Fashion shows would usually be a short event lasting only thirty-forty minutes or an hour. But it takes a lot of time to equip and recreate the pre-existing styles with expertise. Most of these events would be centred on a single theme. Sometimes fashion shows were also organized as a source of charity or popularity. I wasn't sure on which demand did this show get staged today. Considering the sparkling diamonds and perfect tuxedos and flooding media it could be planned for some funds.

Zari, better think about how to be productive than flipping your guessings, my mind knocked me.

With an alright sigh, I walked to the green room. When I reached there, everything was set rightly perfect. Makeup was done, models were ready and Alessia was wishing them good luck. Her gleaming eyes shone brighter than the puzzling art of chandeliers and glittery lamps. Seeing her pleased had always delighted me.

I reached to her and said, "You really worked hard for this evening, Aly. I'm sure we're definitely going to bag that contract this time."

"Thank you, dear. Our firm is in dire need of this contract. I have also heard that some popular movie directors are also here to look for dress designers for their upcoming projects. I'm certain that Silvia's outfit can do wonders. That outfit is not only a mere fabric or a dress, it's one of my finest creations which reflects my hard work and passion." Alessia expressed her expectations jovially while gleaming at Silvia's outfit as if she was gazing at her baby.

Silvia's dress was indeed a masterpiece. The dress perfectly embraced her curves. The hues of peach and pink were admirably going with her skin tone. The dress was a wonderful composition with a single pattern and texture all over it. The fabric used was chiffon. Ruffled part of the dress at the bottom succeeded in bestowing it with a distinctive charm. A beautiful stone studded necklace dangling between her visible collarbone and hair being clutched up to make a messy bun with some curled locks at front teasing her cheeks. Makeup was kept minimal with a slight tint of a smokey look. With all these superpowers, this shrewd lady was looking like a freshly bloomed flower and was ready to set the ramp on fire.

In the blink of an eye, I heard the buzzing beats stuffed in the air. Then I realised that the event started. It was the turn of our competitors. Everyone got frozen in their respective places and were ready to witness beauties display their exclusive couture.

In the show, the VIP seats were usually occupied by two sets of people. The first set of people were those who have a direct rapport with the fashion and retail industry. These were renowned fashion bloggers, magazine editors, buyers, fashion stylists, etc. The second set consists of people who were indirectly associated with it, but whose clout could bless the event to gain popularity and media coverage. These people would be celebrities, social figures, political figures or anyone from families of famous politicians, etc.

Music was an essential and defining element for the theme of the collection and to uplift the mood of the audience. Nowadays, many fashion shows invite popular music artists which would add extra essence to make the event the talk of the town for a week.

Today's event commenced with good music. Models started arriving one by one on the ramp swaying their hips back and forth with expressionless faces. I must say the designs were good, the competition was going to be tough.

The theme of the event was 'women empowerment, so a huge amount will be donated to those women who have faced any kind of violence, harassment as well as other problems. This is really a great initiative. To my surprise, my boss was among those people who contributed a huge amount to this fundraiser. I never knew he was so kind and considerate towards women's safety. That's something great or was it a facade too? Probably, I'm not good at reading him.

Ah! I give up.

Soon, the most awaited moment commenced. It was the time for the show stopper to show up and flaunt the epochal piece of her squad. All the eyes were set on the middle of the ramp where the light was focused. The first glimpse was of a seven-inch high heel. Yes... seven inches! That's quite a painful thing in a model's life. Once they get on their heels they ought to tip-tap them in the right way so that they don't look like they are in pain. Instead, they need to show it like they are wearing sneakers.

The model strutted out, showing off her long slender legs and stood there for a while, waiting for all the light to focus on her. As soon as the light fell on it, the hair on the back of my neck stood out. I felt like I was paralyzed for a second. My eyes almost popped out of their sockets. It was such a terrifying and devastating ordeal to witness.

The outfit worn by the model was an exact copy of what Alyssia made for our show stopper. My mind stopped working as it was completely numb. A lot of questions clogged my mind the other moment.

Meanwhile, I could hear the faint mumbling of the crowd about the beauty of the dress. The fabric, the colours and what not did they ogle at. I felt like shouting at their false praises. But would that gain us anything better?

Drops of moisture started appearing on my forehead in this dicey situation. I started looking here and there when I met a pair of blue eyes, glaring at me with hatred, it was of my boss. Through his dagger slashing stares I could read his primitive mind.

No! No! Don't you ever doubt me for doing such a heinous crime. Gosh!

I took a deep sigh and calmed myself. Now I must help Alyssia rather than worry about anything.

With many thoughts running in my mind, my foremost concern was Alyssia. I quickly ran backstage to look for her. The air was thick due to tension, everyone was looking tense. All the models were looking puzzled like what is going to happen now. After struggling through the crowd I finally reached Alyssia.

As expected, she was in pain. Her vulnerability was pouring from her eyes. I really felt helpless seeing that chirpy lady on that stage. I slowly moved towards her and gently patted her shoulder. She averted her eyes and hugged me while crying.

"It's okay, Aly. It's not your fault. Please, control your emotions." I blabbered whatever words came out of my mouth at that time.

"How can I be alright, Zariyah? I worked my fingers to the bone for this event only to see my design get stolen now. We all know how important this event is to our company. But we failed. Terribly!" Alyssia shrieked while crying bitterly. She could barely talk, her voice became ambiguous. Eyes filled with deep agony narrating the state of the pain she was going through.

"No, I can't see you like this. Listen, we still have some time. Luckily, a lighting issue happened out of the blue. Do you know what it means? Luck is also on our side. It's just that we need to act quickly and smartly. We must take advantage of this opportunity. I have an idea but I need your help. The choice is yours if you want to dwell on loss or want to make use of this last chance." I said to Aly while holding her tightly.

After contemplating for a few seconds, she wiped her tears and said, "I'm ready. I won't give up easily and let Stronzo win easily. Figlio di puttana!" Alyssia stood up while cursing her culprits.

I told her my plan. For that, we need to go back to the office. I could sense the state of quandary that was clearly visible on her face. But, we were only left with that option. I couldn't think of anything else for the time being. It was like a do or die situation for us. And this time before the time could die we must do it. Right?