Hodio: Tales Of An American P.O.W.

Matthew O'Donnell is a respected soldier that loves his family as well as his work. The things of his past haunt him down that made him dig himself in work. But an accident that happened will force him to go back home.Will it force him to face the haunted past?Will Matthew give in and listen to his mother’s wishes and live on a safe and happy life?Find out as the story progresses

In an ancient part of the world, there is a prison. Oliver has lived in prison for sixteen years, his entire life. It is complicated and terrible how someone whose only crime was to exist has been treated worse than a criminal. Knowing the world, seeing that it was not bad as he told him, but the truth is that he wanted him, he taught it to me.

In my third year working overseas as a war correspondent, a grenade blast left me wounded and stripped me of my memories. The PTSD that followed was severe enough to keep me in a psychiatric hospital for two years. It wasn't until two months ago that I finally remembered who I was. The day I came home, my best friend and my husband met me at the airport, both of them crying harder than I was. Russell Ellison's eyes were red-rimmed, but his voice was as gentle as ever. "The new place is all set up. Move in for now. I'll come keep you company after work." I went back to our old house instead. The moment I pushed the door open, I saw a wedding photo hanging on the wall. The bride in it wasn't me. It was my best friend. A key turned in the lock outside. The man who was supposed to be buried in work at the office walked in, fingers laced with hers. A child was tucked against his chest, calling him "Daddy" in a small, unsteady voice. I stood frozen, too stunned to breathe. We'd only been apart for two years. So how was their child already three?

I ranked 32nd in the entire state on the SATs, but I failed the security clearance. The reason? Someone reported that an immediate family member of mine had a serious criminal record. My dad rushed to check the files that night, only to be told, "The information has been verified and cannot be changed." My mom took my application file to appeal, but was turned away at the door. Then one phone call from the admissions office, and my early admission application was voided—just like that. In the end, I stayed in front of the school gate for three days and three nights, until it finally caught national attention. A school administrator walked over with a report and told me that even if it was a close relative with a criminal record, there was nothing they could do. I stood up shakily and pulled out a certificate of military honors and an orphan adoption certificate. "But I'm the orphan of a fallen hero!"

What makes a hero? They say a hero is someone that has given his life to something bigger than himself. I say a hero is no braver than an ordinary man, he is just braver for five minutes longer. All soldiers are brave, it's what they do with their bravery that makes them heroes. Am I a hero? Clayton Jackson dedicated his life to serving his country. Enlisting in the Marine Corps at the young age of eighteen, he never imagined following any other path. However, fate had other plans for him as a life-altering accident during his last deployment left him disabled and forces him to return home. Hiding in the small town he grew up in, Clayton tries to keep his secret from his loved ones at all costs. One day while seeking refuge from his troubled mind, his path crosses with Isabella Jones. Their connection is instantaneous as if the universe conspired to bring them together. Isabella, a mysterious and enigmatic woman, is haunted by the demons from her own past. As their relationship quickly blossoms, the unspoken truths between them threaten to tear them apart. When Clayton is presented with the opportunity to rejoin the Marine Corps, Isabella is faced with a decision: whether to accompany him or remain behind. Caught in this web of secrets and lies, they try to navigate their love through the murky waters, desperately hoping to find solace in each other's arms. But will love be enough to conquer the shadows that lingered in their hearts? Or would the truth ultimately be their undoing?

“What could I possibly use you for?” Don Antonio asked as he walked towards her. He lifted her chin, his gray eyes staring deep staring into hers burning with a mixture of curiosity and desire. He immediately left her chin and snapped his fingers. He had an idea. “If you are willing to be my companion for three years, I'll let your father go.” Her eyes widened at the sound of the word “companion”. The word tasted like hell. “I’m willing.” Giulia knew fully well that she was walking into hell, but did she really have a choice? Her father, Ricardo Moreau, a compulsive gambler, accumulated debt after losing big in one of Antonio's underground casinos and was locked up. She couldn't bear to see her father locked up and offered herself in exchange for him. Antonio made life unbearable for her, and at some point, she felt the urge to run away, but how possible was that? Giulia decided to stay calm and constantly reminded herself that it was only for three years. She was both physically and mentally abused. At some point, Antonio begins to look at Giulia in another way; he begins to see a side of her that he had never seen before, and Giulia, on the other hand, begins to fall for a man whom she had considered her enemy. Things then begin to get complicated when the boss of a rival Mafia family asks for Giulia in exchange for a deal. Will Antonio hand Giulia over to his rival, or will he do everything within his power to keep her safe? Will they put away the hate from the past and let their love blossom? Or will they break up when the contract expires, leaving their passion behind?