A second home follows the life of a young woman and her mother who work tirelessly as embroiderers in a cramped room on a neglected Paris street. Their days are shaped by routine, financial strain, and the constant reminder of their fragile position in society. Despite the bleak conditions, the younger woman holds onto a quiet sense of hope and dreams of a future beyond her narrow surroundings. Her life shifts when a refined stranger begins visiting their modest home, bringing unexpected warmth and attention. Through these visits, she discovers emotions she has never known, feeling seen and valued for the first time. The story contrasts the harshness of poverty with the possibility of emotional refuge, questioning whether love can bridge differences in class and experience. As affection grows, the young woman grapples with longing, gratitude, and the fear that this fragile connection may not survive the weight of reality. The novel explores the need for belonging and the yearning to find a place where the heart can rest.