And for once in her life, the one time she truly needed it and in spite of everything, the seven months had treated Karina well - though most of that was because of Neville.
He had ensured she'd had an easy time of it, and he was the reason she had managed to hold herself together when times got a little tough, whether it be the physicality of pregnancy, or the mental heartache that Draco hadn't bothered with her (at work, he had proceeded to ignore her very existence, and refuse to acknowledge her when she had begun to show): in spite of all that, Neville had been a constant supportive boyfriend, and one she had easily begun to love more than anything.
Wearily trailing into the kitchen that morning, glad it was a weekend so Neville was around -it was boring being alone when he was at work- and fastened the silk robe around herself with a smile, affectionately pecking his cheek as she took a seat at the table, a hand rested automatically on her protruding stomach to calm what would be assumed to be kicks. "Why do you get up so early on weekends, Neville?" She yawned, leaning back with a sleepy look behind her eyes. For the last four months of those seven, she had often just slept in Neville's bed alongside him - that had seemed natural and at least proved how much she did dote on him in their relationship. "I like sleeping in beside you, silly."
---
Draco wasn't stupid.
No, he knew that the extra hours probably weren't all to just have some time to herself, but he did feel perhaps there was someone else. Even if he didn't think she was cheating physically yet, emotionally? He was certain she had thoughts of someone else.
If anyone knew, he would. He knew the tell-tale signs, after having cheated himself, and he realised that one argument between them could just send her into someone's arms - whom of which he assume correctly to be the Adrian guy she mentioned now and then. He now thought himself idiotic for thinking the man to be a platonic friend.
So, with that in mind, Draco was walking on eggshells around her, fearing that he'd just upset her whenever he said something and cause her to have an affair - though if she did, how could he really be mad? He had done the same, and it had resulted in a child being conceived-- that of which he had paid no notice to. The whole pregnancy, he had stayed away, thankful when Karina took maternity leave. It made work a hell of a lot easier not to see her happily chatting to the women of the office about the baby, and having a motherly glow to her. He just didn't need that, and didn't intend to grow any paternal feelings whatsoever.
He had chosen Atropa over the kid, and he was still determined to make his marriage work... even if it was hurtling down faster than he imagined it would. Hell, he often slept in the spare room in his fear of upsetting her.
"Is that me?" He asked, trailing into the kitchen in a baggy shirt and shorts, not bothering to look as pristine as he usually would, even for a weekend - he just didn't care that much anymore. A smile lit all the same at the sight, contrasting the sad expression of the portrait. "It's brilliant, love-- Hey, wanna go out tonight? For an Italian meal? A date, maybe?"