by Shamika Sanders

For two years, Chris Brown and 24-year-old model–Karrueche Tran–could be seen shining together under the bright flash of paparazzi cameras. They doused us in intimate photos and showered us with their loving subliminal tweets on social media. Karrueche never spoke bad about Chris and never once said a word about the domestic violence ordeal that plagues his career. Despite their seemingly great relationship, we knew something was brewing on the back end. It could have been the rumors that he and Rihanna were secretly seeing each other or the fact that he broadcasted his sexual desires for her on the song “Cake,” with no remorse or care for his girlfriend’s feelings.  Still, the young duo remained together through-out the firestorm.

Thursday, Chris Brown released this statement: ‘I have decided to be single to focus on my career. I love Karrueche very much but I don’t want to see her hurt over my friendship with Rihanna. I’d rather be single allowing us to both be happy in our lives.” Coincidentally, photos of him with his arm around Rihanna, surfaced the night before.

Sources close to Karrueche say she believes Chris and Rihanna were “bangin’” behind her back and that they’re more than friends. Well DUH! Apparently, Karrueche was the only person on the face of this earth, who didn’t see this coming! Well we did, and here were the 8 biggest signs:

8. They started following each other on Twitter:

Seems small, right? But this opened the floodgates for friendship between Ri Ri and Brown.

7. They reunited with music

The last time Chris Brown and Rihanna were on one track–”Umbrella”–they fell in love. So when Chris’ leading line of “Cake” was “Girl I want to f**k you right now, been a long time, I been missing your body,” I think we got the hint.

6. The Brawl at Club WiP

No man should be fighting over his ex-girlfriend, when he has his current girlfriend standing beside him! Enough said!

5. Clubbing together

After the release of “Cake,” rumor had it, that, Rihanna and Chris Brown were spotted canoodling in the club. Months later, they are spotted at 1 Oak.

4. Seeing each other overseas

Rihanna took a trip around the Mediterranean for much needed rest after her tour. She admitted on “Oprah’s Next Chapter” that she and Chris saw each other during her get-away.

3. Tattoos In the same place

Coincidence…we think not!

2. Kissing at the VMAs

If this isn’t the biggest sign of disrespect…kissing your ex on national TV! Karrueche should have known she was done for once Chris got a taste of Ri Ri’s plump lips.

1 . Rihanna’s interview with Oprah

On “Oprah’s Next Chapter,” Rihanna revealed that she is still in love with Chris, even after all these years.

Two words Karrueche: CHECK MATE!