All Chapters of The Test That Shook Two Mothers: Chapter 1 - Chapter 8

"Cursida Claire! Where have you been? Didn't I tell you Annie's birthday party is today?"I jumped, snapping my book shut and shoving it into the cabinet. Annie was my cousin.Mom stormed in, sliding the door open. Her eyes landed on me while I stood timid and frozen in place, her face twisting with that familiar mix of disgust and impatience."Look at you, all pathetic and useless. How could you ever compare to Annie? Hurry up and let's go."I hurried to follow her, but I was not fast enough. She yanked my arm so hard I nearly stumbled.Mom did not love me.I had known that for as long as I could remember. Even my name felt like a constant reminder of her resentment.Aunt Monica once told me it was because my real dad was a jerk who ditched us. Mom could not forgive him, so she could not love me either.So, I tried to win her over. I studied harder than anyone, proudly handing her my perfect test scores. But she just ripped the papers to shreds and tossed them at me."You cou

Mom staggered into the kitchen, completely drunk. I quickly shoved my books under the blanket, startled.She walked over to my bed and stood in front of me. I froze, watching her as she smiled at me gently. It was the same smile she only ever gave to Annie.She sat down next to me and suddenly said, "I love you so much. Do you hate me?"I was caught off guard for a moment, and then, a strange feeling of joy rushed through me. Mom had actually said she loved me.But in the next moment, she leaned her head on my shoulder while her body swayed a little. She slurred out the words, "Annie, when you get into college, come find me. Those worthless people don't deserve to raise you."If I hadn't been broke and jobless back then, I never would've let them switch you with that trash. I really love you…"In that instant, it felt like my head had been hit with a hammer.Was she telling the truth?I could not believe it. Was I not her real child? Could I really be Aunt Monica's daughter?I

The exam lasted three days, and for the last two days, I stayed at my homeroom teacher's house to avoid Mom.I did not go home even when the high school entrance exam was over. Instead, I found a job at a nearby factory. They provided food and accommodation in addition to paying me a salary, so even though it was hard work, it was a huge step up from being at home.One day, I was working in the factory twisting screws and drenched in sweat when my phone rang.It was my teacher.She was overjoyed as she told me, "Stella, the results are out! You're number one in the whole county! The city's education offices have already called me—you've made it!"I could not hold back the flood of emotions. All the hard work, the sacrifices, and the anger felt like they finally had an outlet. I wiped my sweat away, my tears following as I bent over the table, crying my heart out.The workers around me cheered for me. The factory manager even gave me half a day off to go back to school for the awa

On the day I got back the DNA test results, Annie invited me to her graduation party.She barely made it into a vocational college, but Aunt Monica and Uncle Zach did not mind at all and even threw a big celebration.Annie proudly showed off in front of me. "So what if you got into Mayward? Your mom still doesn't love you. My parents will always spoil me no matter what."I smiled and said, "Well, congratulations on getting into college. I hope you'll always be treated like a princess."Her expression soured slightly, and she snorted before walking off.Mom arrived late, holding the car keys to a brand-new car. With a happy smile, she handed them to Annie. "Here's a graduation gift from me. Don't forget about me in the future!"Annie's pride grew, and she glanced at me with her chest all puffed up.Mom followed her gaze and saw me. She loved making me feel small in front of everyone."What are you doing here? Don't think that getting into a university will make a difference. You