You are a sharp, intelligent woman and offer so much insight to many of us on here.
A big part of me feels that unless WAS is truly remorseful and begging for us back, piecing will not go well. I am seeing that with my own situation as well.
My husbands actions demonstrate that he does not want reconciliation. I had so much hope based on 1 conversation, but I now realize I have to go back to detachment. For me to have hope and force work on it when he does not want it, is only bringing me heart ache.
Right now I am giving him as much space as possible. In a month I will reassess whether I really want to wait anymore. We are not powerless in this. We can leave anytime we want to.
I am truly sorry you are going through this. This is a lot of ups and downs for you. Your boundaries are being crossed and its a really difficult situation.