WHERE IS JOSIE BOLTON?

After the wedding debacle a week ago, Josie Bolton has completely vanished! Neither her nor her ex-fiancé Edward Rothschild has been seen in London. Both families refuse to comment on the heartbreaking incident that was witnessed by the whole world. The pressure got so high that even Windsor Castle, the official residence of The Duchess of Oxford and The Duke of Windsor - Josie's triplet siblings - released an official statement in which they asked for privacy.

Rumours have it that Josie flew alone to Mexico, the couple's rumoured honeymoon destination. It has been said that Josie will come back from Mexico in three weeks, so until then our eyes are looking for Edward Rothschild.

I get out of my six star hotel in Ipanema. The streets here are not as busy as in Copacabana but the restaurants are better. Over the last week, I found out that Brazilian people are very nice and welcoming. It's part of the Brazilian culture to embrace one another as a welcoming gesture. Even business men do that. It's so different than London! Lots of people here have tattoos as well. That's also part of the culture here, it's not just a popular body accessory. Business men use the free outdoor gyms just as much as people from the lower class. In general, the people in Rio are much more interested in how they look than anywhere else where I've been. They like to show off their trained bodies, too. Rio de Janeiro is a place of contrasts and diversity, making it a city that's hard to define. On the one hand, it has sprawling forests and wealthy, cosmopolitan neighbourhoods. On the other, it has a bustling city centre and tightly-packed communities living in favelas. Perhaps that's why I was so fascinated by Oliver, he was full of contrasts and diversity. He was hard to define, to put into a box. It was impossible to put a label on him - just like me, or even us. While learning what Rio is all about is no easy task, one thing's for sure: only in this unique city can I will have unforgettable experiences.

But as it's autumn here in Brazil, the sky is often cloudy and it rains quite frequently. And when it rains - you run and hide in a house that's high enough, so when the street gets flooded you don't get wet feet or even have to swim. It happened to me twice with Ralph but we've learned our lesson now. The rain is very heavy and as the infrastructure here is not the same as in Europe, the heavy rainfall can flood the streets very very easily. The streets can turn into wild rivers in a blink of an eye. Looking at Rio and comparing it to London, Oliver must have thought he landed in paradise when he first set a foot in my hometown. This is a whole different world - and I find it fascinating!

The weather is also why we couldn't start building the kindergarten, school, hospital and public swimming pool. The ground is just too soft.

It sucks.

But at least that means I can discover the city by foot a little more. As soon as I leave the clean part of the city that is Ipanema, I get greeted by many strays. Dogs and cats, that don't have homes... it breaks my heart to see all of these animals. It's a fine balance between life and death. I don't know how Della faces this daily without breaking down in tears every day.

"I'd like to build an animal shelter in the name of the Bolton Foundation." I answer as another cat crosses our way. "The animals need help."

"It's a lovely idea but you have to talk to your uncle about this." Ralph answers. It was weird to see him in shorts, sandals and T-shirts at first but I've gotten used to it.

I pinch the bridge of my nose. I'm working for him now. "Right. I'll call him when we're back in the hotel."

"I suggest we go there right now."

"But we just got here!" I complain. There are lots of small cafes and open markets here with fresh veggie and fruits. I wanted to try something new!

"Miss Bolton, this place is not safe for a woman like you."

"Good thing I'm not alone then." I tell him.

Ralph grabs my right hand. "Then at least take off your ring. Put it in your purse."

I nod and slip off the ring before placing it into my purse. After all, I'm no longer home in London but somehow I feel more at home than I did in the last eight months. Because somewhere between all these nice people, colourful veggies and fruits, strays and dozens cafés is my heart walking around. I don't know where exactly but I know it's here.

Because I can feel it beating in a way it has never beaten before.

Dawn is slowly approaching as I reach the destination of my hike. My Mum was clever enough to even pack my hiking shoes and a rain jacket. I took advantage of this rain free morning to get some fresh air. I decided to hike through the Brazilian flora and fauna. My camera is hanging around my neck. There are two cable-cars that take you to the peak of Sugarloaf mountain, but I decided to take neither. I'd rather hike, at least halfway to the mountain. Since I'm no longer training with Wlad three times a week and stopped doing yoga daily, I could really need the workout.

Ralph and Leo are just behind me. Both of them have been my shadow in the last weeks here. Brazil's nature is beautiful and I've come to appreciate the sunrise again.

"How much longer?" Leo asks me breathless.

"A few minutes." I answer. "It's going to be worth it. You will be rewarded with even more staggering views over the city."

"How do you know? You've never been to Rio."

"I read that online." I answer.

"Didn't it say the best time for panoramic shots is at sunset?" Ralph asks me.

"Sunset or sunrise - it's still the magic hour. The view will be stunning."

"Magic hour? Do you know what she's talking about?" Leo asks Ralph as I reach the top.

"No."

"It's the best time to take photos." I answer as they finally reach me. We're completely alone here as the cable cars will start working in a little less than an hour. No tourist hikes up the mountain at this hour.

I've got the whole mountain for myself - and the view is amazing! "Now isn't that worth the hike?" I ask Ralph and Leo.

