The Untold Truth: What *Really* Happened To Cierra And Nic After Their Explosive Love Island USA Exit

The whirlwind romance between Cierra Ortega and Nic Vansteenberghe on Love Island USA Season 3 was one of the most dramatic storylines in the show's history, but the curtain closed on their pairing long before the finale. Fans who were invested in the initial connection between the Texas native and the Minnesota boy have been asking for years: did they ever manage to rekindle things outside the villa? As of today, December 12, 2025, the answer is a definitive and surprising 'no,' but the story of why their coupling imploded and where Nic ended up is far more complex than a simple breakup.

The saga of Cierra and Nic is a perfect example of how quickly the villa can change everything, especially when outside factors intervene. Their journey was cut short by an unprecedented event that rocked the season, leaving Nic to navigate the rest of his time in Hawaii solo—a turn of events that ultimately led him to a completely different, and far more successful, relationship that is still thriving years later. This is the fresh, definitive update on what happened to the couple that never quite made it.

Cierra Ortega and Nic Vansteenberghe: A Brief Biography and Villa Journey

Cierra Ortega and Nic Vansteenberghe were key figures during the early weeks of Love Island USA Season 3, which took place in Hawaii.

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• Cierra Ortega: A 24-year-old from Texas known for her vibrant personality and immediate connection with Nic.
• Nic Vansteenberghe: A 25-year-old from Minneapolis, Minnesota, who entered the villa and quickly became coupled up with Cierra, showing a clear "infatuation" with her early on.
• Season: Love Island USA Season 3 (2021).
• Initial Coupling: Cierra and Nic were one of the first strong pairings, with Nic expressing genuine interest and loyalty toward Cierra, despite the arrival of new bombshells.
• The Drama: Nic's journey was turbulent, as he also briefly pursued a connection with Belle-A Walker before settling back with Cierra, only for the relationship to be abruptly halted by Cierra's sudden exit.

Their connection was initially promising, leading many viewers to believe they had the potential to be a finalist couple. Nic was protective and seemingly devoted to Cierra, making her unexpected departure all the more shocking to both the Islanders and the audience watching the dating reality show. The dramatic turn of events meant their coupling was never truly tested by the challenges of Casa Amor or the final weeks of the competition.

The Shocking Exit: Why Cierra Ortega Left the Villa

The relationship between Cierra and Nic ended not by a dumping or a mutual decision, but by Cierra's removal from the villa. This event was one of the most talked-about moments of Love Island USA Season 3.

Mid-season, Cierra was abruptly sent home after posts she had previously made on social media resurfaced, which included the use of a racial slur. The producers of the show took immediate action, removing her from the competition. Islander Zak Srakaew later confirmed that the contestants were only told that Cierra had "just left" in a completely normal day, keeping the full details of the controversy private from those remaining in the villa.

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Nic was left behind, single and blindsided by the sudden loss of his partner. There was significant speculation among fans about whether Nic would choose to leave the villa with Cierra, as other Islanders have done in previous seasons when their partner was dumped. However, Nic chose to stay.

In the aftermath, Nic Vansteenberghe spoke out about Cierra's exit, stating that she "just left" and that he didn't leave with her because their relationship was still very new. He clarified that, while they were coupled, they had not yet reached the point of being exclusive, which is a common sentiment in the early stages of the show. Nic later reacted to Cierra's subsequent social media posts about him, navigating the public reaction to the controversy while still on the show.

The Definitive Answer: Did Cierra and Nic Reconnect Post-Show?

Despite the dramatic conclusion to their time together in the villa, fan speculation persisted that Cierra Ortega and Nic Vansteenberghe would reconnect once the show ended and they were both back in the US. However, this never happened.

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The simple truth is that Nic moved on quickly inside the villa. After Cierra's departure, he began pursuing a connection with another Islander, Olandria Carthen. Nic and Olandria's relationship grew steadily, and they ultimately finished the competition as the runner-up couple in the Love Island USA Season 3 finale.

Following the finale, Nic confirmed that he chose to pursue his romance with Olandria, effectively dispelling any rumors that he and Cierra would get back together. Cierra herself later broke her silence on the new coupling, reacting to Nic and Olandria's relationship in an Instagram video.

The dramatic end to the Cierra and Nic pairing served as a catalyst for Nic's true love story on the show. The focus shifted entirely to the new power couple, affectionately dubbed the "Nicolandria Hive" by fans. The original connection between Nic and Cierra was definitively closed off, marking the final end of their brief reality TV romance.

Where Are Nic and Olandria Today? A 2025 Relationship Update

The most important update for fans of Love Island USA Season 3 is the long-term success of Nic's relationship with Olandria Carthen. While the connection with Cierra ended abruptly, the relationship that blossomed afterward has proven to be one of the most enduring from the series.

As of the current date in 2025, Nic Vansteenberghe and Olandria Carthen are still together. Their relationship has stood the test of time, a rare feat for couples who meet on a fast-paced dating reality show. They are frequently cited as one of the most successful pairings to ever emerge from the American version of the franchise.

The "Nicolandria Hive" remains active, with the couple sharing updates on their lives together on social media, showcasing the strength of their bond outside the high-pressure environment of the villa. Their story is a testament to the fact that sometimes, the end of one connection on Love Island is simply the beginning of a much stronger, lasting one. They have managed to maintain their relationship for several years post-show, navigating the challenges of fame and distance that often plague reality TV couples.

In summary, while Cierra Ortega and Nic Vansteenberghe were a memorable, albeit short-lived, couple on Love Island USA Season 3, their story ended when Cierra was removed from the villa. Nic did not leave with her and chose to pursue a relationship with Olandria Carthen, a decision that has resulted in one of the show's most successful, long-term pairings that continues to thrive in 2025. The Cierra and Nic chapter is firmly closed, replaced by the enduring love story of Nic and Olandria.