Library
Search
Broken Once Loved Twice

Broken Once Loved Twice

Romance
last updateLast Updated : 2026-10-09
By:  El HawraOngoing
Language: English
goodnovel18goodnovel
Not enough ratings
14Chapters
215views
Read
Add to library

Share:  

Report
Overview
Catalog
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP

Synopsis

Contemporary

Drama

Heir/Heirness

Divorce

Instant Billionaire

Love-Triangle

To save her heart, she had to lose her marriage. To reclaim her life, she had to marry a stranger. Elena gave three years of her life to a loveless marriage with Raul Mendez, only to be cast aside the moment she was no longer needed. Homeless, broken, and left with nothing, she wanders the streets with zero hope left. Until Diego enters her life. A powerful, paralyzed billionaire bound to a wheelchair, Diego offers her an unexpected way out: a marriage of convenience. He needs a trustworthy heir to protect his empire; she needs a second chance at survival. What begins as a cold business arrangement soon sparks an unexpected warmth. But as secrets unravel and past regrets resurface, Elena must face the ultimate question: Can a marriage built on a contract truly heal a broken heart?

View More

Chapter 1

Chapter 1

"Why are you dressed up like that, Elena?!"

Raul spoke coldly from behind her, his face showing no emotion. At thirty, he was handsome enough to attract attention wherever he went, but his looks were always paired with a distant gaze. He never smiled, not even a little.

This was how Elena had felt for the three years she had lived with Raul.

They were bound by a marriage that neither of them had really chosen.

Back then, Raul's grandmother met Elena while she was working at a clothing and accessories store. Elena was always patient and helpful with customers. No one expected the older woman to like Elena so much that she became determined to marry her off to her grandson, Raul Mendez.

"What? Marry that shop girl who looks old-fashioned and provincial? Sure, she's pretty, but... isn't there a more sophisticated woman out there?" Raul had said at the time.

At first, he refused politely, then he became more direct. Still, his grandmother would not change her mind.

In the end, Raul had to marry Elena. This led Raul's mother, Mrs. Victoria Mendez, to get involved.

Mrs. Victoria tried to convince her mother-in-law that Elena was not the right person for Raul.

But Madame Mendez's authority was absolute. She even threatened to cut Raul out of the family inheritance if he refused to marry Elena.

Sadly, Elena only found out about all of this after she had already joined the Mendez family.

She had to put up with Raul's cold and distant attitude. On top of that, her mother-in-law and everyone else looked down on her and made her do all the housework, treating her like a maid.

Their coldness made Elena want to run away, but she couldn't leave the grandmother who loved her and treated her like family. Madame Mendez even taught Elena how to behave like a proper member of the Mendez family.

So Elena faced everything as calmly as she could. She remembered the grandmother's advice to be patient with Raul because, deep down, he was a good person.

And it was true. Raul was never cruel to Elena, even if he was always distant and cold.

Elena had fallen in love with Raul, especially after their first night together.

"Raul..." Elena said softly, a gentle smile on her beautiful face. "Isn't today Mama's birthday?"

"That's right. So what does that have to do with you? And who told you to dress up like this?" Raul said firmly.

Elena gasped. Tonight was Mrs. Victoria's birthday party. As Raul's wife, she seemed to feel it was normal to dress up a little and help Mrs. Victoria welcome the guests.

But Raul seemed upset to see her dressed up, even though she had chosen something simple and modest.

"Raul, I...."

There was a knock at the door.

Elena's words faded as someone knocked on the door. A middle-aged woman entered, dressed in a crisp dark suit.

The woman bowed and summoned Raul to the party room.

Raul turned and left without saying anything else.

"What are you doing here, Elena? The guests are arriving. We'll be busy tonight, so go help in the kitchen!" the head housekeeper said sarcastically, then walked away and left Elena standing there.

But then she stopped and looked Elena up and down. "Hey, Elena! Why are you dressed like this? Do you think anyone will see you as the lady of the house? As Mrs. Raul Mendez?" The head housekeeper shook her head and gave a mocking smile.

"What's wrong with that? I am Raul's legal wife," Elena replied.

"Enough, Elena. Go to the kitchen as usual and serve the guests!" the woman said as she walked away, leaving Elena stunned.

Elena sighed. She walked toward the main room. The atmosphere was getting livelier, and she could hear guests laughing as they arrived.

Most of the guests were Mendez family members or friends of Raul and Mrs. Victoria.

Elena stood and watched the celebration, but no one seemed to notice her at all.

Mrs. Victoria glanced at Elena, then quickly turned to the other guests and ignored her.

