Mimi Lola Lane stood backstage at Knotty Couture, the fashion industry’s cutting-edge crochet fashion show, the lights from the stage casting a faint glow over her as she surveyed the scene. Designers and models were running in all directions, preparing for what was about to be the most important night of her career. The energy was electric, but there was a palpable tension in the air.

Tonight was the night – her dream realized: crochet on the runway, showcased in all its intricate beauty. For months, she had worked tirelessly to curate the perfect show, blending high fashion with the art of crochet. It was time for Knotty Couture wearable art to take center stage.

She adjusted the collar of her crocheted jacket, one of her own creations, feeling the soft fabric against her skin. The jacket had been her signature piece for the show, and she hoped it would steal the spotlight. Mimi had always prided herself on her sense of style, and tonight, every detail mattered.

“Almost time,” she muttered to herself, glancing at the clock. 7:45 PM. The show was due to start in just 15 minutes.

Her stomach twisted in nerves, but there was something more—something that gnawed at her. Makeda, one of the show’s headlining designers, had arrived in a frenzy earlier that afternoon, her assistant Nyah following behind her like a shadow.

Makeda had been upset—furious, even—after discovering that one of her most intricate pieces, a signature gown, had gone missing. Mimi had tried to remain calm, telling herself it was just a mix-up. But as the hours ticked by, and the gown still hadn’t turned up, Mimi couldn’t shake the feeling that something wasn’t right.

“Mimi!” Nyah’s voice broke through her thoughts as the teenager rushed up to her, her eyes wide with concern.

Mimi turned to face her. The 17-year-old designer was still in her assistant role tonight, but Mimi knew she was one of the brightest young talents in the crochet scene. Nyah’s designs had been nothing short of impressive, and she had a sharp eye for detail that Mimi valued.

“What’s going on? Is Makeda okay?” Mimi asked, sensing the tension in the air.

Nyah hesitated, her gaze flickering nervously behind her. “Makeda’s… not okay. She’s about to lose it. She’s saying someone took the gown on purpose.”

Mimi frowned. That wasn’t like Makeda. Yes, Makeda had a fiery temper, but she had always been a professional. The idea of sabotage felt extreme. Still, Mimi couldn’t ignore the growing unease in her stomach.

“I’ll talk to her in a minute,” Mimi said, her voice steady but her mind racing. “Just stay with her and keep her calm. We need to focus.”

Nyah nodded and ran off, leaving Mimi alone in the backstage chaos. She looked out over the runway area, where the models were lining up, adjusting their outfits and making final preparations. The audience outside was already filing in, the chatter of anticipation rising in volume.

Mimi took a deep breath. She couldn’t let anything ruin this night.

But as she turned back to check on the backstage activity, something caught her eye—a subtle movement in the corner. It was Makeda, storming past Mimi with a scowl etched on her face. Her long coat swished behind her like a storm cloud, and Mimi could feel the heat of her fury even from across the room.

“Makeda!” Mimi called after her, her voice cutting through the noise.

Makeda stopped, her eyes blazing with frustration. “Where is it, Mimi? Where’s my gown?!” she demanded, voice rising in pitch. “You’re supposed to be in charge of everything! How could this happen?”

Mimi kept her composure, but she could feel the weight of Makeda’s accusation bearing down on her. “Makeda, calm down. We’ll find it. No one’s trying to sabotage you.”

Makeda shook her head in disbelief. “Someone took it, Mimi. I know it. And I won’t go on without it.”

Mimi’s heart pounded. She couldn’t afford a meltdown now. “We’re going to figure this out, okay? You have to trust me.”

Makeda glared at her, but after a long moment, she finally nodded. “Fine. But if it’s not found by showtime, I’m pulling my collection.”

Mimi watched her walk away, and she felt a shiver of dread. She had worked too hard to let this unravel now.

With the show starting in less than 15 minutes, Mimi’s mind raced. Who could have taken it? And why?

“Mimi, everything’s ready.” It was Nyah again, her face pale with worry.

Mimi nodded, trying to focus. “Thanks, Nyah. Just keep an eye on things. Make sure everything runs smoothly.”

As the clock ticked closer to showtime, Mimi had a sinking feeling that something far worse was brewing behind the scenes. She had to keep the show on track, but deep down, she knew there was more to the missing gown than just an unfortunate mix-up.

The lights dimmed, and the music began to play, signaling the start of Knotty Couture. Mimi stood backstage, her heart in her throat, knowing that the show would go on—but the real drama was only just beginning.