legally separating

[beckyb]

I filed for a legal separation to get H to move out while with OW. I was completely transparent. He had every chance to file for a divorce first but didn't so I proceeded with the Separation. Yesterday I found out from my attorney that H countered my petition for separation with a petition for divorce. He didn't bother to tell me. I was completely blindsided. We are living apart right now and having very little contact but he called me the other day all friendly to tell me something he could have texted.
After I found out about the divorce filing my sister texted him a him called him a coward. And a friend sent him a letter. I did not want them to do any of that. I know it is threatening to him.
Now he's defending OW but apologizing for hurting me. He keeps saying he didn't think the filing would happen so fast, it's killing him that he's hurting me blah blah.
I told him and my attorney that I am giving up my petition for a separation and will submit a proposed divorce settlement. I realized the separation was my way of delaying and trying to hold on.
I seriously doubt there is any hope but I would love to hear from someone who actually had a situation like this work out.