"Wow!" They both are in awe at the city below us. Rio is slowly waking up below us. It's glowing in the colour play of the sunrise. It's absolutely stunning! I grab my camera and start taking some panoramic photos.

I'm slowly falling in love with Rio de Janeiro.

Three weeks later, I take the white protection helmet from Ralph and put it on before I walk on to the construction site. I'm in Rocinha, the same part of Rio that Oliver is from. Ironically, Rocinha is not too far away from Ipanema - but it is worlds apart. We're going to build a school, a public pool and a kindergarten here. All within the same area.

I'm so glad we've finally started with the work.

"Miss Bolton," Aberto greets me with a big smile on his lips.

I quickly found out that the locals are eager to work and make some money for their families. It's why I suggested to hire local men and women rather than an external company. Sure, it might take a little longer but it will get accepted by the people easier this way.

Plus, I was hoping Oliver would apply for a job.

But he didn't. Which makes me think he might not be in Rio after all. Sure, Rio is huge and Rocinha is dangerous as it's a favela, a Brazilian slum. But it's Oliver's home.

And therefore somehow mine as well.

"Aberto! How are you?" I greet him with a kiss on each cheek. "How's everything coming along?"

"We've started with the digging. In a few weeks we can start with the foundation."

Good, that means we're just three weeks over the schedule right now. "Sounds great. Can I have another look at the construction plan?"

"Sure." Aberto pulls out the drafts from a big tube. He spreads them out on the hood of my white Toyota. I adjusted to the destinations I'm driving to. I can't appear in a fancy Range Rover here. People wouldn't accept me or the good will I'm trying to do here. They would fight me for my wealth. So, all they know is that I'm working for the Bolton Foundation. The less they know, the more they like me. It's just easier that way.

My eyes scan the drafts that show a two stories house made for 500 pupils. The kindergarten will hold 200 kids and the public pool will be made for an endless amount of people. The hospital will be not too far away from the school and kindergarten. I can't save the world but I can make it a better place.

"Yeah, looks good." I say with a nod. "Call me if you have any issues. I'll clear that." My next stop is the hospital. It's half an hour by feet away from here. I'd walk but Ralph is strictly against it.

Aberto nods, "Okay."

"See you in a week." I shake his hand. I can't wait to open these buildings - rather yesterday. God knows the people here need this.

I stare out of the window as Ralph slowly drives through Rocinha. I asked him to slow down, like I always do when we drive through Oliver's hometown but I never see him. I don't even see a man that looks like him. I thought about just asking strangers with a photo of Oliver but as Ralph doesn't want me to walk around in this favela, the chances of me finding Oliver on my own get slimmer and slimmer.

And I'm not that desperate yet to ignore Ralph's advice. I promised my Dad to not do something stupid and for the first month, I've kept my promise.

But I don't know how much longer I can keep it. I need to find Oliver. But it won't help anyone if I get killed, kidnapped or raped in the process. So, I have to figure out a new way to approach this plan. There's gotta be something I can do. I've already gone from bar to bar in Ipanema and Copacabana, but all that's done is given the men who tried to bed with me a broken nose or wrist. Some made by Ralph, others made by me. The Brazilian man are fearless, aggressive and arrogant.

Damn it, no wonder I was so attracted to Oliver.

It's the culture that I love so much but I'm not here to sleep my way through Rio. It's the last thing I want. I'm here to help people... and hopefully find Oliver somewhere along the way.

"The Carnival starts tonight. I got us tickets to see all the spectacular costumes." Ralph says as he speeds up again because we're leaving Rocinha behind. Ralph has pretty much become a big brother figure over the last three weeks.

"That sounds like a great idea. I've never seen all the colourful costumes in real life!"

"Me either. We're going with Leo. You need at least two men with you at this event."

I'm surprised we're not going with the whole team, so I just nod. Two are better than six. Plus, it's about my safety.

I put on my red ruffled dress as suddenly my iPhone starts ringing. I quickly walk over to it and see that it's Char, my best friend and sister-in-law.

I take the FaceTime call with a smile on my lips. "Hi!"

"Wow, you look hot!" Char answers as she sees me. "Turn around."

I do as she says and the red silk flows through the air. "I'm going to the Carnival tonight."

"Really? That's so cool! Will you take photos?"

"Do you know me at all?"

She chuckles, "Send then to me as quickly as possible."

I nod, "I will."

"But frankly this looks like a clubbing dress."

"I'm in Rio. Women wear these kind of dresses here during daylight. They're much more confident in their skin - and showing off their skin - than Londoners. I'm telling you, this is a whole different world!"

"You're grinning."

"Am I?" I didn't even realise that.

"I assume you're happy then."

I nod, "I really like it here."

"I've always wanted to see the Carnival in Rio. It's said to be epic."

I grin, "I'll let you know. Next Sunday the best and winning schools will do another Carnival. Any chance you can free yourself from the King's chains?"

She shows me a smirk, "I'll see what I can do."

"Let me know a few days prior and I have Ralph get us tickets. How's everything going with you?"

She nods. "Nate and I are having this weekend off."

"Your first one this year?"

"The first one since we got engaged."

