Chapter 244

Third-Person POV

The studio was alive by the brushing sounds against canvas and murmurs of creative energy. Max stood in front of his latest painting, which had become more than an artistic endeavor—into something much more personal. Its artwork sprawled with hues of his battles, his observation. The vibrant colors seemed to pulse with life on the canvas.

He had been lost in his work, so he jumped a little when the studio door opened. He expected another artist or maybe a visitor. Instead, Megan stepped in, her expression guarded as she swept the room with a glance.

"Hey, Megan," Max said, putting down his brush and wiping his hands on a cloth. "What brings you back?

She walked towards him, her eyes still on the painting. "I have been thinking a lot since our last conversation. You mentioned seeing things, then painted what you saw. I was just wondering—what do you see when you look at me?

Max's eyes flickered with curiosity mixed with