The heart of an ice prince

Chapter 19

**Chapter 19: The Breaking Point**

Felix felt a knot tightening in his stomach as he approached the entrance of his apartment building. It had been a long day at the bookstore, and all he wanted was to collapse into bed, away from the harsh realities of his life. But something felt off. The air was thick with tension, and an uneasy feeling settled over him like a storm cloud.

As he reached his apartment door, a chilling sight greeted him: the lock had been changed. Confusion and dread washed over him as he knocked, hoping to hear a familiar voice from within. No response. He fumbled for his phone and dialed your number, but as it rang, a sinking realization gripped him.

**You:** "Hey! Are you okay? You sound off."

**Felix:** "I... I think my parents did something. My apartment—something's wrong."

**You:** "What do you mean? What happened?"

**Felix:** "I can't get in. The lock's been changed."

You could hear the alarm in your voice.

**You:** "Stay put. I'll be there soon."

With a sigh, Felix sat on the steps outside, feeling utterly defeated. Memories of the past few weeks flooded his mind: every harsh word from his parents, every moment of shame they had inflicted upon him. He was trying so hard to break free from their control, but it felt like they were always one step ahead.

After what felt like an eternity, you arrived, breathless and worried.

**You:** "Felix! What's going on?"

He gestured helplessly to the door.

**Felix:** "The lock's been changed. I think they're trying to take my apartment away from me."

You looked around, anger building in your chest.

**You:** "They can't do this! You worked hard for this place. Let's go talk to the landlord."

As you moved to pull him up, Felix's phone buzzed in his pocket. He hesitated before checking it. His heart sank as he read the text from his father.

**Mr. Lee:** *We took care of your apartment. You're not living in that run-down place anymore. We expect you home.*

Felix's hand trembled, and he felt a rush of despair wash over him.

**Felix:** "They... they did it. They talked to my landlord. I can't live here anymore. They want me back home."

You squeezed his arm, frustration boiling over.

**You:** "This is ridiculous! They can't control you like this!"

Felix looked away, tears threatening to spill over.

**Felix:** "They can and they will. They've made it clear that my life is not mine. I thought I could be free, but I'm just their puppet."

---

The next day, as Felix trudged back to the family estate, a hollow feeling settled in his chest. His parents were waiting for him in the living room, their expressions unreadable.

**Mrs. Lee:** "Welcome back, Felix. We hope you understand that this is for your own good."

Felix swallowed hard, a mixture of anger and despair churning within him.

**Felix:** "This isn't good for me. You can't keep controlling my life like this."

His father rose from the couch, stepping closer, the tension palpable.

**Mr. Lee:** "You're confused, son. You don't know what's best for you. We're not letting you ruin your future. You will attend the university we choose, work in a field we deem acceptable, and marry someone of our choosing. This is the path to success."

**Felix:** "Success? You mean your version of success. I want to find my own way, and you're not letting me."

With a cold smile, his mother interrupted.

**Mrs. Lee:** "You want to find your own way? Look where that has gotten you. Living in a cheap apartment, working a job that won't lead anywhere. You're lucky we even care enough to bring you back."

Felix felt the walls closing in again, the weight of their expectations suffocating him.

**Felix:** "I was happy there. I was building a life for myself. But you made sure to destroy it."

His parents exchanged glances, and he saw a flicker of satisfaction in their eyes. They had done exactly what they intended.

**Mr. Lee:** "This is about discipline, Felix. You will learn to appreciate what we provide. The sooner you accept that, the better for everyone."

Felix felt his heart pounding, desperation clawing at him.

**Felix:** "And if I refuse? What will you do then?"

His father's expression darkened, the threat lingering unspoken in the air.

**Mrs. Lee:** "You have no choice. This is your life now. If you dare oppose us, you'll find yourself with nothing—no family, no support. Think carefully about your next steps."

---

Days turned into weeks, and Felix felt increasingly trapped in his parents' world. They made sure he was constantly under surveillance, whether it was enrolling him in classes he didn't want to take or demanding he attend social functions with people he barely knew. Every time he tried to assert himself, they quickly cut him down, reminding him of the consequences.

One evening, after a particularly grueling dinner filled with pointed comments about his failures, Felix found himself sitting alone in his room, the shadows closing in around him. The walls felt like they were closing in, echoing his parents' words, reminding him of all the ways he had disappointed them.

**Felix:** (to himself) "Maybe they're right. Maybe I'll never be enough."

He picked up his phone and scrolled through old pictures of happier times, moments when he felt loved and accepted for who he was, not what his parents wanted him to be. But those memories felt distant, almost like a cruel joke.

In that moment of despair, the overwhelming thoughts of hopelessness washed over him.

**Felix:** "I can't keep doing this..."

He felt a darkness creeping into his mind, whispering temptations of escape from this relentless pain. His heart raced as he battled with those thoughts, feeling utterly alone.

---

But then a text from you popped up on his screen.

**You:** *Hey, just wanted to check in. I'm here if you need to talk.*

It was a lifeline, a reminder that someone cared. It pulled him back from the edge, if only just for a moment.

He stared at the message, feeling the tears spill down his cheeks.

**Felix:** (whispering) "I don't want to be alone..."

---

Finally, he mustered the courage to reply.

**Felix:** *Can you come over? I really need to see you.*

---

When you arrived, Felix was a mess. The facade he had tried to maintain crumbled the moment you walked in, and he broke down, overwhelmed by the tidal wave of emotions that had been building for far too long.

You moved closer, wrapping your arms around him, holding him tightly as he wept.

**You:** "I'm here, Felix. You're not alone in this. We'll figure it out together."

In that moment, he realized he didn't have to face this darkness alone. With your support, he could start to fight back against the hopelessness that threatened to swallow him whole.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 **End of Chapter 19**