I could tell there was more. “But…”

“But she really hurt me. So when she changed her mind and asked to get back together, I said no. I couldn’t risk it. She hadn’t trusted me, plus I hadn’t liked how it had come between us—you and me—either. And that’s when she got really mad.” Things were rapidly making sense. I kept silent so he’d keep talking. I needed to know everything. “She accused me of never liking her—and told me she was going to get me back.” He stopped. “Which I thought meant nothing until…” He chewed his lip. “Until I saw that she was part of this challenge thing. Holly showed me. That’s when I knew I had to tell you. I’m so sorry, Elle—all this time I’ve been trying to stay out of your way so I didn’t cause problems after what happened, and now…” He dropped his head in his hand. “Now I feel like I’ve just made everything even worse.”

But I didn’t know what to say. All these months, I had no idea why Clara had suddenly turned on me back in Nashton—and now I knew. It wasn’t me, or because my old account did well. It was all to do with Nick.

It didn’t make what she did any less painful. It still meant she’d never been the real friend I thought I’d had, but at least now I understood.

It was weird. Part of me was raging that Nick hadn’t told me. Part was shocked I’d never guessed. But mostly I was relieved. Relieved to finally know and maybe to have my brother back too.

And judging by his face, maybe he felt the same—he looked like he’d been struggling with this for months.

It made what Clara had messaged earlier make a whole lot of sense. She’d wanted me to speak to Nick—get things finally out in the open.

And she’d finally said sorry.

I really did believe that it wasn’t her behind whoever was trolling me now. Maybe it was one of the other competitors or a random after all?

“And here was me thinking you thought my account was stupid?” I shook my head.

“Stupid? I think you’re the bravest person I know. Putting yourself out there like that.”

“You don’t even follow me, Nick.”

“You really think that? I’ve always kept an eye on it. And who do you think @betterplayliststhanyou is?!”

So he’d been my new follower calling out tooblessed? Despite everything, if he weren’t a million miles away, he’d be getting one hell of a hug right now. Well, alongside some major calling out.