”

“No, but you don’t have to hurt her. Don’t ever do that again.”

“So… you are taking her side!”

Serena pulled away from him, and before Zoe could help, the woman’s nails dug into her arm. Ciel nearly stumbled, but Jonas quickly caught him.

“Let me go,” Zoe said in a low, firm tone, meeting Serena’s glare calmly.

“I know your type. Trying to get Ciel’s attention? Let me remind you—he’s mine. Mine alone.”

“Take your hand off me, Ma’am Serena,” she replied evenly, ignoring the accusation.

“You really think my fiancé would go for someone like you?”

Serena’s voice dripped with disdain, her eyes raking Zoe from head to toe as if she were dirt.

Zoe tried to pull her arm away, but the woman’s nails only dug deeper.

“I’m asking nicely, Ma’am Serena,” she said, her patience thinning. “Let go of me.”

“Serena,” Ciel’s calm but firm voice cut in. “Take your hand off her.”

“No! Your nurse needs to learn her place—and her place is not here.” She shot Zoe a contemptuous look. “You don’t belong here, woman.”

Zoe raised her hand and pried Serena’s grip off her arm. A sharp sting burned her skin as Serena’s nail scraped her. Reflexively, Zoe shoved her away, making the woman stumble—right into Ciel’s chest.

“How dare you!” Serena’s face turned crimson with rage and shock.

Zoe’s eyes narrowed as she looked at the scratch marks on her arm, red and raw against her pale skin.

“I’ll let this go for now, Miss Serena,” she said, voice trembling from anger and pain. “But the next time you lay your fingers on me…” Her fists clenched tightly. “…I promise, I won’t just stand here and take it.”

With that, she turned around and walked away—pretending to be strong enough to stand her ground, even if she wasn’t strong enough to fight what she truly felt inside.