Chapter 174

Megan's POV

Days had become such a whirlwind, and I so yearned for just a quiet moment to process everything happening in my life. My training was quite aggressive, my dealings with Max deepened, and the shadows of my past seemed to loom everywhere. I took a walk, needing some fresh air to clear my mind and reflect on where I was heading.

I walked in the park, and my head was just a mass of regrets and reflections. The leaves rustled softly in the breeze, and I hoped the serenity of nature might help me find some clarity.

Coming up to a bench apart, by a small pond, I found it taken by one man—Chris. It was his sudden presence, but I felt a strange sense of relief that came with his being there. He and I had not spoken since our last conversation, and now the tension between us seemed particularly thick.

"Hey, Chris," I said, coming up carefully to the bench.

Chris's face tipped up, surprise and relief warring for dominance. "Megan. I h