I sit down on the couch, "So, you have to fly off to Harewood House in Leeds?"

"No, His Majesty is allowing us to stay at Adelaide Cottage. It's the first weekend we don't have to fly off to Leeds. Thank God, I don't like it there at all."

"So, you'll hang out with Rory and George then?" I ask. My nieces come to my mind. Their birthday is coming up in less than a month. It's their first birthday - and I won't be there. I wasn't there for Mummy's birthday either... and Daddy's... and Elias'... and Ana's... and Della's. And I won't be there for Nate's as well as my own that I share with Rory. But I will be back home for Gideon and Cal's birthday... I'll be home for Carol and Bella's birthday... I'll be home for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

But missing 90% of my family's birthdays hurt me more than I thought. I miss them so badly.

"Yeah... Are you okay?"

"I just miss you guys so much. I realised I'll miss most of your birthdays. I'll only be home for Cal and Gideon's birthday as well as Carol and Bella's. I'll miss Ascot, too!" Ascot is one of my favourite events in the summer. I can live without Wimbledon, but Ascot? That's pretty hard.

"You won't be here alone forever. You know, somewhere in this city lives the love of your life."

"Don't call him that." I hiss at her. I hate labelling people, putting them in boxes.

"It clearly wasn't Edward otherwise you would be married to that man right now." Char insists and crosses her arms in front of her chest.

"But it's not Oliver either."

"He isn't?"

I sigh, "I don't know. I have... I haven't thought about it."

"Don't tell me you haven't thought about him once since landing in Rio."

"No, of course I have! I haven't thought about anything but him, actually." I admit. "But that doesn't make it any easier to find him. I've been looking for him since the day I landed but I have no clue. I can't track him with his mobile because he doesn't have one. I can't hack into security cameras and look for him, because the cameras are only in posh neighbourhoods and Oliver's from a favela."

"What's that?"

"A favela?"

"Yeah."

"It's basically the Brazilian Slum."

She looks shocked by the news. "That's horrible! And Oliver's from there?"

I nod, "It's where the foundation is building the school, the kindergarten and women's shelter."

"Wow, I didn't... I didn't expect him to be from there."

"It's one of the most dangerous favelas in whole Brazil. It's why I'm always with security."

Charlotte still looks traumatised. "I've got to go. Have fun at the Carnival."

I smile, "Have fun with Rory and George."

We hang up and I grab my purse and my camera bag as a knock on the front door fills my ears. I can't wait to see all the beautiful costumes! It's something Rio is known for.

I open the door and stand across Ralph and Leo, who are both wearing a black shirt, black trousers and sneakers. "Well, you guys don't look excited for the Carnival."

Leo's blue eyes widen at my outfit but his lips remain silent.

"Miss Bolton, I suggest you change into something less... something more appropriate for your position." Ralph tells me.

He has seen me in shorter dresses. "Ralph, this is Rio. Everyone shows off as much skin as possible. I'm looking modest compared to most women there tonight."

Ralph clears his throat, "I know, it's just... you can't run in heels."

"I'm sure one of you is strong enough to carry me if the situation requires it." I say before shutting the front door behind me.

"I don't feel comfortable going there like this." He insists.

"But I do."

Rio Carnival is easily one of the most famous events, not just in Brazil but across the globe! The sheer scale and colours of this event is absolutely incredible! If you happen to be in Rio at the time, you'd be a fool to miss out on this spectacular display of costumes, dance and fun packed into one massive party. The extravagant Carnival parades broadcast on TV are open to the public. For a certain fee and a commitment of a set number of weeks (defined by the samba school and varying greatly), willing tourists can rehearse and practice to be part of the parades during Carnival, which includes getting fitted for a costume that you get to keep at the end. But I'm not going to participate in the parade. I'd rather watch than be in the spotlight.

I push myself though the crowds with Ralph and Leo beside me. I just got my face painted with glittery turquoise coloured stars on my left temple and the words Rio in glittery green on my right cheek. Leo, Ralph and me are all wearing sparkling purple bracelets and necklaces with our IDs that were made beforehand. Ralph, Leo and me are also wearing special T-shirts that are made for VIPs and for the Carnival every year. This year it's a turquoise coloured shirt with the words RIO Carnival and 2049 written on it in yellow and green. Ralph and Leo didn't get their shirts customised but I did. I had it cut a little shorter and a V neckline. The back is longer so I could tie the ends into a knot. I also had them glued on sparkly stones in green, yellow, turquoise and pink. I also added big turquoise coloured feathers to the short sleeves to emphasises my shoulders. The outfits, the necklaces and bracelets give us access to the VIP boxes as well as the front row, known as Frisa. The Sambodromo was designed and built in 1984 by world-renowned architect Oscar Niemeyer as a purpose built venue to house the cities ever growing yearly parades. The venue is built along a half mile stretch, with stadium style seating from point to point. In 2012 the venue underwent a renovation in time for the 2016 Olympic Games where the audience capacity was increased to 90,000 spectator seats.

It's crazy full on this opening evening. The Brazilian Carnival is basically a pre-lent sin-fest. The whole country gets together for four days of letting loose, prior to making their sacrifices for lent. I won't be spending Easter with my family at home but I'm okay with that.

