I have nothing helpful at all too add as have never been in anything remotely to this position, but i just wanted to say I am sorry you are so scared, that I read all you wrote & I hope all gets sorted soon.
I do not think you should work for free & I would consider lawyers and the like if you did not get hired if after the month, or were not paid retrospectively.
I really hope you took the time off - I can imagine it is scary, but it sounds like the right thing to do for you, no matter how this job has made you feel you deserve and need to put yourself first and it sounds like taking the time off is doing just that.
good luck and i hope all turns out well for you.