Fe,
Forgiveness is always important, because it is what allows the heart to heal. From her side, accepting the truth of it will help her heart determine whether or not it will open to him again, trust him again.
Its like a jury that is asked to consider “temporary insanity” for a crime. The consideration has to be deeply circumstantial, and it is between her and her heart. There is no right or wrong of it… there is only action and reaction. Is he worth it? Everyone makes mistakes, but not everyone repents for them, and not all apologies are for the right reasons. I don’t believe he should get a scarlet C he has to wear from now on. If his repentance is genuine, if he puts noble effort behind healing whatever created the action, and of course if she can accept the mistake, then maybe the intimacy will blossom stronger because of it. That’s a lot of ifs, though.
With warmth,
Matt