I stop at the seats of the VIP box that Ralph booked. Some of the best places to catch all the parade action is from the boxes (known as Camerote) some of the bigger Camerote can span over three floors, with everything from bars, and food to DJs and bands, areas for customising your camerote wear and makeup artists to give your look a carnival touch. With the parades often not finishing until after 6:00am having the camerote areas to relax, eat and drink whilst watching the incredible show unfold will keep you dancing until the early hours! It's on a tribune, so it's high enough for me to see the different costumes. I even brought my camera for this. After all, the Rio Carnival is epic! Different samba schools give the wildest performance they can with the hopes to be judged as the best. This carries on through the night so I imagine I'll be sitting here for a while. For those who don't want to be in the heavy crowds, the parade plays on every TV around town.

Suddenly fireworks fill the sky. That means it's starting. Loud samba music starts filling my ears and a few seconds I start seeing all these colourful wagons and costumes. It's little clothing and lots of skin but with over 30 degrees celsius in the evening it's kind of okay. The Brazilian people are very confident in their skin, no matter their body shapes. It's something lots of nations could learn from here.

I pick up my camera and start taking photos of this rainbow coloured party. Some costumes have wings like the Victoria's Secret angels but they're more colourful. The wagons are huge and all colour coordinated. It has started with a royal blue, but the massive wagons on the horizon are already green. It's a feast for the eyes and ears, for the whole body. The music is vibrating through my body until all I can do is smile. It's the first time in a month that I'm smiling.

The whole atmosphere is addicting. It's beautiful!

I look at Ralph and Leo next to me. They're enjoying this as well. "Do you think we could go downstairs for the finale tonight? I'd like to get some shots from the front." I yell over the music.

"No, it's too dangerous." Ralph answers automatically without taking his eyes off of the parade.

"Ralph, come on. This is a once in a lifetime experience." I tell him.

"She's kind of right with this." Leo helps me out.

Ralph sighs before looking at me. "The last hour of the show. That's when we're going down, okay?"

"Great!"

"Good and now enjoy your drink and the show." Ralph says with a smile on his lips.

He knows I stopped drinking alcohol ever since I landed in Rio. I've stuck to water and diluted juices. I got drunk the last time I broke up with a man. It was so bad that I actually still have blackouts from that one week on French Cay. I will not repeat my mistakes.

It's a promise I made to myself when I landed here.

After more than six hours of the most amazing show, Ralph, Leo and I have moved down to the Frisa. The Frisa are some of the best seats in the house, as you are positioned right at the front, eye level with the passing parade and able to interact with the parade as it passes. Lots of samba dancers have stopped at Ralph, Leo and me. The women tried to get Ralph to dance, unsuccessfully so far, but Leo was always up for a dance - and so was I.

It's so much fun! I haven't had so much fun in forever!

It's the first time for a few hours that I completely forget my heartache and just am in the moment. It's almost six am and the sun has started to rise over Rio. The colour play is stunning, especially when they get reflected on the glittering costumes and wagons. This was one of the best nights I ever had!

Suddenly, I feel a pair of hands grabbing my ass. I wince and turn around the same time Leo and Ralph turn around. A man a little older than me is staring at me shamelessly.

Ralph and Leo move to remove him, but I hold up my hand to stop them.

No one fucking messes with my mood today!

"Chica, we should put out the fire between us in my bedroom." The dark haired man says in Portuguese to me. He sounds pretty drunk and he smells of vodka.

That's all he has? I put on my nicest smile and lean forward. "Go ahead, I'll follow you."

Ralph and Leo show me a confused look.

"Don't worry, I've got this handled." I tell them before I follow the drunk stranger away from the samba parade. The crowd is not as big anymore as most people went to bed a few hours ago. But I wanted to experience the whole parade. However, this fucking stranger is messing with my perfect night.

He stops in a dark alley, a few hundred metres away from the parade. The sound of the samba music is still pretty loud. Excellent. "Get over here, chica."

"I've got this." I tell Leo and Ralph before walking over to the drunken stranger. Without a warning I start hitting on him. First his crown jewels, then his nose, his chin, his chest... he starts hitting back but he's in no state of mind to be a real component. I break his left arm and his nose. Suddenly, there's no stopping me. I hit against his chest and see how the blood runs out of his nose and mouth as he crashes against the floor.

I want to hit on him further put suddenly a pair of arms grab me aggressively.

"Jo, stop!" Ralph's voice fills my ears.

I wiggle and try to break free but Ralph's grip on me is too strong. "Let go of me!"

"No!"

"Ralph!"

Leo walks over to the unconscious man and checks his pulse. His face is covered in blood. I beat him up really good. "Still alive. We should go!"

"God damn it, you're just like your bloody father! Every time you guys get provoked you snap and nearly kill someone!" Ralph hisses at me before letting go of me.

"I don't know what you mean. I am perfectly capable of controlling my emotions."

"Does he look like you have your emotions under control?!" Ralph asks me with a raised eyebrow.

"He's alive, so chill. There's no dead body you have to burry." I roll my eyes at him.

