My initial impression is that he sought an emotional affair online (you happened to be the person he did it with), probably is still married, and is now trying to extract himself from the fantasy he tried to set up as you have admitted feelings. Is this a possibility? You’ve stated he needs to focus on family which is where I’m basing my assumptions.

At any rate, it will hurt for awhile but I feel like this entire relationship had an element of fantasy to it that needs to be addressed to move forward.