Kindly, you need to quickly accept that nothing you can do is going to short-circuit this. You can't reason people out of their emotions, or emotionally blackmail them into feeling what they don't.
Any kindness you show, other than giving him the space he asks for is going to feel like pressure and pursuit. The faster you can put on your game face, the better.
I am not saying not to protect yourself, because that is a must. Keep visiting attorneys (most do a free consult) until you find one you like and who is willing to listen to what you want. Right now you are information gathering. Make that clear. That this is on a timeline you don't control and you are trying to find someone who will be there when the time comes.
Do not apologize, write notes, call, etc. Write those things in a journal or post them here. It is good to get them out of your head. Research shows doing so helps people because the brain doesn't feel a need to hold onto it.
If this is MLC, you are years away from being able to guide him in any way (if ever). For now, focus on you, detachment, being the best you that you can be. Self care, time with friends and family, health, etc.
It does get better with time. It really and truly does. Just take it a day at a time.
