Chapter 173

Megan's POV

I had barely slept when the sun was already up, and in my mind, I was decided to pay another visit to the studio. The paintings which Max had made interested me. But there was more to it that I wanted to learn, about the past, and how it shaped him as an artist. I hoped today would provide me with answers.

I entered the studio to find Max already hunched over a new piece, his back to me. The room smelled thick with paint as the soft light from the morning sun danced all around. It was tenderly gentle.

"Good morning, Max," I said, trying to sound casual as I approached.

Max turned, a smile lighting up his face. "Megan! You're up so early. What brings you by so early?"

I sank into a chair nearby. "I have been thinking much about our conversations," I said. "It's this sense that there may be something driving you toward this thing or that within your art. Not to mention, I just—really would have liked to hear the story behind i