"Happy birthday, Mama. I wish you a long life." Elena smiled as she congratulated her mother-in-law, but Mrs. Victoria only gave her a slight nod.

"Serve the guests well, Elena!"

Mrs. Victoria spoke softly, but her words were clear enough for Elena to hear. It was obviously an order.

Once again, Elena was told to serve.

Elena nodded. She turned to go back to the inner room, but then she saw Raul in one corner, talking with a woman who was a distant relative of Mrs. Victoria.

The two of them looked close and comfortable with each other.

Elena was stunned by her husband's behavior. Raul could smile and laugh freely with others, which was so different from how he acted around her. He never smiled at her. When he spoke, it was only when necessary and always in a cold, indifferent tone.

Elena's heart ached.

"Elena, bring these drinks to the guests," the head housekeeper said, handing her a tray. Elena couldn't refuse and took the tray.

Elena slowly handed out the glasses to the guests, but her eyes kept drifting to Raul and the woman with him. When only one glass was left, she turned to go back.

But the woman with Raul suddenly called out, "Server! Give me that glass!"

Elena took a deep breath. She quickly turned to face the beautiful woman, whose flashy makeup and jewelry, and handed her the tray.

"Don't you want a drink, Raul?"

The woman flirted as she took a glass from the tray.

"No, I'm not thirsty. You go ahead and drink. Be careful not to choke because you're nervous looking at me."

Raul answered the woman in front of him with a smile.

The two of them laughed and joked around, ignoring Elena.

Elena clenched her fists when she saw them. She quickly turned away, trying to hold back her aching heart.

The wave of emotion in her chest made Elena lose focus and her balance. She fell.

"Aack!!"

Elena screamed instinctively. But before her body hit the floor, she felt a strong hand catch her.

Elena felt a bit relieved, thinking it was Raul. But she had to hide her disappointment when she heard the voice of the person holding her up.

"Are you alright, Miss?" a man asked with a smile, helping Elena to her feet. "Yes, Sir. I'm fine, thank you."

Elena tried to smile at the man. She glanced at Raul, who was looking at her with a sharp, cold stare.

Whatever that look meant, Elena quickly pulled away and hurried inside. She put the tray down on the table and ran to her room.

She didn't even notice the head housekeeper calling after her. Elena immediately threw herself onto the bed. She couldn't hold back her tears any longer. She cried her heart out.

Her heart ached because all this time she had endured and served her husband with all her heart. She always hoped her sincerity and devotion to Raul and his family would reach him. But it seemed she was wrong.

Creak!

She heard the door open.

Elena was still sobbing, but she heard footsteps coming closer. She recognized them as Raul Mendez's, the man who had been with her for the past three years.

"Why were you there, Elena? That party wasn't for you!"

Elena stayed silent. Raul's words were so sharp that they felt like they stabbed her heart.

How could a husband say such cruel things to his wife?

Really, what was wrong with her coming to wish her mother-in-law a happy birthday?

As questions spun in Elena's head, suddenly she heard Raul's cold voice again. "Elena, there's something I want to tell you."

As he spoke, Raul pulled something out of his coat pocket and handed it to Elena.

"W-what is this, Raul?"

"Let's separate!"

Expand
Next Chapter
Download

Latest chapter

More Chapters

You may also like

Related Novels

New Release Novels

To Readers

Welcome to GoodNovel world of fiction. If you like this novel, or you are an idealist hoping to explore a perfect world, and also want to become an original novel author online to increase income, you can join our family to read or create various types of books, such as romance novel, epic reading, werewolf novel, fantasy novel, history novel and so on. If you are a reader, high quality novels can be selected here. If you are an author, you can obtain more inspiration from others to create more brilliant works, what's more, your works on our platform will catch more attention and win more admiration from readers.