Ralph grabs my left arm and drags me out of the dark alley. "God damn it! I know you're frustrated because you haven't found the man you're looking for but that's not the way to let off steam!"

I gulp at Ralph's words. "Ralph,"

"We're going back to the hotel."

After a long shower and some sleep, I knock on Ralph's hotel room door. I have some serious apologising to do and I don't like that one bit. I hope he didn't report anything to Wlad or even Daddy. But I'm pretty sure he didn't since I haven't heard from neither of them.

The white door swings open and I face my bodyguard. "I'm sorry about what happened earlier."

"You lost control, Miss Bolton."

"I did."

"I suggest you do more yoga and that meditation your parents are such big fans of."

I can't help but grin, "Ralph, I'm really sorry."

He nods, "I know. But I was serious. You need to balance out those angry energies inside of you."

I shift my weight on my left leg. "I know."

"How about we go for a run at the beach?"

"It's too humid to run right now."

"Then tonight. We'll go running together. Every evening or morning, which ever you prefer. But you need to control your demons."

I sigh, "Okay. And I'll do more yoga and meditation." I promise Ralph.

"Good. Now, we have to start making an overview."

"About what?"

"Not what. Whom. You want to find that gentleman, don't you?"

"Ralph,"

"Don't you?" He pushes me.

"Yes."

"Good. Then we have to get to work. We have five more months here and honestly, I'm worried it's not going to be enough to find him."

"His name is Oliver."

"I know exactly who he is, Miss Bolton. From the very first moment you met him in that café in Battersea."

My jaw drops open, "You knew about us?"

"Of course. It's my job."

"Why didn't you ever say something to me? You could have told me that he's an illegal immigrant."

"It's not my place to interfere in your life if you're not in danger."

I don't know if I should be mad at Ralph or grateful for this offered help. I could really need a pair of helping hands. Extra eyes would be good as well. "Let's start making a plan."

Oliver

I sit on the edge of what should have been the infinity pool of this resort. I'm at one of my favourite spots. I've been hanging out at this abandoned hotel in the middle of the jungle surrounding Corcovado ever since I was little. It's just a three hour hike from my home.

It all began with an idea from Decio da Silva Pacheco who decided to create a luxury hotel in the middle of the forest between Gavea and Sao Conrado. The 30,000 metre-squared area would have a restaurant, 16 floors, hundreds of upscale rooms and even cable cars to get about. Construction began in 1953 yet progress was slow. That didn't stop Pacheco throwing a couple of outrageous parties there, like the one in 1965 which was a huge New Year's Eve party or the others at the Sky Terrace nightclub within the unfinished venue. Now, almost 100 years later, it simply looms through the surrounding trees and looks kind of eerie. It is known as the Esqueleto Hotel or, in other words, the Skeleton Hotel. There are no ghosts here although the tourists like to believe it. It's a selling factor and makes the hotel more interesting. There are even guided tours to this place once a week - that's when we all stay away, including the people who live here. In return, the people living here get a little bit of money. The name, however, probably comes from the fact that all that remains of the hotel is its skeleton shell, rather than actual real-life skeletons inside.

Lots of homeless people moved in here. There are even families living in the Gavea Tourist Hotel as there are over 500 empty rooms here. Criminals use the site as a meeting point for dodgy deals. It's nothing compared to the Ritz in London, but it has a very nice view over Rio. It's especially nice with the sunset and at night because that's when Rio starts glowing. I always enjoy the incredible, rarely seen views from the top. This hotel is just one example of the various types of Rio's unique architecture, showcasing just how seamlessly man and nature blend in this city.

I love my hometown but I love London even more. Because it has something Rio never will: Josephine.

I miss her just as much as on the day I walked out of her penthouse. My heartache hasn't decreased because I crave her. I'll always crave her.

She's my soulmate.

"Oliver,"

I turn around and watch how my friend, Pedro, sits down next to me. He lives here with his family. We work together at the banana plantage and sometimes I come here after work. Especially when I need a break from my worries and heartache. "Pedro, hi!"

He smiles at me before looking at the view ahead of us for a while. It's why I like Pedro so much. He's no talker. He will never eat your ear off.

I have stopped dreaming of her. For eight months, I dreamed of Josephine and me every night. We danced in her living room in her penthouse. I always looked forward to go to sleep because I knew I'd see her. It eased my heartache. But now, since a month, the dreams stopped. I don't know what that means.

"Fabienne wants to go out with you." Pedro says. "I think it's time you start going out again."

Fabienne is the sister of Pedro's wife. His wife has been desperately trying to hook us up ever since I came back and started working with Pedro. Fabienne is a pretty woman but she's no Josephine. There is no second Josephine.

"No, I'm good." I haven't touched a woman since Josephine. Frankly, no women appeals to me the way she did.

"You sure? That dick of yours could use a little action. Just to see if it's still working properly."

I chuckle, "Trust me, it's still working fine."

"Alright but Fabienne won't wait forever."

"I don't want her." I answer honestly.

"Your ex really broke you."

She ripped me apart but I love her even more.

"Oh, I forgot to tell you. Miguel got really beaten up by a woman at the Carnival yesterday."

