And Still, He Loved. 1

Chapter One: The Bond Before the Storm

20 Years back

In the lush countryside of Jeolla Province, South Korea, nestled between rolling hills and cherry blossom groves, stood the twin estates of two powerful families: the Rhaes and the Soos. The Rhaes, old money and silent influence, traced their bloodline back to the early dynasties. The Soos, newer in power but no less respected, built their fortune on innovation and commerce. Between them, traditions held fast and secrets ran deep.

Zieth Snow Rhae, the 2nd son of the Rhae patriarch, had always been different. An Enigma, rare and commanding. He walked with quiet authority even as a boy, his violet eyes unblinking, his words few but sharp. Even then, people called him the heir of silence and shadow. He was untouchable—except to one.

Elinor Soo.

They had met at a family alliance gathering when they were only five and nine, the kind of event filled with stiff bows and tight-lipped elders. But when Elinor walked in, soft curls bouncing and mischief dancing in his amber eyes, Zieth turned. And he smiled.

From that moment, they were inseparable.

young Elinor

“Come on, Zieth! I heard there’s a koi pond behind the east greenhouse. Bet you haven’t seen that yet.”

Zieth, ever calm and measured, allowed himself to be tugged along.

young Zieth

“You’re going to ruin your new shoes,” he warned softly.

young Elinor

“Then I’ll just take them off,” Elinor grinned, already halfway barefoot.

Through scraped knees, stolen snacks, first heartbreaks, and schoolyard fights, they grew together. Elinor with his charm, constantly surrounded by admirers, and Zieth—his quiet shadow, his guardian, his anchor.

When Elinor came into his Omega designation at fifteen, their bond sharpened. The scent between them intensified, intimate and familiar. And yet, neither said a word. Not out of fear, but out of reverence. They knew what it was. They didn’t need to name it.

Zieth had started taking on the family business around that time. Under his guidance, the Rhae Group shifted from passive real estate holdings into global conglomerates. At seventeen, he had already negotiated a multimillion-dollar merger. Elinor would wait at the back of every conference room, curled in a chair, sketching in his notebook.

Zieth[E]

“You’re always watching me,” Zieth had said once, not looking up from his notes.

Elinor[O]

“Because you’re beautiful when you work,” Elinor replied.

Elinor[O]

“Like a painting no one else gets to touch.”

Zieth’s pen paused.

Zieth[E]

“And what do I look like?” he asked, finally meeting his eyes.

Elinor didn’t blink.

Elinor[O]

“Like someone I’ll always come home to.”

On Elinor’s 18th birthday, the bond completed.

It was during the evening celebration at the Soo estate—a sprawling, ivy-covered mansion overlooking the ocean. Strings of lanterns floated above the garden, casting golden light over long tables and soft music.

Zieth arrived late.

He wore midnight blue silk, tailored perfectly. His presence stilled the party.

Elinor saw him from across the garden. Their eyes locked. The moment was electric. A pulse, a scent, a call. Their bond—once humming like a soft lullaby—roared into clarity. Elinor dropped his champagne glass. Zieth was beside him in seconds

Elinor[O]

“Do you feel it?” Elinor whispered, voice trembling.

Zieth[E]

Zieth nodded, eyes impossibly gentle. “Yes. I always have.”

Their families celebrated the news with immediate action. Fated mates among the elite were a rare blessing. A joint statement was released the next day. Stock prices surged. Invitations for the engagement ceremony flooded in.

The world saw a perfect match—beauty and brilliance, softness and strength.

And it was real. For all the public spectacle, the bond between them was intimate and sacred. At night, when the doors were closed and cameras gone, they were just two people who knew each other to the marrow.

Zieth would work late in his home office, and Elinor would curl on the couch nearby, reading his scripts, sometimes sketching future fashion lines.

Zieth[E]

“You know you don’t have to stay up,” Zieth would murmur, glancing over his glasses.

Elinor[O]

“Then who would remind you to eat?” Elinor would reply, sliding a small plate of fruit his way.

By twenty, Elinor was one of the most sought-after models in Korea. Graceful, expressive, and ethereal, he became the face of countless high-end campaigns. His name was whispered in Paris and Milan.

But his heart was always with Zieth.

Even when miles apart, they texted constantly.

Zieth[E]

[Elinor]: Did you eat today? 📲

Elinor[O]

[Zieth]: Yes. Grilled sea bass. You would’ve hated it. 📲

Zieth[E]

[Elinor]: Liar. Send a pic. 📲

Elinor[O]

[Zieth]: …fine. It was instant noodles. 📲

Zieth[E]

[Elinor]: Better go and eat something healthy 📲

Elinor[O]

[Zieth]: Yes your Majesty 📲

Their bond was not perfect. They fought. Elinor, emotional and impulsive, often accused Zieth of being too distant, too absorbed in work.

Elinor[O]

“You treat emotions like they’re business transactions,” he snapped once.

Zieth[E]

Zieth only nodded. “Because I don’t know how to lose you. And business is the only thing I’ve ever controlled.”

Silence fell.

Then Elinor stepped forward and kissed him, slow and trembling.

Elinor[O]

“Then learn to love me like I’m not leaving.”

And Zieth did.

On the surface, they were the perfect couple—the envy of the elite. But underneath, their love was deeper than aesthetics. It was forged in childhood, shaped by devotion, and sealed in fate.

They didn’t know that destiny would soon ask more of them.

Much more. But for now, the world was golden. And in each other, they had found their home.