Lost Angel

P R O L O U G E

The De Santis family tradition was as old as the name itself. Each child born into the family received a unique ring, one of a kind, with their initials engraved, symbolizing their belonging and legacy. These rings were not just jewelry; they were a declaration of identity and power.

Fifteen years ago, in the quiet nursery of an Italian hospital, Damiano De Santis stood beside his beloved wife, Evangeline. His heart ached as he prepared to give away a part of his legacy. Beside Evangeline stood their five young sons: the oldest, Luciano, was eight, followed by Alessandro at six, Lorenzo at five, and the twins, Kade and Kai, at four. They were all there to witness a moment that would forever change their family.

Across the room stood Dhriti, a woman of undeniable beauty holding a newborn baby girl in her arms. She had decided to name her Jhanvi. Damiano approached Dhriti, taking out a small, intricately designed ring from his pocket. The ring was engraved with the initials "J.D.S."-Jhanvi De Santis.

"Keep her safe, Dhriti," Damiano said softly, his voice filled with a mixture of regret and resolve as he looked at the sleeping baby in her arms.

Dhriti nodded firmly, knowing the gravity of his request. She would take Jhanvi far away, ensuring that they would never be found by the De Santis family again. As she took the ring in her hand, the initials caught her by surprise, though she should have known.

"This ring..." Dhriti began, her voice trembling slightly. "It says Jhanvi De Santis."

Damiano nodded, understanding her unspoken concern. "But her legal name will be Rathore. Dhriti and Jhanvi Rathore," he said, his heart aching with the desire to hold his daughter close and never let her go. The boys, already attached to their baby sister, looked on with a mix of confusion and affection.

As Dhriti prepared to leave, she paused in front of Evangeline. "I'm sorry, Evangeline," Dhriti said, her voice sincere and filled with remorse. She was apologizing for the night she spent with Damiano, not knowing he was married, and for the child that resulted from their union.

Evangeline, the embodiment of grace and forgiveness, smiled gently. "It wouldn't be true if I said it's fine, but I forgive you. And I want you to know, Dhriti, even though Jhanvi isn't my biological daughter, I'll always consider her one. She's perfect," Evangeline said, reaching out to touch Jhanvi's face with tenderness.

"Thank you," Dhriti replied, her voice thick with emotion. She took one last look at the room and the family that could have been before walking out, carrying her daughter into a new life.

Fifteen Years Later

The bustling streets of Gurgaon, India, were a far cry from the quiet nurseries and grand halls of the De Santis estate. Jhanvi Rathore had grown into a brilliant and ambitious teenager. Her life was filled with books, exams, and the endless pursuit of academic excellence. The ring with her initials, "J.D.S.," was a constant presence on her finger, its true significance lost on her.

In her classroom, Jhanvi sat at her desk, pen poised over her latest exam paper. She was in her element, her mind racing through the questions with ease. As the teacher walked around handing out the graded tests, there was a palpable tension in the room.

"Jhanvi Rathore," the teacher announced, handing her the paper with a smile. "Full marks, as always."

Jhanvi beamed with pride, her hard work reflected in the perfect score. She glanced at the ring on her finger, unaware that it was more than just a piece of jewelry. It was a symbol of her true heritage, a link to a family she had never known.
She had never taken it off, and the ring had been her constant. Whenever she was anxious- which was most of the time- or sitting alone at lunch -again most of time- or just observing her Ex friends taking over her new ones slowly but surely.

As the teacher announced Jhanvi's full marks the class looked at her, not surprised but merely as if they expected something different.

Life in Gurgaon was simple and predictable, but the shadows of her past were about to catch up with her. The De Santis brothers had never forgotten their sister, and they were closer than ever to finding her. As Jhanvi continued with her daily routine, she remained blissfully unaware of the storm that was about to change her life forever.

⊹₊ ˚‧︵‿₊୨୧₊‿︵‧ ˚ ₊⊹

A/n: The prologue is here!!! How do we like it?
I feel like a genius rn for coming up with the ring idea even though I know it isn't original 💀✨

Anyways, how was your day? Mine going fine so far.

As always: Comment, and vote and tysm Ily 𓆩♡𓆪