The Ex wife's Revival

Chapter 6: Return to the City

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The city welcomed Ava Brown with open arms as she stepped off the plane, the cool breeze teasing her hair as she gripped Logan’s small hand. It felt like forever since she’d last been here, but this time, it was different. This time, she wasn’t just Ava Brown—she was a mom, and everything revolved around the bright-eyed boy at her side.

“Mommy, look!” Logan’s voice bubbled with excitement as he pointed at the moving walkway in front of them. “Can we ride it?”

Ava chuckled, her nerves easing a bit as she nodded. “Sure, but hang on tight, okay?”

They stepped onto the walkway, Logan’s laughter filling the air as they zipped past other travelers. Ava couldn’t help but smile, her heart swelling with love and a bit of relief. This new chapter was going to be challenging, but as long as she had Logan by her side, she knew she could handle anything.

The terminal was alive with chatter and the hum of rolling suitcases. Logan’s energy was infectious, and Ava found herself laughing at his amazement at every little thing. They were in the city now, a place filled with new opportunities—and memories Ava wasn’t quite ready to face.

As they reached the baggage claim, Logan tugged at her hand, his eyes wide. “Mommy, can we get ice cream?”

“First, let’s get our bags, and then we’ll see,” Ava said, ruffling his hair. She glanced around, her eyes searching for their luggage among the sea of people. It was then that she noticed a tall figure striding through the crowd, exuding an air of authority that made others step aside.

Logan, ever the curious one, was drawn to a nearby rack of colorful souvenirs. “Mommy, look at these! Can I see?”

“Okay, but stay where I can see you,” Ava called after him, her attention momentarily diverted by a large suitcase on the carousel.

In his excitement, Logan darted toward the display, unaware of the man walking in his direction. The inevitable collision happened in a blink, sending Logan stumbling back. The man stopped abruptly, turning with a look of surprise mixed with irritation.

Ava’s heart skipped a beat as she saw her son bump into the stranger. She hurried over, her eyes widening as she recognized the man standing in front of Logan.

It was him.

Mason Hernandez.

Wait. Why did he look so much like her son.

Mason looked down at Logan, his sharp features softening for a moment before a frown creased his brow. “Watch where you’re going, kid,” he said, his voice firm but not unkind.

Logan, unbothered by the scolding, looked up at Mason with wide eyes. “Sorry, mister,” he mumbled, his gaze flickering to Ava as she approached.

Ava’s breath caught in her throat as she finally stood face-to-face with Mason. Her heart pounded in her chest, the years they’d been apart melting away in an instant. Mason’s eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at her, a flicker of recognition crossing his face.

“Logan, come here,” Ava said softly, holding out her hand. Logan quickly obeyed, slipping his small hand into hers.

Mason’s gaze shifted from Logan to Ava, something unreadable in his eyes. “You should be more careful,” he said, his tone now directed at Ava.

She nodded, unable to find her voice as a wave of memories crashed over her. This was not how she’d imagined their reunion. In fact, she hadn’t imagined any reunion at all. But here they were, in the middle of an airport, with her son—their son—standing between them.

“I’m sorry, Mr. Hernandez,” she finally managed to say, her voice steadier than she felt. “Logan didn’t mean any harm.”

Mason’s eyes lingered on her for a moment longer, as if trying to place her in his mind. Then he gave a curt nod, his gaze shifting back to Logan. “No harm done,” he said, his tone neutral.

Ava felt a mixture of relief and disappointment as he turned to leave. It was as if he hadn’t recognized her at all—or maybe he had and just didn’t care. She squeezed Logan’s hand, trying to shake off the unsettling feeling.

“Mommy, who was that man?” Logan asked, his voice filled with innocent curiosity.

“Just someone I used to know,” Ava replied, forcing a smile. “Come on, let’s get our bags and find that ice cream.”

But as they made their way to the exit, Ava couldn’t help but glance back at Mason. He was already disappearing into the crowd, his tall frame blending in with the sea of travelers.

She hadn’t expected to see him, and she definitely hadn’t expected Logan to run into him—literally. But something told her this wasn’t the last time their paths would cross.

Not by a long shot.

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