I heard the bride whisper to her friends that she had deceived the groom and that the child was not his. In that moment, I did something, and now I don’t know whether I should regret it or feel proud.

There were only a few hours left until the wedding. The house was filled with the usual bustle: laughter, clinking glasses, quick footsteps in the hallways. I had known the groom for many years and worked in their family, so the joy of this day felt almost personal. He was an honest, sincere, kind person — he deserved nothing but happiness.

Suddenly, I overheard a conversation by chance that chilled my heart. The bride’s friends asked her when she would tell the groom about the pregnancy. The bride smiled and replied:

— Not now. Let him enjoy it for a while. The child isn’t his anyway. I’ll tell him in a couple of months — by then he won’t suspect anything. He’s so naive, he believes in me and loves me blindly.

A mocking laugh rang out. Those words pierced my heart, and I froze, not knowing what to do. Stay silent? Or shatter his dream, reveal the truth?

I walked down the hallway in complete confusion, and suddenly he appeared before me. His eyes shone with trust, his smile was sincere. And then, without planning it, I congratulated him not only on the wedding but also on becoming a father.

He stared at me silently, as if trying to grasp the meaning of my words. A shadow of doubt flickered in his eyes, then a terrible realization.

I saw him clench his fists but say nothing. He only nodded and turned away, walking quickly.

A few minutes later, a strange silence settled over the house, broken only by muffled voices.

It turned out he had stormed into the bride’s room. No one heard their conversation, but a moment later she ran out in tears, and he followed — pale but determined.

The wedding did not take place. Guests left confused, whispering and speculating about what had happened.

He went out into the yard and stood for a long time, staring at the ground as if seeking answers there. Then he looked at me. His gaze was both grateful and heavy.

I didn’t know if I had done the right thing. But one thing was clear: he learned the truth before his life became an even greater lie.

Maybe I stole his celebration, but I saved him years of deception. Most likely, in that moment, I did the only possible thing. But even knowing that, doubts sometimes torment me: did I have the right to act this way?