No Comments
14 Chapters
Chapter 1
"Why are you dressed up like that, Elena?!"Raul spoke coldly from behind her, his face showing no emotion. At thirty, he was handsome enough to attract attention wherever he went, but his looks were always paired with a distant gaze. He never smiled, not even a little.This was how Elena had felt for the three years she had lived with Raul.They were bound by a marriage that neither of them had really chosen.Back then, Raul's grandmother met Elena while she was working at a clothing and accessories store. Elena was always patient and helpful with customers. No one expected the older woman to like Elena so much that she became determined to marry her off to her grandson, Raul Mendez."What? Marry that shop girl who looks old-fashioned and provincial? Sure, she's pretty, but... isn't there a more sophisticated woman out there?" Raul had said at the time.At first, he refused politely, then he became more direct. Still, his grandmother would not change her mind.In the end, Raul had to
last updateLast Updated : 2026-08-21
Read more
Chapter 2
Elena took the envelope, her hands shaking a little. When she read Raul's divorce letter, she let out a gasp."Raul, is this really true...?" Elena looked at Raul. Her voice trembled."Yes, Elena, it's all over now."Raul didn't move after he spoke. He stood tall, his eyes cold as he looked at the woman he had shared three years with."But Raul, what did I do wrong?""You didn't do anything wrong, and there's no one to blame, Elena. From the beginning, our marriage was a mistake."He sighed and slowly sat on the edge of the bed, next to Elena. Her eyes filled with tears again, heavy with sadness."But Raul, we've been together for three years. Isn't there any place for me in your heart? Are you just going to forget all the sweet moments we've shared?"Raul stayed silent for a moment. He sighed again before finally saying, "I'm sorry, Elena. You know, right? From the start, I never loved you. Everything I did was just fulfilling my duty as a husband. Now that Grandma is gone, you're fr
last updateLast Updated : 2026-08-25
Read more
Chapter 3
Elena turned toward the source of the sound.A man sitting in a wheelchair smiled kindly at her.Under the bright city lights, his calm face was clearly visible.He seemed older than Raul, but there was still some handsomeness in his calm features. His eyes were steady and kind. Even sitting in a wheelchair, he gave off a quiet sense of authority.“Who are you, sir?” Elena asked in confusion.The man smiled and wheeled himself closer to Elena.“Is a name really that important?” he replied, his eyes turning to the star-filled sky. “Look at those stars—are their names important to them? They remain as they are, no matter what people call them.”Elena looked up too, almost without thinking. As she stared at the peaceful stars above, she felt herself relax a little.“The night sky is beautiful, calm, and peaceful with its stars. But why do you seem the opposite?”The man’s words snapped Elena out of her thoughts. She quickly looked away from the sky and met the stranger’s steady gaze.“I…
last updateLast Updated : 2026-08-26
Read more
Chapter 4
Elena was stunned. She couldn’t believe what she was hearing. “W-what, Sir?”“Was my voice not clear, Elena?”“Fine, I’ll repeat myself. Marry me, Elena. I will give you a better life,” the man said again.“M-marry…?” Elena whispered, feeling completely lost. How could this man ask her to marry him when they had just met and didn’t know each other? She didn’t even know his name. He really was a strange man.“So, Elena?”“But, Sir, we just met; we don’t know each other. How could you ask me to marry you so suddenly?”“What is impossible, Elena? If we can make something easy, why make it difficult?” Diego Rodriguez said firmly.“Sir, isn’t marriage something sacred, not something to be played with?”Hearing Elena’s words, the strange man smiled. “You’re right, Elena. So, who’s toying with you? I’m offering you a real marriage, a marriage that is lawful in the eyes of the law.”Elena went quiet again. What was happening in her life? She had just gone through the pain of a marriage that e
last updateLast Updated : 2026-08-29
Read more
Chapter 5
Mrs. Victoria stared at the object in her head housekeeper's hand. "A ring…?" she murmured, examining the diamond-studded ring closely. "It looks like Elena's ring.""Yes, Ma'am. That's Elena's wedding ring with Mr. Raul," Carmen replied quietly."How did you get it?" Mrs. Victoria asked in surprise.Quickly, Carmen explained how she found the ring.It began when she went back to Elena's room to bring her to the kitchen. Elena had been expected for a while but still hadn't shown up. Carmen thought Elena was asleep, so she entered the unlocked room. But no one was there.Carmen searched every corner of the room for Elena, but still couldn't find her. Then, by accident, she saw the ring lying on Elena's dressing table."Hmm, it seems Elena has left," Mrs. Victoria sighed, then turned to her son, who was starting to get drunk."Yes, Ma'am. And she didn't take anything with her.""Carmen, quickly take Raul to his room before he starts rambling nonsense," Mrs. Victoria said, worried as she
last updateLast Updated : 2026-09-02
Read more
Chapter 6
