As soon as those words rang in Nicolai's ears, he swore something exploded inside of him. His very existence seemed to be against that very idea.
"Nico," Inez turned him around so that he was looking her in the eye. "You need to promise me that you will get rid of this woman. I am not against you dating anyone but if she is provoking you in ways you shouldn't be provoked then she needs to go."
"I cannot let anyone provoke you."
"I—I got it."
"You do? Does that mean that you will send her away?"
"Yeah."
"Promise me, Nico," said Inez as she held Nicolai by his arms. "I have lost everyone dear to me. I cannot lose you too."
"Yeah, mom. I promise."
"Good," his mother released a sigh of relief. "I love you, Nico. You are my light and life. Don't lose yourself regardless of what."