"I need to use the restroom," Serena whispered to Lucian, her voice barely audible over the hum of the event. She signaled for an usher to approach her, a young woman in a crisp uniform who moved swiftly to her side. Serena leaned in and whispered a question to the usher's ear, and the woman nodded, pointing her in a specific direction with a polite smile.
Serena stood up from her seat, smoothing the satin fabric of her dress as she made her way toward the restroom. It wasn't that she was really pressed, but the hall had become quite stuffy, even with the air conditioning on. The combination of the crowd, the heat from the lights, and the tension of the evening had left her feeling suffocated. She needed some fresh air and a moment to herself.
