Sapphire.

Chapter One

SAPPHIRE'S POV

♪♪
It seems a part of me will always have to sacrifice,
Every time I'm faced with a crucial choice in life.
I thought I made the right call, but was I mistaken?
Is this really where I'm meant to be or am I just fakin'?

I don't have the answers, not at this time,
It feels like my doubts just won't subside.
What if I took a chance and sought the unknown?
Would the grass be greener or would I still feel alone?

On the other side of all I've gained and lost,
Would my satisfaction outweigh the cost?
If I could turn back time and be a little bolder,
And bet against the odds, would I find what I'm after?

Even if I woke up in my wildest dreams,
Would there still be a void that's hard to conceive?
If I had it all, would it truly fulfill me?
Or would I still be searching for something I can't see?
♪♪

I strummed my guitar, lost in the melody of the song I was singing. The sound filled the small café, a welcome escape from the outside world. As I played, I felt my heart pouring out through my fingertips. I had been working on this song for days, trying to capture the pain and longing that had been simmering inside me since my parents passed away.

Sitting in my usual spot in the corner of the cozy café, I had my eyes closed, letting the music flow through me. I breathed in the aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sweet pastries, feeling the warmth of the sun streaming through the windows. The walls were adorned with colorful paintings by local artists, and the mismatched chairs and tables added to the bohemian vibe of the place. It was the perfect spot for my regular gig, and I loved the atmosphere of the café.

The audience was mostly made up of regulars, a mix of young professionals and college students. They came for the friendly atmosphere, the rich coffee, and the live music. I had been playing here for a few months now, and I had built up a small following. It was an exhilarating feeling when some of the customers began requesting my original songs.

As I finished the final verse of my song, I opened my eyes and looked up to see the most handsome man in the audience. It was Rhys, my boyfriend, whom I had been dating for a month. He was leaning against the wall, his arms crossed over his chest, a faint smile playing on his lips. My heart skipped a beat, and I couldn't help the thrill that ran through me.

Rhys was everything I had ever dreamed of in a partner. He was tall, with messy thick black hair, a killer jawline, and a razor-sharp bone structure. The first time I met him, I had thought he was way out of my league, with his designer clothes and sleek car. But he was drawn to me, and we hit it off right away.

As I smiled back at him, I started playing another song. This time, I felt more confident, knowing that Rhys was watching me. As I sang, I noticed a group of people walking in. They were loud and boisterous, and they looked out of place in the cozy café.

I felt a twinge of unease as they made their way to the bar. I had seen people like this before - troublemakers looking for a fight. I tried to focus on my music, but my eyes kept darting back to the group.

As I finished my set, I packed up my guitar and made my way to the bar to grab a drink. I was surprised to see Rhys there, talking to one of the guys from the group.

He looked up and smiled as I approached. "That was beautiful," he complemented, his voice low and husky. "You're amazing, you know that?"

I blushed, feeling a warm flutter in my chest. "Thanks," I said, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "I'm glad you liked it."

He gives me a quick hug and kisses me.

"Sapphire, this is my friend Blake," Rhys introduced, his arms wrapped around my shoulder. "He's into music too, currently in a band."

I nodded politely, but I couldn't shake the feeling of unease. Blake was tall, with piercing blue eyes and a cocky grin. I didn't like the way he was looking at me, with a hint of something predatory in his gaze.

Rhys seemed oblivious to my discomfort, and he chatted with Blake about music and bands.  I tried to join in the conversation, but I felt out of place. These guys were from a different world, with their flashy clothes and arrogant attitudes.

As we finished our drinks and got up to leave, Rhys turned to me. "Hey, do you want to come to a party with us tonight?" he asked. "It'll be fun."

I hesitated. I knew I shouldn't get involved with these guys - they were trouble. But I couldn't resist the pull of Rhys's dark gaze.

"Sure," I said, trying to sound nonchalant. "Why not?"

As we walked out of the café, I felt a shiver run down my spine. I had a feeling that this was a decision I would come to regret. I felt a sense of foreboding. I had a premonition,I knew I was making a mistake, but I couldn't help the thrill of excitement that ran through me. Maybe this was exactly what I needed, a chance to break free from my routine and take a risk.

The party was in a fancy penthouse, with expensive art and sparkling chandeliers. The music was loud, the air thick with the scent of alcohol and sweat. I felt out of place, a small-town girl in a big-city world.

The party lights were messing with my eyes. I had never really been to parties- I was never invited to any of them. During my high school, I was this lonely kid who hated fun, I always bore my head into my books at school and my piano at home. Kids in my school back then were party animals, there was always a party nearly every weekend. Now I kind of wished I got invited then, What is happening right now wouldn't be happening.

Everything was just so weird. I love calm and relaxing not blaring and ear-blocking.

But Rhys was by my side, his hand on the small of my back, leading me through the crowd. He introduced me to his friends, and I tried to keep up with the fast-paced conversations and witty banter. But I felt like an imposter, like I didn't belong.

Blake later led us to a smaller room, where people were consuming all sort of drugs, I felt disgusted and I could tell Rhys wasn't into this as well.

I excused myself and wandered off into the crowd, looking around, I surprisingly saw one of my fans back at the café. I strolled to her and started off a conversation. Most were just her, telling me how great I am. I couldn't help but feel appreciated. I glanced towards the other side of the room and met Rhys' gaze.