Owned By Massimo

Chapter 11-He Won't Kill Me

Isabella’s POV

“Let me out! Let me out of this f*****g room!” I shouted, yanking hard on the door handle. It rattled but didn’t budge. I twisted it again and again, my palms getting sweaty, my heart slamming against my ribs like it wanted to break free. “This isn’t funny! Open the damn door!”

I pounded my fists against the heavy wood until they hurt. The sound echoed back at me, hollow and useless. The hallway outside stayed silent. My breathing came fast and sharp as panic started to creep in.

Could this be Massimo’s doing? The thought hit me hard. Maybe he already had enough of me and decided to lock me away. But no…that didn’t feel right. Massimo wouldn’t need some maid to trick me. If he wanted me locked up, he’d grab me himself, throw me over his shoulder, and toss me in here with that cold, dangerous look in his eyes. He wouldn’t hide behind tricks. That wasn’t his style.

“Damn it,” I cursed under my breath, pressing my forehead against the door. The wood felt cool against my hot skin.

I turned around in the darkness, feeling my way along the wall with my hands. My fingers brushed against something smooth—a light switch. I flicked it on without thinking.

The room flooded with light, and I gasped.

It wasn’t a normal room at all. It looked like an artist’s studio. Canvases leaned against the walls, some stacked neatly, others scattered. Beautiful paintings stared back at me…dark, intense landscapes mixed with portraits that felt alive. The colors were rich and deep, like the artist had poured their soul into every stroke. But many of them were damaged. Half-burnt edges, scorched spots that ruined parts of the beauty. It made my chest ache a little. Who would destroy something this raw and emotional?

I walked slowly through the space, my bare feet quiet on the wooden floor. There was an easel in the corner with a half-finished piece still on it. The brush strokes looked angry, passionate. This wasn’t just a hobby. Someone had lived and breathed in this room. Was this Massimo’s? Or someone close to him? The thought sent a shiver down my spine. It felt personal. Forbidden. Like I’d stumbled into a secret he didn’t want anyone to see.

One canvas was turned face down on the floor. I bent to pick it up, curious. My fingers brushed the edge just as I heard the soft click of the door lock turning behind me.

I straightened fast, spinning around. My heart jumped into my throat.

The door opened slowly, and there she was…that stupid Bianca b***h. She stepped inside with a smug smirk on her perfectly painted lips. Her blonde hair fell over one shoulder like she thought she looked like some fake Barbie doll. She folded her arms across her chest and tilted her head, clearly enjoying this.

“So you were the one who pulled this stupid childish trick,” I said, my voice steady even though anger was boiling inside me.

Bianca laughed, a high, fake sound that grated on my nerves. “So what? You think you can just waltz in here and take my place?!” Her eyes narrowed. “Do you know how hard it was for Massimo to finally notice me? And now that we’re finally engaged, you just show up and think I’m going to let you ruin that for me? Never.”

I couldn’t help the mocking smile that tugged at my lips. “Maybe if you were worth noticing, it wouldn’t have been so hard to get his attention.”

Her face twisted with rage. “How dare you, b***h!” she spat. Her green eyes burned with pure anger and hatred. She looked like she wanted to claw my eyes out.

I stood my ground, lifting my chin. “And what is locking me up going to do for you?”

Bianca laughed again, covering her mouth like this was all some funny game. “Of course you don’t know. This room we’re standing in is restricted…as in forbidden.” She emphasized the word slowly, like she was savoring it. “And anyone who enters here dies.”

She gave a mocking laugh, clearly loving the fear she thought she was causing.

“You know I didn’t enter here on my own. You sent that maid,” I shot back. My hands itched to scratch that face of hers. The possessiveness I felt for Massimo surged hot in my veins. He was mine. This woman had no claim on him.

“So what?” Bianca shrugged. “You think Massimo is going to believe a slut like you who just came here last night? Believe me, he already suspects that you were sent by his rivals. So seeing you here is my easiest ticket to get rid of you.”

“He won’t kill me,” I said confidently, even though a small thread of doubt tried to wiggle in. I remembered the way he’d looked at me…frozen, hard, turned on. He hadn’t pulled the trigger. He couldn’t.

“You set me up,” I added.

Bianca rolled her eyes dramatically. “Don’t be so confident. Every single person who entered this room never lived to tell the tale. The last maid who entered by accident died. So I’m not joking when I tell you…you can’t get out alive.”

She gave me a mocking little wave and turned to walk out, like she’d already won.

No f*****g way.

I moved fast, adrenaline and fury mixing together. I grabbed a fistful of her blonde hair and yanked her back hard. She stumbled with a surprised yelp.

“Where do you think you’re going?”