Just ask yourself why you did it?
Why did u pressure them to complete it?
And since you didn't get paid, you pressured them for no reason because it didn't bring income therefore no bonus/increase in salary/financial gain.

It's quite obvious you are a new horn eager to please.
That's why you are in this problem in the first place.
Those procedures in established companies are there for a reason which is to not have this problem. It will take longer but you don't have to face this problem of effort done, stress done, no money paid and wasted efforts.

So are you going to be the same the next time around or improve your process and push back to the clients and stand your ground.
Because if you as the boss does not stand your ground, and just keep pressuring the people below you to work based on clients unrealistic standards, then in the end you will lose talent by people constantly leaving, lose reputation news spread fast on how bad a company is especially in a niche industry, lose money and lose your own health for all the stress.

Else you will be opening a new topic to complain 2022 is rough i got scammed 3 times sad sad sad

Thanks man.. Yea. I have to be honest that indeed I got carried away with the client's 'urgency'. Kill it with kindness is exploitable in this prey and predator world.

You're too desperate and got exploited. Tuition fees paid.