Chapter 2 A Love Story Begins

The sun was setting over Johannesburg, painting the sky in warm hues of orange and pink. The air was calm, carrying the scent of roasted corn from a roadside vendor and the distant chatter of children playing. Inside a small but cosy one-bedroom apartment, Luci Mechanzi, a 22-year-old woman with striking brown eyes and dark, wavy hair, stood in front of a cracked mirror, brushing her hair with slow, thoughtful strokes. She was waiting. Her heart fluttered like a bird trapped in a cage, anticipation mixed with anxiety.

Today marked three years since she met Dotan Mechanzi, the man who had turned her life into something she once thought only existed in fairy tales. Just as she was lost in her thoughts, the sound of a car roared from outside. A slow, mischievous smile spread across her lips. She knew that sound anywhere. Dotan was home. The door creaked open, and in walked Dotan Mechanzi, a 27-year-old man with a strong jawline, dark skin glistening from the day's work, and eyes that held a kind of warmth that could melt even the coldest heart. He was dressed in his usual brown jacket and faded jeans, his helmet tucked under his arm. Luci turned, pretending to be annoyed. "You're late," she said, folding her arms. Dotan chuckled as he kicked off his shoes. "Traffic," he said, tossing the helmet onto the couch before walking over to her. "Or maybe I just wanted to see if you'd miss me." Luci scoffed. "Miss you? You flatter yourself." Dotan grabbed her waist and pulled her close, his lips brushing against her ear as he whispered, "Say it." Luci's breath hitched. "I'm not saying anything," she murmured, but her voice betrayed her. Dotan smirked. "Come on baby, it's so obvious, you missed me." Luci rolled her eyes, pushing him playfully. "You're impossible." They laughed, and for a moment, the world outside didn't exist. It was just the two of them, lost in each other. Dotan suddenly reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, neatly folded paper. He placed it in her palm. "I got you something," he said. Luci raised an eyebrow. "A love letter?" Dotan chuckled. "Just open it." She unfolded the paper, and her eyes widened as she read the words: "One day, I will give you the life you deserve. Until then, I'll love you with everything I have." Tears pricked at her eyes. "Dotan..." He took her hands in his. "I may not have much now, but I swear on my life, I will make sure you and our baby never lack anything." Luci sniffled, smiling as she rested her head against his chest. She believed him. It was later that night when Luci first felt it. A sharp pain in her lower abdomen, so sudden it took her breath away. She sat up, pressing a hand to her stomach. Dotan stirred beside her. "What's wrong?" Luci took a deep breath. "I... I don't know. It hurts." Dotan was up in an instant, turning on the bedside lamp. His eyes searched her face, concern knitting his brows together. "Should I call the doctor?" Luci shook her head. "It's probably nothing." But deep down, she wasn't so sure. The pain continued through the night, growing stronger with each passing hour. By morning, Dotan had had enough. "We're going to the hospital," he announced. Luci wanted to argue, but the next wave of pain left her breathless. She nodded. Dotan dressed quickly and helped her out of bed. He lifted her into his arms effortlessly, carrying her down the narrow staircase to where his cab was parked. "You'll be fine," he reassured her as he placed her in the front seat. Luci clutched her belly, whispering a silent prayer. Dotan drove as fast and carefully as he could, and before long, they arrived at the hospital. The hospital smelled of antiseptic and anxiety. Nurses in pale blue uniforms walked hurriedly through the halls, their voices blending with the beeping machines and distant cries of newborns. Dotan held Luci's hand tightly as they waited in the emergency room. He hadn't let go since they arrived. A doctor finally approached them. He was an older man with grey hair and kind eyes. "Mrs. Mechanzi?" Luci nodded weakly. "Come with me," the doctor said. Dotan helped her to her feet. "Your husband can wait here," the doctor added. Luci looked at Dotan, panic flickering in her eyes. "I'll be right here," he promised, kissing her forehead. Luci took a deep breath and followed the doctor. It felt like hours. The examination was uncomfortable, the questions endless. When the doctor finally spoke, Luci felt like the air had been knocked from her lungs. "You're in early labour." Her heart stopped. "What?" The doctor's expression softened. "It's nothing to panic about, but we need to be careful. Stress, exhaustion... anything could push you into full labour. You need to take it easy." Luci swallowed hard. "Is my baby okay?" The doctor nodded. "For now, yes. But you must rest." When Luci was finally allowed to leave, Dotan was pacing outside the room. "What happened?" he asked immediately. Luci hesitated, then gave him a small smile. "She's coming." Dotan's eyes widened. "Already?" "Not yet," she assured him. "But soon." Relief washed over his face, and he pulled her into a hug. "You scared me, woman." Luci chuckled. "I was scared myself." As they left the hospital, Dotan kept a protective arm around her. From that moment on, he treated her like glass. He did everything: cooked, cleaned, and even took a second job just to make sure she had everything she needed. Luci saw the exhaustion in his eyes, the long nights he spent awake, making sure she was comfortable. "I don't deserve you," she whispered one night as they lay in bed. Dotan kissed her forehead. "You deserve everything." Tears slipped from her eyes. She had never felt more loved. As the month passed, Luci's belly grew, and so did Dotan's excitement. He would talk to the baby every night, telling her stories about how beautiful her mother was and how much he couldn't wait to meet her. "She's going to have your smile," he would say. Luci would laugh. "And your stubbornness." "I'm not stubborn," Dotan corrected. "I'm just very determined." Luci rolled her eyes. "It's the same thing." But deep down, she knew he was right. One night, as they lay in bed, Luci placed a hand on her belly and whispered, "We're ready for you, baby." Dotan smiled. "More than ready." Outside, the city lights twinkled. The world kept moving, unaware of the love story unfolding in that small apartment. Little did they know, their happiness was fragile like a candle in the wind. But for now, they had each other. And that was enough.