Mario still looked unsure and confused about his boss's plan, but Diego just smiled at his trusted man's hesitation."I believe Elena can do it, as long as you are willing to guide her patiently and earnestly."Diego spoke sincerely and looked at Mario with confidence."Very well, Sir. I will do my utmost to handle this matter. Allow me to proceed with registering your marriage to Miss Elena."Diego nodded. Mario turned and left his boss's office. The Rodriguez residence was busy that day. Mia had the maids and housemen working harder than usual. From early morning, the house was full of activity, especially in the kitchen. Some maids who usually worked elsewhere were also helping out there."What event is happening, really? Why is it so busy? Is the boss going to host a big banquet?" Dona asked, one of the kitchen staff."That's right, there will be a big banquet tonight," another maid replied. They whispered to each other as they worked."Yes, but what's the occasion for the big ban
last updateLast Updated : 2026-09-23
Read more
Chapter 7
"What? A party? What do you mean?" The woman on the other end of the phone sounded surprised, just like Dona. At first, Dona felt happy. If Mrs. Emma Rodriguez came back to the house, she would gain power and take Mia’s place. That was what Mrs. Emma had promised her."S-so, you don’t know about it, Ma’am?""I have no idea what you’re talking about. Explain yourself, Dona!" Mrs. Emma snapped. Dona told her everything she had heard and seen."Okay, Dona, listen! Quickly find out what’s happening there and report back to me, understand?""Y-yes, Ma’am."After she hung up with Dona, Emma paced on her balcony. The lack of clear information bothered her. What was really happening at the Rodriguez house? Was that disabled man planning a party? What kind of party could it be? A death party?"Diego, Diego. You’re about to die tomorrow, and you’re still thinking about a party."Emma muttered as she thought. "And who did Dona mean by Mrs. Rodriguez? Is that crippled man getting married? But tha
last updateLast Updated : 2026-09-24
Read more
Chapter 8
While no one was watching, someone quietly left the room. They found a private spot and called Emma."What? Getting married? So, it's true that the cripple man is getting married?""Y-yes, Ma'am, the bride is very beautiful.""Fool! I don't care if she's beautiful or not, but who is the woman Diego is marrying?" Emma huffed impatiently."Oh, her name is Elena, Ma'am. They're getting ready for the blessing ceremony," Dona replied quickly."Elena, huh? All right. I'll head there immediately."After giving her report, Dona hurried back to her post, but the other maids had already left and returned to their work."Where have you been, Dona? Jose was looking for you. If you're not sick anymore, get back to your work.""Who are you to boss me around?" Dona replied irritably."I'm not bossing you around, Dona. I'm just passing on Jose's message," the other maid retorted, just as irritably. The two of them hurried off to the kitchen.Meanwhile, Elena reached the front where Diego was waiting.
last updateLast Updated : 2026-09-27
Read more
Chapter 9
A woman approached Diego and Elena. She wore an elegant evening gown and expensive jewelry, moving gracefully like someone used to high society. Yet, she also seemed a bit arrogant.Elena was surprised. Who was this confident woman? As she watched, Elena noticed how at ease the woman was with Diego and how comfortable she seemed here.Elena glanced at her husband. Diego looked calm and unchanged. Elena sighed, realizing she was still new to this world and didn’t know much about Diego’s life. She decided to watch and follow along.Meanwhile, Diego looked at Mario and gave him a small signal. Mario nodded, quickly realizing that someone had arrived without an invitation.“Congratulations on your wedding!” The woman stopped right in front of the newlyweds. “What a surprise, Diego. You still wanted to get married.”“Why not?” Diego replied coolly.“Of course, I’m very happy for you, Diego. You need someone to complete your life and to be with you during…” The woman trailed off, lowering h
last updateLast Updated : 2026-09-29
Read more
Chapter 10
Diego let out a sigh as he watched his assistant leave. Elena stood quietly next to her new husband, not sure what she should do now."Sir, Ma'am. It's time for dinner," Mia said politely, reminding Diego and Elena."Do you want to eat, darling?"Diego smiled at Elena as he spoke."Actually, I'm not hungry yet. But Diego, haven't you eaten either?" Elena asked."Oh, you're right, darling. Now it's time to enjoy the special meal Jose has prepared."Elena nodded, stood up, and pushed Diego's wheelchair as they followed Mia to another part of the mansion. The room was set up just for their dinner, with a magical and romantic feel.The open room was decorated in white and gold, with fresh flowers and string lights. A round table was set with four candles beside a vase of red roses.The room looked out onto a flower garden, which was covered in sparkling lights that night. It felt luxurious, romantic, and elegant.Elena was amazed. Even though she and Diego had married so suddenly, he had
last updateLast Updated : 2026-09-30
Read more
View More
Explore and read good novels for free
Free access to a vast number of good novels on GoodNovel app. Download the books you like and read anywhere & anytime.
Read books for free on the app
SCAN CODE TO READ ON APP
DMCA.com Protection Status