After learning of my father’s and fiancée’s horrific treachery, everyone was taken aback by what I did at the wedding. 
Jonathan stood alone at the altar in a well-tailored tuxedo, his face expressionless. To a bystander, he seemed like just another groom gathering his thoughts before the wedding.
As he slipped his hand into his pocket, his fingers brushed a neat stack of cards with a simple black-and-white pattern. His gaze wandered to the large doors, and he sighed deeply.
A quiet voice asked, “Are you sure you’re ready?” from behind a pillar.
Jonathan turned around. Mike, his best man, was tying his tie uncomfortably. You have been pacing back and forth for fifteen minutes. Are you not scared?
Jonathan’s lips formed a tiny smile, but his gaze remained cold.
“Not exactly,” he whispered.
Mike’s eyes narrowed. — I’m afraid of you. What’s going on?
Jonathan said nothing. He looked carefully into the church.
Suddenly there was music outside—new guests had arrived. In the distance, their joyful voices seemed like a murmur. Only Jonathan, though, felt an odd force that ruled within. Recollections of what he had seen and now knew flashed before his eyes, and he gripped the cards tighter.
Mike took a step closer.
Jon, let me know if something is wrong. We will handle it. There is yet time.
Jonathan gazed into his friend’s eyes for a moment. He desired to show him the image, the message, and the unimaginable treachery. But no. Not quite yet. The truth could wait.
“Trust me,” he said in a low voice. It will arrive soon.
Mike hesitated a moment before nodding, realizing that there was nothing he could do. The moment hesitated, caught between joy and something far more dangerous.
Jonathan straightened and put the cards in his pocket. The bride appeared to him.
A few minutes later, there was a halt in the church, and the bride and groom caught everyone’s startled attention. Everyone was appalled by the subsequent events 
Jonathan felt a cold that went down to the center of his being, a mixture of pain and resolve that made him brave. He realized that the truth was a two-edged sword that could be used to destroy illusions and free people from deception. His heart pounded steadily while his mind icily planned the near future.
Silence fell in the church. The priest and his colleagues were still waiting for Jonathan to say anything. He approached the microphone, turned to face the bride, and began speaking softly while wearing a small smile:
— When I first saw her, everything in my world changed. I told myself, “She is my love, my home, and my peaceful harbor.” Every day I discovered her again. I loved the way she laughed, the way she straightened her hair, and the way she stared without moving. I was happy. Very happy.
He paused. The room held its breath.
Right now, I’m finding her again. but from an alternative perspective. I found that the ability to look me in the eyes was something I had always cherished. and look at my dad rather than me. Someone who is able to deceive without feeling guilty.
A few guests exchanged glances. Someone covered their lips with their hand.
Today, I was supposed to say “yes.” Now, though, I only have one thing to say: I value the lesson.
He walked passed his frozen bride, startled his father, and left the chapel without turning around.
