**Chapter 3: Shadows in the Night**

The figure stepped forward, its features illuminated by the soft glow of the streetlights. Ellie's heart sank as she recognized the sharp jawline and piercing gaze of a woman she had thought she'd never see again. Victoria, Abby's ex-girlfriend, stood before them, her eyes blazing with a fierce intensity that made Ellie's skin crawl. Abby's body stiffened beside her, and Ellie could feel the tension radiating from her like a palpable force. "Victoria," Abby said, her voice low and even, but Ellie detected a hint of wariness beneath the surface. Victoria's gaze flicked between them, her eyes lingering on the spot where Ellie's hand still rested on Abby's arm. A sneer twisted her lips, and Ellie felt a surge of protectiveness towards Abby. "I see you're still slumming it with the help," Victoria spat, her voice dripping with venom. Ellie's eyes narrowed, but Abby's grip on her arm tightened, a subtle warning to stay calm. "What do you want, Victoria?" Abby asked, her voice firm but controlled. Victoria's smile was a thin, cruel thing. "I want to remind you of the life we built together, Abby. The life you walked away from." She took a step closer, her eyes glinting with a malevolent light. "You think you can just leave me and start over with this...this..." She jerked a thumb at Ellie, her expression contemptuous. Ellie felt a spark of anger ignite within her, but Abby's grip on her arm tightened, a silent warning to stay silent. "I'm not interested in playing games, Victoria," Abby said, her voice firm. "I made my choice, and I'm happy now." Victoria's laughter was a cold, mirthless sound. "Happy?" she repeated, her voice dripping with skepticism. "You think you can be happy with her?" She sneered at Ellie, her eyes lingering on her face before snapping back to Abby. "You're just using her, Abby. You're using her to forget me." Ellie felt a pang of hurt on Abby's behalf, but Abby's expression remained calm, her eyes never leaving Victoria's face. "I'm not using anyone, Victoria," she said, her voice even. "I'm with Ellie because I want to be, not because I'm trying to replace you." The air seemed to vibrate with tension as Victoria's gaze locked onto Abby's, the two women engaged in a silent battle of wills. Ellie could feel the weight of their history bearing down on her, the unspoken secrets and unresolved emotions that hung between them like a challenge. As the silence stretched out, Ellie realized that this was more than just a confrontation – it was a reckoning. Abby's past was coming back to haunt her, and Ellie was determined to stand by her side as they faced whatever lay ahead. She took a step forward, her eyes locked on Victoria's, and said, "I think it's time for you to leave." Victoria's gaze flicked to Ellie, a flash of surprise and anger crossing her face before she turned back to Abby. For a moment, Ellie thought she saw a glimmer of uncertainty in Victoria's eyes, but it was quickly extinguished by a cold, hard determination. "This isn't over, Abby," Victoria said, her voice low and menacing. "Not by a long shot." With that, she turned and disappeared into the night, leaving Ellie and Abby standing alone in the shadows. Ellie turned to Abby, her heart pounding in her chest. "What just happened?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Abby's eyes locked onto hers, a mixture of emotions swirling in their depths. "I'm sorry, Ellie," she said, her voice soft. "I'm sorry I didn't warn you about Victoria. She's...complicated." Ellie took a step closer, her hand reaching out to brush against Abby's cheek. "You don't have to apologize, Abby," she said, her voice gentle. "I'm here for you, no matter what." As they stood there, locked in a gaze that seemed to hold a thousand promises, Ellie knew that their love was worth fighting for – against Victoria, against the past, and against whatever lay ahead.