I look at Pedro, "He got what he deserves. Miguel can't keep his hands to himself."

Pedro chuckles, "Apparently, this woman played along to drag him into a dark alley. She was there with two male friends but they didn't touch him. It was her who beat him up so badly that he should have gone to a hospital." It's something no one here can afford here.

"Really? That bad?"

"Broken nose, jaw, arms and legs. He was full of blood and seemed completely lifeless. Apparently, that woman completely lost it."

"And Miguel didn't fight back?"

"No, she moved too quickly. She was like superwoman or some spy or something."

"That's unusual but as I said, he got what he deserved. He charmed woman after woman over the years and robbed them, it was time one of them fought back."

Josephine

It's Easter Sunday today, my first holiday without my family. It's bittersweet for me. I know I'm safe here, but I miss my family. I haven't seen them in six weeks. If I were in London, I'd be having Easter dinner with my family in the backyard. My Mum would have baked a cake and we'd be heaving some kind of roast before Rory and George and Charlotte and Nate had to leave for the Easter church service at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle.

It would have been a perfect Sunday with my family.

I scan the latest plans for Oxford Royal. I'm still working for Rory and George's foundation while also doing the work for the Bolton Foundation here in Rio. I just can't say no to helping people, so I'm doing both for as long as I still can. When I've got time, I work at soup kitchens and homeless shelters in the less wealthy areas of Rio. I've been welcomed there but only because the people don't recognise me. Rio is a totally different world. Ralph and Leo seem to enjoy the work at the soup kitchen as well. Sometimes Leo switches his shift with the other four men that came with me here but Ralph never leaves my side.

He has promised to help me find him but so far it's been harder than finding the needle in a haystack. I'm not losing hope yet but my faith won't find him. There are millions of people living here and while most of them have cellphones and other electronic devices, I know Oliver doesn't. Which means I can't just track him. I have to find him the old fashioned way, with a photo on my cellphone and asking around. But when my six months are over there will not be a single stone left unturned. There's nothing I won't do to find him.

Easter is pretty important here in the catholic Rio. Most people are going to church this morning and I thought about going to one as well but then decided to work instead.

Suddenly, there's a knock on the door of my suite. I frown before rising from the couch in the living room. I gave Ralph and his team off today. It's a holiday after all, they deserve to call their family and let loose for a day.

I look through the bullet eye of the door and see no one. Maybe the person was at the wrong door. Just as I turn on my heel, another knock appears. This time I don't look, instead I yank the door open.

And stare at my parents, siblings and their spouses and their children. Only Rory and Nate are missing but they have an excuse. They're royalty.

Am I dreaming?!

"Surprise!" They all yell at once.

I can't believe they're all here! "What are you guys doing here?"

"I told you Valentin's first trip would be to Rio." Ana says with a smile on her lips.

"Yeah and Daddy promised us to visit the Jesus statue." Eli says and gets confirmation nods from our two twin brothers Cal and Gideon. "Cristo something."

I hold the door open and let them step inside. "I didn't expect you guys at all."

The brothers and sisters walk inside with their husbands and kids. Mummy embraces me tightly. "How are you?"

"Better now that you're here. I missed you guys. I missed you a lot." I admit before embracing my father.

"We missed you as well, Sweetie." My Daddy breathes into my ear before letting go of me again.

Mummy and Daddy walk inside my suite and I close the door. Now that nearly my whole family is here, the suits feels less cold and more homely. After all, home is where the heart is.

"Oh, you really were working." Della says as she looks at the content at my MacBook Pro. "You're still working for Rory and George?"

I shrug, "I just can't say no to helping people."

My Dad shows me a smirk I can't interpret.

"I didn't expect you guys so..."

"Oh, all you have to do is change into something less homely." My Mum says. "And then we're going up to the Cristo Redentor statue!" She says to her sons and granddaughters. They all cry out in excitement.

"But we might need some food for along the way." Dad explains before picking up my phone to call the kitchen.

"Oh, no I know some place we can go to. They do amazing food and we can watch some incredible samba while eating."

"Right, you're almost a local now." My Mum smirks at me.

I chuckle, "I'm going to get changed. I need five minutes."

The Cristo Redentor is crazy full with locals today but everyone loves it here. The railway which brought us up the hill reminded me of the railway lines in Switzerland - and therefore of snow... and snowball fights... and Finland with Oliver. As we drove through the most beautiful Brazilian Jungle my thoughts were stuck in snowy and cold Finland in winter. But then we got out of the crowded railway line and walked the final steps along with tourists and locals. People are taking photos of each other and the statue. We had the most famous dish in Brazil, feijoada as lunch. Feijoada is a slow-cooked bean and meat stew. While each state and city has its own unique dishes, feijoada is one of the few meals that is considered truly national. Restaurants throughout Brazil serve it, though there's no better place to try an authentic feijoada than at a samba school such as Mangueira. The feijoada is dished out from huge steaming pots onto simple plates and served with rice, fried kale and farofa. The atmosphere at the samba schools is animated and friendly, so grabbed our feijoadas and settled down for chit-chat among the locals while watching jaw-dropping samba dancing. It was a wonderful way to spend the lunch on Easter with my family.

