His Mafia Redemption

Chapter 14: A New Beginning

Richard stood by the large iron gate of the Robertson mansion, staring at the signed papers in his hand. His fingers trembled slightly as he touched the edges of the document.

The Denali Clean Energy contract.

He still couldn’t believe it was real.

He had done it. He had finally achieved what everyone said he could never do. The signature on the last page was clear and sharp—his own.

For a moment, pride filled his chest. He had won. He had done it all on his own without anyone’s help. But it was all thanks to this mysterious system which bestowed him with what he had wanted. 

Money..

But then another thought crept in.

He had signed the contract in his own name. The Warren family had said he was useless, that he would never be anything more than a poor man living off their daughter. They made fun of him, called him weak, and threw him out of their house.

Now, this contract could change everything. It could make him one of the richest men in the city. If he wanted, he could build his own empire. He could make the Warren family bow at his feet.

He wouldn’t even need them anymore.

He wouldn’t need  Dianne just to prove himself.

But… love.

Love was the only thing that kept him going. He loved Dianne with everything in him. She had stood by him when everyone turned away. Even when her parents insulted him, she defended him.

No matter how much power or money he gained, he couldn’t throw that away.

His phone suddenly beeped, breaking his thoughts.

He pulled it out and saw a message from Dianne.

“Leaving early for work today. See you soon. Don’t forget to meet up.”

Richard smiled softly.

She was probably already dressed, neat as always, ready to take on the day. She worked at her father’s company, handling minor projects. He loved how hardworking she was even when she didn’t need to be.

He tucked the signed contract safely into his inner pocket and walked down the street, his steps light and confident. For the first time in a long while, he felt like the happiest man alive.

People walking by could tell something was different about him. He wasn’t the tired, broken man they used to see. His shoulders were straight, and there was a spark in his eyes.

“This is it,” he muttered under his breath. “No more looking down on me. No more being called worthless.”

He knew one thing—once Kathleen Warren, Dianne’s mother, heard about this contract, she would never call him a loser again.

The Denali contract was worth millions. If handled well, it could turn him into one of the biggest names in the city’s business world. Maybe, just maybe, they would finally start treating him like a real husband to their daughter.

He couldn’t wait to see Dianne’s face.

By the time he reached the Warren mansion, the morning sun was bright and the air was calm. The guards at the gate opened it the moment they saw him.

Dianne was already outside, standing near her car.

She looked stunning as always, dressed in a sharp black suit with a matching handbag. Her long brown hair was neatly tied at the back, and her soft pink lips curved into a small smile as she glanced at her watch.

But beneath that calm look, she was getting a little nervous.

Richard was never late.

She checked her phone again, ready to call him for the second time, when a car pulled up right in front of her.

A black car stopped right in front of her.

The door opened, and Richard stepped out.

Dianne froze for a moment.

She blinked once, then twice.

Her husband, the man who usually looked tired and simple, now looked completely different. He wore a perfect black suit that hugged his frame, a clean white shirt underneath, and polished shoes that caught the ray of the warm sunlight. His hair was neatly styled, and his calm smile made her heart skip a beat.

She felt her face grow warm.

“Richard?” she whispered, unable to hide her surprise. “What… what happened to you? You look… amazing.”

He smiled shyly. “Do I?”

She laughed softly, still staring at him. “Don’t tell me you dressed up like this because of me.”

Richard’s lips curved into a grin. He looked at her eyes, the same eyes that had once made him fall in love.

“Yes,” he said simply.

Her heart melted right there. That one word was enough to make her cheeks flush pink.

“Come on,” he said, opening the car door for her.

They both got in, and as he started the engine, he couldn’t stop glancing at her. The way she smiled, the way she brushed her hair back—it reminded him of why he was doing all this.

Inside, he wanted to tell her everything—the contract, the deal, how he had stood his ground with Sarah Robertson. But something stopped him. Maybe it wasn’t the right time. He wanted the moment to feel peaceful, at least for a while.

They talked softly during the drive, laughing about small things, and planning what they would have for dinner. It almost felt like the old times again, before everything became complicated.

But that peaceful feeling didn’t last long.

When they got to the company, Richard’s smile faded.

Right in front of the building, leaning against a black car, was Brian—his old time boss. His face was hard, his eyes sharp and full of anger.

Richard slowed the car to a stop, and the air suddenly grew tense.

Brian didn’t even wait for them to come out before walking toward them. His expression made it clear—he wasn’t happy to see Richard.

“ And what the hell do you think you are doing?” he snapped in anger. 

Richard looked at Diane and back at Brian. He knew a man like Brian wouldn't just stay away because of his pride. All he wanted from the start was Diane anyway. 

But Richard was ready to play back. He almost killed him and now he was coming for the only thing he cared about. 

Diane. 

A smile tugged at the corner of Richard's lips to Brian surprise. “ I thought you said you weren't going to show your face again. Did you get the Denali contract afterall?” 

Brian's hardened face went pale. He could see the confidence in the man that was supposed to be dead and he couldn't quite place his hand on why he was grinning from ears to ears. 

“ What are you trying to say, you lowlife?!” Brian asked, his eyebrows arched.