CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

Logan's gratitude was palpable. "You don't need to thank me. I should be thanking you. I couldn't have done it without you and your support."

His heart swelled with a sense of connection he hadn't felt in a long time. "Aella, I was wondering... would you like to hang out? I think this victory calls for a celebration."

There was a pause on the other end of the line before Logan heard Aella's voice, warm and inviting. "I'd love that, Logan. I feel like we've been through something together today, and I'd really enjoy getting to know you better."

Logan couldn't help but smile, even though she couldn't see it. "That sounds great. And, well, to be honest, I don't really have many friends, so this means a lot to me."

Aella's voice was filled with kindness. "We can change that, Logan. I have a feeling this is just the beginning of something special."

As they chatted and made plans for their hangout, Logan couldn't help but reflect on how his life had taken an unexpected turn. He had gone fro