Now, the locals seemed to have all come up to the Cristo Redentor. Everyone loves it here but the kids especially.

"It's so enormous!" Eli says while sitting on my shoulders. Gideon's sitting on Daddy's shoulders and Cal on Mummy's. Bella and Carol are sitting on Della and Wlad's shoulders. Sasha is carrying Valentin in a baby wrap. Ana's taking lots of photos with my camera. It's a clear sunny day. It's also quite warm. The rainy weeks are over. It's almost winter here in Rio, but that still means 25 degrees and merciless sunshine. As Oliver said to me once, it rarely snows in Rio. It doesn't even get cold enough to wear boots and duffle coats, let alone cashmere. I would donate the clothes to the people here but they wouldn't need it. They need money more than clothes.

I look at the Corcovado, one of the biggest mountains that surround Rio. It's a beautiful mountain.

My Mum lets down Cal and I let Eli down. They run over to Ana, who is still busy capturing the beauty of Rio. It's a miracle no one died when they built Cristo.

"Mum?"

"Yes?"

"Is it hard to be here after... you know, all these years?" I ask her as I still stare at the Corcovado. Rocinha starts at the bottom of the mountain. The closer to get to the town, the more civilised the favela gets. But it's still miles away from a European standard.

"You know, while the last time I was in this town was one of the lowest points of my life, this right here is definitely one of my best. I'm here with my family." She embraces me with one arm. "If you ask me that's worth any low point in my life. Because it led me to this. Everything happens for a reason, Jo. You can't outrun your fate. It will catch up with you anyway."

Yeah, I've come to realise that as well. "Have you given Edward the letter?"

"Not yet. It's too soon. His pain is still too fresh." My Mum explains. "Maybe in a few months. Has he tried to contact you?"

"No and I haven't contacted him. I haven't even googled myself. I stopped using any social media except the ones for Oxford Royal." And to my surprise I'm not even tempted to google myself.

"I think that's very smart of you. The press back home is still writing about you and Ed. They're wondering where you are and how you've been."

"Are they pressuring you guys?"

"Not more after Rory had the coffin scandal at the Queen's funeral. We'll get through this. In four months, when you come back, everything will have calmed down and you can go to work without being recognised." She promises me before kissing my left cheek. "I love you."

"I love you, too."

I look back at Cristo. The project manager started building this statue being Jewish but before he finished the statue he converted to Christianity. Senhor Levy Worte down all the names of his family members and put the piece of paper into the heart of Cristo before the statue was put into concrete. The whole outer shell of the statue is made of soapstone tiles. Women from the upper class worked for months, putting the tiles on big wire mesh tiling, which made the outer shell more flexible so cracks would not form as easily. On my first visit an old lady told me that the women wrote the names of lovers, loved ones, prayers or other messages on the back of the tiles. In this way they will be on the Cristo forever.

I hope the next time I'll be at the Cristo Redentor it will be with Oliver.

We're having our Easter dinner on rooftop of one of the highest buildings in Rio. The view over the mountains is behind us and the view over the beach is in front of us. It's a beautiful way to end this Easter Sunday. I'm here surrounded by my family in a city that's stunning. I shouldn't wish for more but I do.

I wish for Oliver. I crave Oliver. I need Oliver.

I can't return to London in four months without him by my side. I won't.

I look at my Dad who is staring at my Mum like she's the centre of his universe. He has been staring at her like this for as long as I can remember. I thought I could have that with Edward. I wanted to have this with Edward so badly that I bent until I nearly broke. I turned into Gatsby not for Edward but because I was afraid of my feelings for Oliver. I used Ed without realising it. I love Ed and he's wonderful but I'm not in love with him. "Dad,"

He tears his gaze off of his wife and looks at me. "Yes?"

"Could you sell my cars when you're back home?"

"All of them?" He asks me shocked.

"No. Don't sell the Aston Martin and the Tesla."

"What about the Pininfarina?"

My Dad and his endless love for fast and special cars - it's something he has passed on to Della and me. "You can have that. I don't need so many cars. I'm fine with two and if I need a bigger car I'll take one of your Range Rovers."

"Okay."

"The money from the sales... Could you donate it?"

He nods, "To where?"

I shrug, "Perhaps somewhere here. But I'm small amounts. A few hundreds not more. I don't want the mafia to find out about it."

My father grabs my left hand and squeezes it softly. "I'm so proud of you..."

"I'm just trying to help." I whisper back. "The construction work on the projects is doing fine. We're in schedule. Everything should be done two weeks before I fly home."

"That's not why I'm so proud of you."

"I know." I whisper. "Thank you for flying over to Rio. I really missed my family."

"Nothing and no one can keep me away from my daughter. We're a family. There's nothing that can keep us away from each other."

Saying goodbye to my family after the Easter holiday is the hardest. I kiss my little brothers, embrace my brother-in-laws and kiss my nieces and nephew. I hold tightly on Della and Ana but extra tightly on my parents.

"We'll be back on your birthday." My Mum promises me. "This time with the whole family."

"I think the King will have something against allowing Char and Nate to fly so far."

