Huang uses natural symbolism often throughout the Twisted series, and this novel is no different, as she uses plants to symbolize the blossoming connection between Christian and Stella. Their private relationship quite literally began due to a deal made whereby Stella is expected to care for the plants in Christian’s apartment and, in return, he offers her a lower rent. In their first conversation of the novel, Christian tells Stella that the plants in his apartment are doing well. She responds by claiming, “They just need a little love and attention to thrive” (6). Christian doesn’t believe in love and does not give attention to anything but his business, which is why he needs Stella to keep the plants alive in the first place. This reflects the way he also treats his personal—specifically romantic—life. By not giving it the time or attention needed, these aspects of his life are sorely lacking.

At the first gala they attend together, Christian’s thoughts race when he sees green-eyed Stella in a green dress: “Green eyes. Green dress. Symbolic of life and nature. Green. Apparently it was my new favorite fucking color” (74-75). Immediately after, her scent is described as “fresh florals and greenery” (75).