Hiding at Work to Escape My Husband’s Annoyance

Three years ago, if someone had told me that I would find solace in the extra hours at my office, away from my husband, Justin, I would have laughed it off. Back then, Justin was the epitome of everything I wanted in a partner. Charming, attentive, and always making me laugh. But as the years passed, the charm faded, leaving behind a reality I hadn’t anticipated.

It started with small things. Justin’s once endearing forgetfulness turned into negligence. His jokes, which I used to find hilarious, now seemed juvenile and often disrespectful. The man I married seemed to have morphed into someone I could barely recognize, let alone appreciate.

My name is Sophia, and this is the story of how my workplace became my refuge from my own husband.

At first, the irritation was manageable. I tried to communicate my feelings, hoping we could find our way back to each other. But every attempt was met with defensiveness or dismissal. Justin couldn’t see the issue, or perhaps, he didn’t want to. Our home, once a haven, began to feel like a battleground, with every conversation turning into a potential argument.

I found myself staying later at work, using the guise of unfinished projects to avoid going home. My colleagues, including Hannah and Alexis, noticed the change in my routine but never pried. Perhaps they sensed the turmoil I was going through or maybe they had their own issues to deal with.

Ian, my boss, started to rely on me more, appreciating the extra hours I put in. He never asked why I was the last to leave, but the unspoken understanding in his nods told me he knew I was running from something.

The office became my sanctuary. The quiet after hours, the soft hum of the air conditioning, and the solitude offered me the peace I couldn’t find at home. It was during these moments of isolation that I realized how far apart Justin and I had grown. The love that once bound us together had been replaced by a deep-seated irritation that I couldn’t shake off.

I thought about leaving, about starting over. But fear of the unknown held me back. So, I continued to hide at work, in the company of my silent companions – my computer, the ticking clock, and the occasional night janitor, Tristan, who would sometimes offer a sympathetic smile.

Months turned into a year, and the situation at home didn’t improve. Justin seemed oblivious to my unhappiness, or maybe he was just indifferent. Our conversations had dwindled to nothing more than necessary exchanges about bills and groceries.

The irony wasn’t lost on me. I had become a stranger in my own home, finding solace in the one place I used to rush to leave. My marriage, once the source of my happiness, had become the reason for my escape.

And so, I continue to hide at work, clinging to the peace it offers, while the resentment towards Justin festers. I know this isn’t a solution, but for now, it’s all I have.