Sapphire: The Gemstone Series

Chapter One

The night was draped in opulence. Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead as the who's who of Manila's elite swirled around the ballroom, their laughter and champagne flutes catching in the glow of golden light. The Gemstone Revelry was an annual affair, known for its extravagance and exclusivity—an event where names were whispered, deals were made, and alliances were strengthened. But to Sapphire, it was just another night trapped in a gilded cage.

He stood near the edge of the room, pretending to listen to a conversation about the latest art exhibit in Makati. His eyes, however, were wandering, scanning the crowd for a possible escape. He tugged at the sleeve of his midnight-blue velvet blazer, the custom-cut piece tailored to his frame like a second skin. Beneath the jacket, he wore a sheer, satin blouse with delicate embroidery that shimmered in the dim light, and high-waisted, tailored pants that accentuated his slim waist and long legs. He had always favored more feminine silhouettes, garments that showed off the curves of his figure rather than hiding them.

But tonight, none of it mattered.

His father, Onyx Valerio, had summoned him here under the guise of duty—another inescapable tradition where his mere presence was expected to solidify the family's reputation. And it wasn't just the family's dominance over the luxury jewelry industry that they sought to maintain. No, the Valerios were preserving something far more precious: Sapphire's secret.

"Darling, you're not even trying to hide your boredom," came a voice at his side, smooth and silken.

Sapphire turned to find his mother, Clarissa, smiling up at him. She was regal in a tailored gown of deep burgundy, her short dark hair perfectly styled in soft waves, and her demeanor as composed as ever. Clarissa had never been one for overt displays of warmth, but Sapphire had inherited her sharp wit and even sharper tongue.

"Forgive me," Sapphire said, his tone mocking the formality of the night. "I must have left my enthusiasm at home."

Clarissa smirked. "It's a big night. You should be making an effort." She glanced at his champagne glass, now almost empty. "And perhaps lay off the drinks. Your father is looking for you."

"Of course he is," Sapphire replied, following her gaze toward the tall figure of Onyx Valerio standing near the ballroom's entrance, locked in conversation with a few business magnates. His father's presence always commanded attention—broad-shouldered, stone-faced, and dressed in an impeccable suit that mirrored his namesake's unyielding strength.

"I assume he's got some thrilling introductions lined up for me," Sapphire added sarcastically.

Clarissa's smile didn't reach her eyes. "You know how it is."

Sapphire sighed. "Yes, I do. Too well."

He didn't need to be reminded of the unspoken expectations that came with being born into the Valerio family. Since childhood, he had been groomed to be the polished heir, the one who would one day inherit the legacy that stretched back to their great-great-grandparents, founders of the most successful jewelry empire in the Philippines. But more than that, Sapphire carried a secret burden. He was a Vessel—one of the rare males capable of carrying life, an anomaly that had to be kept hidden.

In the underground world of trafficking and power plays, Vessels were commodities sought after for their ability not just to bear children, but to satisfy the carnal desires of men in ways that went beyond the ordinary. The pleasure they provided was rumored to be addictive, a high no man could forget. For that reason, Vessels' identities were kept concealed, shielded from prying eyes and those who would exploit their power for profit.

So his parents tried their best to keep this part of Sapphire from the world. To many, he was merely the spoiled, beautiful son of Onyx Valerio, heir to a jewelry empire. His status as a Vessel was a burden carefully concealed by his family, hidden beneath layers of wealth and charm. Sapphire's parents spared no expense in shielding him from prying eyes, making sure no one would ever guess the truth behind their prized son.

"There he is," Clarissa murmured, gesturing toward Onyx, who had just finished his conversation and was now beckoning Sapphire over.

Sapphire rolled his eyes. "Duty calls, I suppose."

He moved through the crowd, each step heavy with reluctance as he approached his father. The room seemed to hum with the energy of the evening—laughter, clinking glasses, murmured conversations—but to Sapphire, it was all just noise.

"Sapphire," Onyx greeted him with a firm nod, his dark eyes assessing his son. "I want you to meet someone. Julian Rivera. His family owns Rivera Resorts."

Beside Onyx stood a tall, well-built man who looked like he belonged on the cover of a luxury travel magazine. Julian's smile was too polished, his handshake too firm, his eyes too keen as they roved over Sapphire in a way that made his skin prickle.

"It's a pleasure, Sapphire," Julian said, his voice smooth as silk. "I've heard quite a lot about you."

"It's nice to meet you too," Sapphire replied, his tone laced with indifference.

Onyx placed a hand on Sapphire's shoulder, a silent reminder to behave. "The Rivera family has been interested in collaborating with us for some time now. I think the two of you could make quite an impressive team."

Sapphire swallowed his irritation, keeping his face neutral. He knew exactly what his father was implying. This wasn't just a casual introduction—this was a setup, the beginning of yet another push toward forging business ties through marriage or partnership. Julian Rivera was clearly a man with ambition, and Sapphire was supposed to play his part.

"How exciting," Sapphire said dryly, glancing toward his father. "Another alliance in the making?"

Julian laughed, as if he found Sapphire's sarcasm charming. "I prefer to think of it as a partnership."

Sapphire smiled, though it didn't reach his eyes. "I'm sure you have."

"Why don't the two of you get to know each other?" Onyx suggested, his voice leaving little room for protest.

Sapphire nodded, biting back a sigh. "If you insist."

As Julian led him toward one of the quieter corners of the ballroom, Sapphire could feel the weight of expectation pressing down on him. His father's eyes followed them, ever watchful, ever calculating. Sapphire knew that no matter how he felt, he had a role to play. But that didn't mean he had to enjoy it.

"So, Sapphire," Julian said, his voice smooth as they settled by a tall window overlooking the garden. "What do you think about family businesses? How is being an heir of one of the most prominent figures in society feel like?"

Sapphire's lips twitched into a half-smile. "I find it... exhausting, honestly."

Julian chuckled. "I can imagine. But I have to admit, I've always admired the Valerio family. Your brand has maintained its prestige for generations."

Sapphire took a sip of his champagne, letting the bubbles tickle his tongue before answering. "We've had plenty of practice."

Julian leaned in slightly, lowering his voice. "Your father's quite the figure in the industry. I'm curious—do you plan on following in his footsteps?"

Sapphire tilted his head, pretending to ponder the question. "That remains to be seen."

Before Julian could probe further, Sapphire felt a rush of irritation. He didn't want to be stuck in a corner talking business with some over-eager heir. He needed air—an escape from the stifling formality of it all.

"If you'll excuse me," Sapphire said, flashing a brief smile. "I need a moment to refresh."

Julian looked slightly surprised but nodded. "Of course. I'll be here."

Sapphire didn't waste another second. He slipped away, his feet carrying him toward the garden doors. The night air hit him like a balm as he stepped outside, the scent of jasmine and fresh earth filling his senses. The garden was beautifully lit, with soft lights hanging from the trees and fountains bubbling quietly in the background.

He reached into his clutch, pulling out a cigarette and lighting it with a flick of his wrist. The first drag was deep, calming, as he leaned against the stone wall of the garden, letting the noise of the party fade behind him.

But as he exhaled, a strange sensation crept over him—a prickling on the back of his neck, the sense that he was being watched. Sapphire glanced around, his eyes narrowing. The garden was empty, the guests still inside. Yet, something didn't feel right.

Before he could take another drag, a hand clamped down over his mouth. Sapphire's eyes widened in shock as he struggled, but strong arms wrapped around him, pulling him into the shadows.

His cigarette fell to the ground, forgotten as fear surged through his veins.

This wasn't just a kidnapping.

It was a hunt.