Before the rails bound a nation, before love defied all barriers, there was a foundation laid in quiet longing and impossible dreams.

Xiulan, the daughter of Chinese immigrants serving the Hastings family, has grown up in the shadow of wealth and privilege, her every day intertwined with the grandeur of the estate. But within her heart lies a secret: an unspoken affection for Robert Hastings, the heir who left for the Civil War when she was just a girl. Now, as the household eagerly anticipates his return, Xiulan’s quiet admiration blossoms into something deeper—something dangerous.

Through five poignant chapters, Foundations of the Heart unveils the world of the Hastings family and the railroad empire they are building, set against the backdrop of 1860s California. As the Central Pacific Railroad expands westward, tensions simmer between the privileged Hastings family and the laborers who build their future. Xiulan navigates a life of service, caught between her loyalty to the Hastings household and her growing realization that her feelings for Robert may never be reciprocated—or accepted.

Rich in historical detail and emotional depth, this prequel explores the origins of a love that dares to defy societal expectations. It is a story of yearning and resilience, of unspoken promises and the foundations of a relationship that will shape not only two hearts but also the legacy of an empire.

For fans of forbidden love, historical fiction, and stories that explore the human heart’s capacity to endure, Foundations of the Heart sets the stage for the sweeping saga of Of Love and Labor.