Chosen By The Cursed Alpha King (Emilia) novel Chapter 262

117 1 Was Made For This

117. I Was Made For This

ROSE’S POV

My stomach was doing flips so hard I thought I might actually throw up right there on the red

carpet leading into the grand ballroom. The Valkar Group annual dinner was always a big deal-

black ties, sparkling gowns, crystal chandeliers that probably cost more than most people’s

houses-but tonight felt different. Tonight I wasn’t just Damien’s date. Tonight I was giving the

opening speech.

I’d known about it for two weeks. Damien had told me over breakfast one morning, casual as

anything, like he was asking me to pass the salt. “You’re doing the welcome speech this year, baby.

“I’d stared at him like he’d grown a second head. Me? Speak in front of so many powerful people?

The same Rose who used to mob floors.

But he’d kissed my forehead and said, “You’ve got this. I believe in you.”

Now here we were, standing just outside the double doors, the low hum of conversation and

clinking glasses drifting out. My hands were clammy. My heart was trying to punch its way out of

my chest. The emerald green gown I’d chosen felt too tight, too fancy, too… exposed.

Damien’s hand found mine and squeezed. His thumb rubbed slow, soothing circles over my

knuckles.

“Hey,” he said softly, turning me to face him. “Breathe.”

I tried. The air felt thin.

“I’m going to throw up,” I whispered.

He smiled-that small, crooked smile that always made my knees weak. “You won’t. And if you do,

I’ll catch it. I’m good at that.”

I let out a shaky laugh despite myself. “Gross.”

“Calm down,” he murmured, stepping closer so his body blocked out the rest of the hallway. “Just imagine them all in their boxers.”

I stared at him. Then snorted. “Didn’t know you wanted me imagining other men in their boxers.”

His eyes darkened playfully. “Never. But don’t be scared, baby. You’ve faced worse than a room full

of suits. You’ve faced me when I’m hangry. That’s scarier than this.”

Another laugh bubbled out of me-smaller, but real I took a deep breath, letting it out slowly.

“You’ll be called any second now,” he said, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. “Just speak from here.” He tapped lightly over my heart. “They’ love you. They already do.”

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117 I Was Made For This

Before I could answer, the doors opened wider. The presenter’s voice rang out, smooth and

professional.

“Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Miss Rose Valkar.”

Damien gave my hand one last squeeze, then let go, “Go.”

I walked out onto the stage on legs that felt like they belonged to someone else. The spotlight hit

me-warm, blinding. Hundreds of faces turned my way. Smiles. Curiosity. A few raised brows. My throat closed up.

Then I saw Damien again. He’d moved to the side of the stage, arms crossed, eyes locked on me. Proud. Steady. Unwavering.

I swallowed hard, gripped the podium, and forced a smile.

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.”

My voice came out stronger than I expected. I took another breath.

“Thank you so much for being here tonight.”

The words felt rehearsed at first, but then something shifted. I looked out at them-really looked- and remembered what Damien had told me weeks ago: These people aren’t here to judge you. They’re here because they believe in what we’re building.

“Over the years, Valkar Group has worked hard to build something special,” I continued, my voice

growing steadier. “Something that feels like comfort. Like home. Something beautiful that stays

with you long after you leave. We’ve designed spaces that welcome people, that make them feel

seen, safe, and inspired. And we couldn’t have come this far without every single one of you.”

I paused, letting the words settle.

“Your trust, your partnership, your belief in us-that’s what carried us here. That’s what made every

late night, every challenge, every risk worth it. And I stand here tonight, not just as the woman

lucky enough to love the man who leads this company, but as someone who believes-deeply-in what we’re doing together.”

I lifted my glass, the champagne catching the light

“To continued success. To new beginnings. To all of us-building something extraordinary, side by

side.”

A beat of silence.

Then applause-warm, genuine, rolling through the room like a wave.

I raised my glass higher. “To success.”

“To success!” the room echoed back.

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117 I Was Made For This

Clam

My legs were shaking so badly I thought they might give out as I stepped down from the stage.

Damien was there instantly, hand outstretched. I took it like a lifeline, letting him guide me back to

our table. The second we sat, I collapsed into the chair, heart still racing.

He leaned in close, voice low and warm against my ear. “You did wonderful.”

I turned to him, eyes wide. “Are you sure? I didn’t… I mean, I didn’t stutter or-”

“Rose.” He cupped my cheek, thumb brushing my skin. “You were perfect. Look around. They’re still clapping.”

I glanced back. A few people were still on their feet smiling. My chest swelled with something soft

and bright-pride, maybe. Relief. Love.

“Thank you,” I whispered.

He kissed my temple. “No. Thank you.”

My phone buzzed on the table. I glanced down.

Leon.

‘Dude I have gossip for you. You won’t believe it.’

Damien saw the name on the screen and frowned immediately.

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