"He has calmed down a bit."

"Has he?" I ask her surprised.

"A bit. He's sending them away every other weekend instead of every. It's a small step but it is going into the right direction."

"I'm glad. Gosh, I miss Char and Nate..." I mumble.

"They miss you as well."

"Jo,"

I turn around at Ana's voice. "Yes?"

"Can I talk to you for a minute?"

"We'll wait for you downstairs." My Mum tells her before she follows my family out of the suit.

"What did you want to talk about?" I ask my older sister.

"Don't give up. You will find Oliver." She promises me.

"I don't know. It's harder than finding the needle in the haystack."

"Because you're looking with your head. Start looking with your heart."

It's halftime of my time in Rio. I can't believe I've already been here for three months. This town has become my second home by now. I love working on the projects even more than I expected. Doing good is feeding my soul's needs. Social work in any kind of way is what I was meant to do. I'm surer than ever. Liam's social project, the kindergarten, gave me my first high but this... realising these six projects is even better than the work I'm doing for Oxford Royal.

I'm still working for Rory and George, just from abroad. We're having lots of FaceTime calls and they're still happy with me being in their team. Oxford Royal is a family foundation, similar to the Bolton Foundation.

But I don't know if I can continue working for Oxford Royal when I come home. Because I think I'd rather do this.

I look around in the building that will be a kindergarten to the locals here. The foundation is done. Now, it's time for the interior team to put in the flooring, wallpapers and the sanitary installations. It's going to be the first project that will be finished.

Opening another kindergarten reminds me of the one I opened with Oliver's help. I still haven't found him. Ralph and I have worked out way through half Rio. There are a few favelas that he refuses to allow me take a step in, so that's when I wait for him in the hotel. But even the most dangerous parts can't get my any answers. I have no hot tips. I'm still as clueless as on day one.

"What do you think?" I ask Ralph.

"Doesn't look like a kindergarten to me." He mumbles as we walk through it.

"Yet. Give it a few weeks, a month maximum, and it will be transformed into a child's paradise." I explain as we make our way to the exit.

"I don't know..."

"Have a little faith." I smile at him before taking off my helmet and placing it into the box where I got it from. I've been doing regular site seeings on all projects. The women's shelter and the public swimming pool has caused a lot of troubled nights for me but with the kindergarten everything went smoothly. With the hospital most things are going fine as well. The public school will hopefully be done on time. There were a few broken pipes over the last weeks and getting new ones shipped to Brazil takes two weeks that we can't afford. But it's all going to be worth it once the buildings are done and getting used by those who need it.

I walk over to our white Toyota.

"No, we're walking halfway to the hotel today." Ralph says to me. Rocinha is one of the parts of Rio we didn't look as much in together. Instead, Ralph looked here on his own.

"Okay."

"Maybe you will remember something he said that could help us find him."

"Ralph, thank you for doing this." I tell him as we walk through the crazy favela that's Rocinha. The streets are crazy busy here and it's not the cleanest places but it's Oliver's home.

"We haven't found him yet and the odds are against us."

"But you're helping me although you know it's going to make your job harder."

"No, what would make my job harder is you doing this in secret and alone."

I grin, he knows me too well. "Well then thank for you eliminating the damage."

He shows me a small smile as we walk through the less known part of Rocinha. It's not pretty here but there are people living here who need help. They struggle to get from day to day. Most people don't have shoes here. But they seem to have motorcycles and cars. However that's possible. I don't think the people here have a drivers license but no one seems to really care. There's no asphalt on the streets. The people are being left alone here. There's no help from the authorities. It's a kind of life people shouldn't live.

"Ralph, we've got a little less than three months left. How shall we find him? We haven't found him or any trace of him so far."

"Did he tell you anything about his hometown? Maybe places he likes to visit?"

"No..." I mumble. Why didn't I ask him more questions about Rio?! Why was I always so focused on sex with him?! Why the hell didn't I get to know him better? "He mentioned a farmers market once." I say after some hard thinking.

"Did he tell you where it was?"

"No but assume somewhere close to Rocinha. He said that the farmers would give the locals the rest of their unsold produce in the evening. Sometimes that was the only meal of the day or week." I gulp as my throat tightens and tears start building in my eyes. Poor isn't even a proper word for the circumstances Oliver and his family have to live in.

Ralph nods, "Okay. That's a start. We can ask around and find that market."

"But I can't be there the whole day."

"And you won't. While you're going to work, I'm going to send Leo and the rest of the team to watch every corner of that market."

"I don't want them to get involved with it. You said it would be you and me only."

Ralph sighs, "Miss Bolton,"

"Cut that bullshit."

"Josephine, we have come to a point in our search where a little more hands and a few pairs of eyes more might get us to the turning point. I know you want to find him and you said you would do anything. And this is anything. I'll be discreet. I won't say too much."

"Okay, fine." I give in. I shouldn't leave a stone unturned. I should grab on every straw that I've been given.

I knew this would be hard, but it feels almost impossible.

Thank you for talking the time to read this chapter. I hope you enjoyed it.

Do you think Jo will find Oliver on time?

As always, please leave a review.

In gratitude,

Nicole