misunderstood
Over time, I developed a friendship with a colleague from another department, and our conversations extended beyond work. While we were both married, I mistakenly misread the nature of our interactions and assumed she might have felt something more than just friendship.
At one point, I expressed that I found her attractive, which was a mistake on my part. She reacted strongly and reported the situation to HR. After that, all communication between us ceased, and the workplace environment became tense and uncomfortable for the remainder of my time there.
Things escalated further when a book I had written—where she unintentionally served as inspiration for a main character—became widely known. This led to misunderstandings and ultimately resulted in me being labeled in a way that was never my intention.
I deeply regret any discomfort or distress my actions may have caused. I never intended to make anyone feel uneasy, and I sincerely apologize to those affected by this situation. Moving forward, I am committed to learning from this experience and ensuring that I approach all relationships—personal and professional—with greater clarity, awareness, and respect.