He says he doesn't think he could ever be happy again with me, because "this" will always overshadow all the good years we had.
Sounds like more avoidance if you ask me. How can you be sure he is done with the MLC?...and if he isn't done with his MLC, can you really believe that he is going to feel this way forever? I highly doubt it but maybe that is just me always want the happy ending.
If you are ready to move on, I hope that you find the peace and happiness that you so greatly deserve...if you aren't, well...you know the drill.